Porvorim (Goa): Goa Chief Minsiter Manohar Parrikar blamed Congress party for bringing in off shore casinos in the State claiming that all the six vessels that are permitted where by the Congress government.

During the discussion on Governor’s Speech on the floor of the House today, the opposition benches tried to floor Parrikar on the issue of off shore casinos.

But Parrikar defended himself pointing out that it was Congress which had brought the off shore casinos in the State and said that on Monday the government he will make statement on the casino policy which will clear intentions of the government about this industry.

“All the off shore casinos were allowed during Congress leader Ravi Naik’s tenure as a Home minister. We did not bring casinos but when someone has already invested, the government cannot just throw them on the road,” he said.

“You all have allowed people to bring in vessels (off shore casinos) and now you are asking me to remove it?,” he shot back.

While Parrikar in his verbal reply spoke against the off shore casinos, in a written reply tabled on the floor of the House to a question he said “the casino industry has contributed towards welfare and growth of the people and State in form of revenue generation, employment creation and enhancing the tourism sector.”

Responding to a question tabled by Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavalekar on whether the casino industry has contributed towards the growth and welfare of the State, Chief Minister said: “Yes, by way of revenue generation to the State exchequer and employment and enhancing the tourism sector in the state”.

The chief minister did not provide details of employment generated but said that for the financial year 2016-17 the total revenue collection by Home department was Rs 161.96 crore from the casinos.

“For the year 2014-15, the revenue generation was Rs 78.62 crores, which witnessed rise in 2015-16 to 86.05 crores,” he said
Tea TNV