It was upto the local administration, usually District Collectors, to sanction permission for large parties. Now, the state's Home Minister will decide who can party, where, and for how long.
The goal is to check the drugs sold and used openly at these parties.
The same Home Minister whose made this his priority had, just two months ago, told NDTV that drugs were not a problem for Goa. "No, it's only because of the media. Otherwise there are no drugs. Just go out and see, there are no drugs. This is created by the media and the papers. Goa is so peaceful," said Ravi Naik early in January. His assurance seemed weak even then coming as it did just hours after a young girl from Delhi died of an overdose. She reportedly used drugs while attending a music festival in Goa.
"I am directed to convey that in view of the law and order problem and reported use of narcotic substances, all dance parties and festivals, excluding traditional dance parties and festivals and weddings, shall have to take permission of Home Department," the new order
The same Home Minister whose'>
Famous for its raves and other all-nighters, Goa now needs to check if it can party with the Home Ministry.