As CM endorses crackdown, allegations emerge of political favouritism and inconsistent action as violations continue on the ground across South Goa
A banner advertising Housie at Navelim scheduled later this month has gone missing from a public space following inquiries initiated by the administration.
Photo Credits: The Goan
MARGAO
South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus’ memorandum banning Housie in South Goa seems to have passed Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s test. The Chief Minister has ratified the ban on Housie given the huge stakes involved in the game in recent days.
The Collector and the field officers, including the Deputy Collectors and the men in uniform, however, are facing an acid test on the ground. Despite the ban being in effect for over a week, Housie advertisements continue to circulate on social media platforms and in public spaces—not only in Salcete but also across Sanguem, Mormugao, Quepem, and Canacona.
In a further twist, the Collector is reportedly facing criticism over alleged inconsistencies in the enforcement of the ban. Sources said that a group of persons close to the ruling dispensation had its way in organising Housie despite the ban being in force in the entire district.
Critics said the district administration, including the police, should not buckle under political pressure by turning a blind eye to Housie games organised by politically connected persons while cracking the whip against others who cannot pull the right strings in the scheme of things. “Either there should be a uniform ban or the Collector should lift the ban and allow a level playing field to all the Housie organisers,” they said.
Meanwhile, social activist Judith Almeida has sent a message to the District Collector saying that memorandums will not work in banning Housie. “This is a social issue that negatively impacts our youth. As a grassroots worker for more than 25 years, I am privy to the destruction of several homes. It hurts to see our youth drain all their family savings and even sell off their houses and properties,” she said.
She added: “This Housie will cripple many more. Memorandums will not work. If we have to stop this new destructive activity, then I request you, Madam, to conduct discreet inspections on the said dates.”
In her message, Judith drew the attention of the District Collector to an episode wherein two persons had visited her house, seeking to know whether she had complained against Housie. “When the duo was questioned about the source of their information, they pointed fingers at the police,” she added.
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Collector reiterates enforcement, orders probe into Navelim event
MARGAO: South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus has said that her directions banning Housie within South Goa’s jurisdiction are being implemented by the Deputy Collectors and police station in-charges in South Goa.
She further informed that instructions have been issued to the police to probe whether Housie had taken place in Navelim last week in violation of the ban, with further instructions to book the organisers under the Gambling Act. “I have received complaints that Housie was organised at Navelim last week despite the ban order. I have told the officers to book the organisers under the Gambling Act,” she said.
The District Collector said officers are on the job to remove banners put up at some places advertising Housie. “Such banners have been removed by the officers at Velsao, Mungul and Navelim,” she said.
She added that her office has started receiving reports from the Deputy Collectors and the Sub-Divisional Magistrates on the ground situation vis-à-vis Housie.
Collector's orders
Cleetus has issued strict directives to Deputy Collectors and Sub-Divisional Magistrates to clamp down on illegal Housie and related gambling activities.
Officials have been instructed to closely monitor reports, coordinate with police for swift action including raids and seizures, and take legal measures under the Public Gambling Act, 1976. Weekly reports on enforcement actions must be submitted to the Collector’s office. The directive emphasises immediate action to maintain public order and uphold the law across the district.
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GFA delegation to meet Collector over housie ban at tournaments
MARGAO: All eyes are focused on the meeting between Goa Football Association President, Caitano Fernandes, and his delegation with the South Goa Collector, Egna Cleetus, on Thursday over the question of allowing Housie at football tournaments in the South Goa district.
The delegation, led by the GFA President, will submit a signed memorandum to the South Goa Collector at the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex.
The decision to call on the District Collector and submit a memorandum follows a meeting called by the GFA President with football clubs last week in the wake of the ban imposed by the District Collector on Housie. Representatives of around 40 clubs attended the meeting and signed the memorandum.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Fernandes defended the GFA’s stance. “People are being misled. If I were against the clubs and against Housie, why would I be leading a delegation to speak with the Collector?” he asked, making clear his opposition to banning Housie during inter-village tournaments.
