Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar Sparks Controversy, Calls Migrant Labourers 'Ghatis'

Panaji, January 16: Tourism Minister of Goa Manohar Ajgaonkar on Tuesday sparked controversy by his derogatory remarks against migrant workers. Ajgaonkar yesterday said that Goans would be given first preference in an upcoming beach cleaning work contract and "ghatis" and outsiders would be not be preferred for this. After being pointed out by reporters present there, the minister said the word "ghati" only to refer to people who reside in the ghats (mountains). Manohar Parrikar Inaugurates Single Window Portal of Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board.

Earlier, while speaking about the tendering process of a beach cleaning contract being initiated by his ministry, Aigaonkar told reporters, “Tomorrow, whoever wins the main tender, that person will execute the job. And preference will be given only for Goans first (for jobs). Outsiders, ghatis cannot come in. Goans will have first preference.” He later clarified that he did not use the word ‘ghati’ in a derogatory meaning. The minister said, “Ghati word is not a bad word. Ghati means a person staying in the ghats." Will Preserve Goan Culture While Promoting Tourism: Minister.

The slur "ghati" is typically used in Marathi and Konkani languages to address migrant blue-collar workers. In April 2017, Ajgaonkar had caused a stir when he had demanded a ban on lamanis, members of a gypsy tribe who hail from central and southern Indian states, from coming to Goa and "setting up businesses and taking away jobs". After the Minister refused to apologise for his comments, Deputy Speaker of the state legislative assembly Michael Lobo apologised on his behalf, after several lamani organisations threatened legal action.

(With inputs from IANS)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 16, 2019 11:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).