On Righteous Path Published on: August 7, 2012 - 22:46 More in: Opinion The Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar’s decisions regarding casino operations in Goa suggest firm action to restore a fine balance between resource mobilization for state and adverse social impacts of casino proliferation.
On coming to power he first raised the licence fees from Rs 5 to 6.5 crore for off-shore casinos and from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 2.5 crore for on-shore gambling houses. On Monday he told the Assembly that ever since his government came to power the number of casinos has come down from 28 to 16. The hike in fees was followed by a bill banning entry of Goans into casinos. Earlier the Chief Minister had assured the House that off- shore casinos would be moved out of the Mandovi river, a move attempted by the previous government and resisted by casino owners. He has also threatened to raid casinos if annual fees are not paid by August 16. The only concession he gave was a reduction in entry fee from ` 2,000 to ` 500, but this has started hurting on-shore gaming units. It would seem that an industry which now employs nearly 2,500 persons directly is going through a period of stress. Casinos made an entry in five star hotels decades back despite stiff resistance from activists. Even today, casinos evoke a sneer in certain circles. When the previous government attempted to relocate off-shore casinos off Ribandar it was strongly resisted. In South Goa an agitation of sorts was launched when the Leela Resort attempted to station its casino in the Sal river. In short, casinos are not greeted with open arms. Instead, they generate a great deal of suspicion and allegations of corruption, prostitution and moral degradation continue to do the rounds. So, in a way the decision of the BJP government to place greater curbs and restrictions on casinos in the state is in keeping with the general sentiment of the people. There would still be 2,500 families willing to tell you that the jobs and salaries provided by the industry are top rate. This is true when compared with job openings in other industries in the state; however, it is the moral question that often gets sidelined when economics are discussed. As Chief Minister, Mr Parrikar would be unable to wish away his duty as guardian of the state and its people, if he were to abandon these 2,500 employees, whose future now hangs by a thread. What are the alternatives available to them? Freezing the present status would assure them of their jobs and this would be a great relief. Those opposed to casinos would prefer a rollback to the past when the Mandovi river was free of big ships and one had an unhindered view of the opposite bank. Although this is an ideal worth pursuing, it would spell hardships for the jobless if the government does not first create alternate avenues for well paying employment. It’s a tightrope walk, but for now, the Chief Minister is on the right (righteous) path. http://www.navhindtimes.in/opinion/righteous-path
