Pernem: The Calangute Village Panchayat conducted raids on shops selling tobacco products in areas surrounding schools within its jurisdiction.
The team, headed by panchayat secretary Arjun Velip, seized tobacco products including gutka and cigarettes.
The action followed complaints from the heads of two schools, who brought the issue to the notice of sarpanch Joseph Sequeira.
The raids were carried out from the Calangute Police Station up to St Anthony’s Chapel and further till the panchayat office.
“Two days ago, we received a call from two different schools in Calangute jurisdiction informing us that cigarette and gutka items are being sold in school surroundings. Taking cognisance, the panchayat secretary was directed to conduct raids. For the past two days, raids have been conducted. The people who are selling these items are migrants from UP, Bihar, Karnataka and other states, who have rented shops and sell these items,” said Sequeira.
He said they have also decided not to issue licences to such shops in areas surrounding the schools, temples and church.
He appealed to the people who give their shops on rent not to allow such businesses.
He further said that show-cause notices would be issued and that the matter would be placed before the next body meeting to decide the future course of action.
Referring to a gutka product branded as ‘Goa’, Sequeira said, “There is one gutka which is branded in the name of Goa, tarnishing the name of the state. The department concerned should look into the matter and take necessary measures to stop such activities.”
Velip said the tobacco products were being sold openly. “We have fined and seized all the products. The Science and Technology Department has even given power to the secretary to raid places where tobacco items are sold during working hours. Though there are instructions on these items with warnings, still the children fall prey. I appeal to the parents to keep a check on their children’s involvement in unwanted activities for their better future. Such raids will continue in the future,” said Velip.
