Panaji. November 13: Aam Aadmi Party today appealed to the Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to give Goans something as a Diwali gift as he has done for the non-Goan casino owners. Surel Tilve, spokesperson for Aam Aadmi Party referred to the joint letter addressed by CII, GCCI, GSIA, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa and VIA to the CM asking for help to Goan business houses.
“It is surprising that cash rich sectors like the Casino have been given a waiver of Rs. 277.08 Crores by the Goa government despite facing resource crunch” he said.
He lamented that when it comes to helping Goan businesses, persons like taxi drivers etc the government claims not to have money while very generously waiving off crores of fees for the “cash rich organizations”. “It is lamentable that the government cannot give any relief to taxi drivers, wine shop owners etc who are original Goans doing business and being self employed are not asking for employment” he said. Surel pointed out that Goans had asked for electricity to be charged as per consumption and not sanctioned unit stamp fee of 2% for liquidation of assests, cancel excise fees during lockdown period and postpone the increase in tourism fees.
He regretted that it will be a bleak diwali for Goans as the government has not given them any relief. “As the promised onions through fair price shops have not come, people will not even be able to enjoy their favourite batata poha and other food items for this year ” said Surel.