Home ministry takes over 'party' permissions
PTI, PANAJI | 02 March 2010 18:20 IST
Home Minister Ravi Naik
In a significant order, Goa home ministry has taken over the powers to allow parties in the state, stripping off the authority from the district administration.
The order sent to the district collectors justifies the move as an attempt to weed out use of narcotic substances from these parties, government sources stated.
The traditional dance and festivals and weddings are left out of this purview.
"I am directed to convey that in view of the law and order problem and reported use of narcotic substances, all the dance parties and festivals, excluding traditional dance parties and festivals and weddings, shall have to take permission of home department," the order signed by Siddhivinayak Naik, Under Secretary (Home), Government of Goa, reads.
The order is dispatched to both the district collectors, who till now were granting permissions for such events.
"The home minister itself will sign the permissions," a senior officer stated.
Sources stated that the state government's move stems from the recent incidents of abuse of narcotics substance during few parties.
"The permissions were granted by deputy collectors. But whenever eventualities arise during such parties, the home minister has to reply in the state legislative assembly," sources stated.
Digamber Kamat-led government had recently faced criticism for drug-laced rave parties in the state.
Besides main opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling legislators themselves had protested over the increasing use of narcotics on state's coastline.
What happened? Whatever wealth amassed by Ravi Naik seems to be exhausted. Looks like he is trying new ways of making money. He must have been afraid that the collectors are making money and not giving him any share. Hence the change in system……………very good keep it up! Go on looting and making money. Keep on fooling the Goans………Menino(Valpoi/UK)