New rules for pleasure parties in Goa

In a significant order, the Goa home ministry has curtailed the powers of districts administration in allowing get-togethers and pleasure parties in the state.

The order, sent to the district collectors, justifies the move as an attempt to weed out the use of narcotic substances from these parties, government sources stated.

However, 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 Under Secretary (Home), Government of Goa, Siddhivinayak Naik,reads.

The order has been dispatched to district collectors, who till now were granting permissions for such events. "The Home Minister himself will sign the permissions," a senior officer stated. The state government's move stems from recent
incidents of abuse of narcotics substance during few parties.

 "The permissions were granted by deputy collectors but whenever eventualities arise during such parties Home Minister have to reply in the state assembly," sources said.

Digamber Kamat-led government had recently faced criticism for drug-laced rave parties in the state. Besides main opposition, BJP, the ruling legislators themselves had protested over the increasing use of narcotics on state's coastline.