------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ Govt to develop Baina beach as tourist spot ------------------------------------------------------ The state government plans to rehabilitate the displaced persons and sex workers at Baina by formulating a special scheme shortly and later develop Baina beach as a tourist spot. The government has no plans to hand over the vacated land to any private parties or to the Mormugao Port Trust.
This was informed in the state assembly by the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar, while replying the calling attention motion over the apprehensions of the people of Baina and Mormugao constituency in view of the High Court order for demolition of 250 cubicles. The motion was jointly tabled by Mr Karl Vaz and Mr Luizinho Faleiro.
Mr Parrikar expressed his inability to explain how the government intend to work out a solution at this juncture. Besides, he said, that some vested interests operating in the red-light area might sabotage the solution. However, he said the interest of business community, especially the bar owners and pharmacies, besides sex workers, would be protected.
"All displaced persons from the area would be suitably rehabilitated," Mr Parrikar informed. The Chief Minister said the government had fixed a meeting with the affected people from Baina along with others on February 25 at 4.30 p.m. to work out some solution to implement the High Court order. "After discussing with them I will work out a solution and vested interests would be locked up in jail," Mr Parrikar explained.
Mr Parrikar also informed the House that the National Women's Commission is scheduled to visit Goa on February 27 and the rehabilitation schemes would be discussed with the NWC. He also said the government would consult three MLAs Mr Rajendra Arlekar (Vasco), Mr Karl Vaz (Mormugao) and Mr Mathany Saldanha (Cortalim) before finalising the scheme.
In response to a demand from Mr Faleiro and Mr Vaz that the government should part with the land to any private parties to develop the area, Mr Parrikar emphasised and said the beach area would be converted into a tourist spot.
To another query from Mr Vaz over deportation of sex workers, the Chief Minister said the government cannot deport any Indian citizen from Goa. "I will develop Baina on the tourism map of Goa with a surgeon's skill, though I am not a doctor," Mr Parrikar remarked.
Mr Rajendra Arlekar (Vasco) raised an issue over some non-governmental organisations provoking sex workers and bar owners and sought to know what action the government intends to take against such NGOs. Stating that the government was aware about the functioning of such NGOs Mr Parrikar said, "The government would deal with iron hand against such NGOs." --------------------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 21/2/04 page 1 ---------------------------------------------------
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