The "Ballyhoo Men" of Calangute and Goa : Touts are a "Social" problem and not "Law & Order" problem.
Michael Lobo, Joseph Sequeira and Rohan Khaunte, should stop blaming Goa Police for Everything, and instead look deep down within.
The term "tout" typically refers to a person who sells or solicits something in a persistent or aggressive manner, often in a dishonest or illegal way.
In ancient Rome, there were sellers known as "ballyhoo men" who would shout and advertise their wares in a loud and attention-grabbing manner. Similarly, in medieval Europe, market vendors and street hawkers would often use various tactics to attract customers, such as singing, playing instruments, or performing tricks.
With the recent duel between the Tourism Minister Of Goa, Rohan Khaunte and North Goa Police, lead by IPS Nidhin Valsan, it is very important to ponder over the question; whether "Touts" are a social problem or a Law & Order problem?
The very way, that "Touts" flourish and thrive is because of simple economics of "Supply and Demand". In the case of Calangute, Goa; it can be blindingly said that, bot sides of the equation are balanced, well almost.
There is demand from the Tourists for illegal services like, "Massages" and "Prostitutes" and there is adequate supply for the same too. That's why Touts are in existence right?
Thousands of Indian Tourists arrive in Goa, to fulfill, the so called "erotic dreams" of theirs, which they cannot do so, in their native towns due to societal pressures, while wearing false sense of morality, close to their circle of friends and family.
They do not want to miss out this "opportunity" when they visit Goa, and it's all so convenient, thanks to "Touts".
It would not be an exaggeration to say that, the ultimate goal of every Indian Tourist arriving here, is to "get laid" however way, during the short stint.This could be amply verified, by the way, local tourists act with foreigners and their appalling behaviour, around the female of human species.So, clearly there is a lot of sensible and latent demand, to which the "Touts" act as broker.Can we do anything regarding the "Demand" side?
The flat answer is "NO"!
Tourism Minister Khaunte has repeatedly said that, he wants only "Responsible Tourists" to come to Goa, but that's it. That's what the maximum can be done. Spray the words and pray.
Now, let's look at the supply side:
All the illegal immoral activities being run at Calangute tourist belts, is done by outsiders. They come here, take the premises and houses on rent, bring or smuggle-in girls and woman from outside and they are in business.
The places from where they operate and reside are rented out from locals. Willing to pay, higher rent, the property owners, stop asking questions, the moment the "rent deal" is done.
And, after no verification of antecedents, no police verification requirement fulfilled, once the "Supply" side gets into business, the property owners, turn a blind eye. Because, it is bringing them a steady income, and a solid one.
In the recent case of yesterday, when the illegal massage parlour was shut down, it was done on the complaint of the landlady herself. Like a true vigilant citizen of Goa, once she got to knew the illegalities of the trade done by the tenant, against the license agreement, she herself complained to Police.
If the citizens of Goa are active, and take a collective stand, no illegal activities should take place on the soil, the menace shall go away to a very large extent.
Local MLA Micahel Lobo and Calangute Panchayat chief Joseph Sequeira, are behaving as if nothing is in their hands.
While the truth is, they are being elected by the people of Calangute. How can they pass all the buck to Police? Just because, the duo want to protect their vote-bank, nothing is mentioned of the locals.
While the truth is that Goa Tourism Department is as corrupt as any other department of Government Of Goa, if not more. Vigilance visits from the departments are settled not in fine, but bribes. The minimum asking amount is Rs.5,000/- and it goes up from there.
For that matter, "Touting" is the national business of Goa.
The moment you land in Goa, everything is offer on a platter, whatever you want; Taxi,Accommodation,Bikes,Property,Land etc; people are so ever willing to get you one, because they earn commission on the same. And these are all local Goans mostly.
It is their almost permanent source of livelihood. Want a government scheme delivered? Want a file cleared at any department? Want to get a Driving License done?
Want a Government job in Goa? Want a job in Goa Police? Heck, you can even get touts to switch MLAs, switch parties in Goa.
You can even get MLAs, Panches, Sarpanches get your work done through touts.
So, when Touting is so deep rooted in the soul of Goa; it is very natural that unlawful elements would also try to fry their fish here.
The only way, this could be mitigated, is through alert, wise and proud Goans; who do not want the image of their motherland sullied, all across.
So, essentially, "Touts" are a Social problem of Goa
and not a Law & Order problem per se. Stop blaming Goa Police for the evils which society creates out of greed, under the able guidance of Ministers and Elected representatives.