Goemkarponn desk
Panaji: As the pre-Budget meetings with the industries and Association began today, the CREDAI demanded that the Dr Pramod Sawant slash “exhorbitant” taxes, ease of doing business
The representative of CREDAI, GSIA and Small hoteliers association met the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, at Van Bhavan, Altinho and presented their charter of demands.
“We understand the situation of the State after the pandemic and we have not asked any financial incentives but to have a re-look at “exhorbitant” taxes and give us ease of doing business,” said the association representatives.
They said that right now there are several issues with various department and the environment has to be made healthy for businesses for getting more investments.
The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the grievances of the three associations and assured to consider them in the forthcoming Budget.
Speaking to reporters, post meeting, the Chief Minister said that all three organisations had different demands ranging from taxes to ease of doing business.
“I have heard their demands and assured them that whatever is possible will be considered. I found most of the demands were justifiable and could be considered,” he said.
Elaborating further, Dr Sawant said CREDAI representatives spoke about the increase in Infrastructure Tax, Stamp duty and Sanad Conversions charges.
“CREDAI has have asked for relaxations of about 50 p.c. I will consult the concerned department and decide,” the CM stated.
Regarding GSIA, the CM informed their demands were on Ease of Doing Business and Infrastructure Development in Industrial areas.
“I have assured to resolve it after consulting the Department of Industries and GSIDC,” he said.
The chief minister said that the Small hoteliers have spoken on issues related to Excise, Municipal Tax and FDI.
“The associations have also demanded that the migrant labourers be given a common health card as it will ease the process. We already have a Migrant Labour Cell and can resolve this issue,” he stated.
