Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The industry stakeholders are looking at the rationalisation of various taxes with no additional burden in the upcoming State Budget 2023-24, which will be presented next week.
CM Sawant today held a meeting with various stakeholders across the state to get their views on implementing the Goa Budget 2023-24.
Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industries (GCCI) President Ralph de Sousa, after meeting CM Sawant, said that he had demanded a need to introduce a mass transportation system which can reduce the number of accidents in the state.
“We discussed the budget. I also demanded stamp duty abolishing, cut tax on gas and reduce tax on high-end liquor,” said Sousa.
Further, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) President Nilesh Shah said that he gave a 20-pointer letter to CM Pramod Sawant on the ways to improve tourism-related activity.
“Have given 20 points to CM Sawant and Tourism Minister basically on how tourism can be improved and provisions can be made in the budget,” said Shah.
He further also demanded that there should be no increase in tax for any tourism-related activities.
Shah also said that there was a need to develop an integrated transport system connecting various cities in Goa.
“I have also asked for an entertainment policy. Improvement in the transport system and tax waiver for charger flights to boost tourism,” he said.
GSIA president Damodar Kochkar also criticised the government for repeatedly asking for funds from the private sector while making no attempt to address the concerns of the industry.
“They need us only when they want funds or some CSR. The condition of the roads, even in the prime industrial estate, is very bad,” said Kochkar. “The industry, which is the highest contributor to the state’s GDP, has been completely neglected by the government.”
He also demanded that a contract to digitise GIDC should be given to a reputed private firm so that the work could be completed in a short time frame and at a reasonable cost.
“For the last four years, Goa Electronics Ltd has been struggling to digitise Goa-IDC services,” he said.
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