Panaji: Even as the Goa Forward Party (GFP) has approached Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking exemption to the tourism industry and religious activities from the restrictions imposed under model code of conduct, the State Tourism Minister Manohar Azgonkar is mum on the entire issue affecting the industry.
GFP President Vijai Sardesai in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner has pointed out how the traditional religious activities like Shigmo float parade attracted action under the Noise Pollution Rule, especially after 10pm from the flying squads. He has raised apprehensions that the religious activities during the Lent season and Easter vigil service may also attract similar action.
Further, Sardesai has said that the tourism industry has suffered major loss on account of the restrictions imposed due to code. “ We believe that the industry is apolitical entity and does not engage in inducements,” he said.
The State Deputy CM said that imposing such instructions on the industry which is already hit and which is the mainstay of the state economy will cause irreparable damage to the economy as a whole.
The party has suggested that certain relaxation be granted to the various establishments who have licenses to operate beyond 11pm. So also religious activities be exempted from the restrictions since they do not hinder the election process.
