Goa government advances shack allotment date by 5 days

PANAJI: Days after the High Court of Bombay at Goa permitted beach shacks to be erected on the beaches here, the state government on Sunday advanced the shack allotment date from October 22 to October 17, so that the shacks are erected as soon as possible.
Tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar had told TOI last week that the government would examine whether shack allotment can be done before October 22.Ajgaonkar said that the decision (to advance the allotment date) has been taken in the interest of the tourism industry and shack owners. “We want to protect the interests of tourists visiting the state, so that they can enjoy these facilities on the beaches,” he said.
The Goa government allots 238 shacks in north Goa and 108 shacks in south Goa.
As per the shack policy, 50% of the total beach shacks located on government beach areas shall be allotted to those applicants having a minimum experience of 10 years in their respective district. 40% of the shacks shall be allotted to those applicants having between five and ten years of experience, and the remaining 10% shall be allotted by draw of lots to freshers having experience of less than five years.