PANAJI: Stating that there will be surprise checks on the spas operating in the state, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday warned that the licence of the spas will be terminated if they are found indulging in cross-gender massage services.
The warning came a day after Rane received a written representation from a group of 20 girls working in different spas alleging that they are forced to give cross-massage by their employers.
Rane alleged that spas where cross-massages are given ostensibly are linked to prostitution and human trafficking racket.
“I have received written complaints from 20 employees with names of the spas mentioned, including a prominent spa in the city of Panaji, that they are forced by the owners of the spas for giving cross-massage services,” said Rane while speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’. The government will take the case to the Goa State Commission for Women as the girls are ready to give their statements to the panel.
He informed that the managements of all the spas against whom complaints have been received will be called by the health department and explanation will be sought from them for violating the rules.
“I have directed all concerned health officers to be active on the field, especially in the coastal belt, and in the cities. They have been told to carry out surprise checks and if it is found that cross-massages are given at any of the spas then straight away their licence will be terminated. I am also warning starred hotels to be cautious about it or face the music,” he said adding that the power to terminate licences rests with the health department.
Rane also said that he has convened a review meeting of the department officials to propose a necessary amendment in the existing laws in this regard so as to increase the fine for violations.