Local industry miffed over no relief in taxes

NT NETWORK

Panaji

Absence of financial relief from the state during coronavirus-induced lockdown looks like has embittered Goan industry with the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Saturday, criticising the government for not considering industry’s requests for reliefs in payment of various local taxes.

“The lockdown inflicted a huge economic setback to the industry and we expected both the central as well as state governments to come to our rescue. Considering the financial health of the state we had not asked for any grants or monetary benefits which will have cash outflow for the government. However, not considering our repeated requests for relief in payment of various charges even for the lockdown period was very disappointing and disheartening,” said Manoj Caculo, president of GCCI.

Caculo said that the Chief Minister’s measures for revival of the economy announced on June 26 will only provide minor relief to some sectors.

He said that while the relaxations given to builders, GIDC plot holders, factories, shops and commercial establishments are welcome, they amount to just short-term measures towards deferment of liabilities.

“Industry  has  suffered  and  it  was  hoping  that  the government would  provide actual  financial  relief  and  to that extent, we  feel disappointed,” he  said.

Caculo, speaking to members of Goan industry during the 112th annual general meeting of GCCI, said that the state’s financial condition is in shambles.