Panaji (Goa) Governor Mridula Sinha today expressed concerns over the human trafficking and narcotics trade in the state, which have come up as an off-shoot of the burgeoning tourism industry.

Sinha was addressing the State level function to mark the Republic Day in Panaji today in presence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and other dignitories.

“Goa has been known as a tourist destination. Though the tourism is providing revenue to the state and employment to the local population, it has also brought in the issues like narcotics and human trafficking for the purpose of sex,” the Governor said.

“The government is committed to fight back these evils. I am hopeful that the joint efforts of the people and government will weed out these evils from the state,” she added.

The Governor pointed out that Goa has achieved a distinction of being a very peaceful place with the State government managing to control the anti social and criminal elements. “As far as terrorism is concerned, our security agencies are capable enough to tackle any kind of eventuality in the State. I appeal the people of the State to help the government machinery to stop any unpleasant activities and crimes,” she said.

She also appealed the people to contribute in a big way to make Goa garbage free city by the year 2019.

Sinha lamented that despite several social awareness and laws prevailing in the State, the situation in the country is not positive towards all round development of women. Safety of woman and their malnutrition still remains a challenge before the nation and the governments.

“I am pleased to know that the union women and child development ministry’s report has observed that Goa provides safest environment for women compared to other states of the country. Our state is leading on the front of security of women, which is pride for us and we should work to keep up this reputation,” she commented.

The Governor said that “it is a cause of concern that despite our efforts, the country is still facing the problems dealing with poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, diseases, malnutrition, homeless people.”

“We are also facing manmade challenges like terrorism, violence, extremism, communalism, atrocities on women, which is the biggest threat to the integrity of our nation,” she said.

“It is our responsibility that once again, we should bestow our faith on the ideologies of democracy and secularism which will help us get rid of these evils. These issues needs to be tackled not with the fear or power but with the positive thinking and attitude,” the Governor said.

The Governor in her speech also urged to encourage moral education which will instill good values in the life of an individual.

Sinha appealed the people to help the State government towards achieving its goal of providing better education and health to the people, which they have embarked upon.