PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday stated that it took almost three-four months to clear the Rs 1200 crore liabilities created by erstwhile Congress government, while aiming at 12 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth at the end of current financial year.

Parrikar also said State could achieve 15 per cent GDP by fiscal 2013-14 end, while assuring industrialists he would solve their problems related to infrastructure.

“In 3 to 4 months, I have cleared everything. The State is clean now. By middle of July, the State will definitely start going forward,” Parrikar told a gathering of entrepreneurs during the Annual General Body meeting of Goa State Industries Association (GSIA).

“At the beginning of financial year 2013, Goa will see 12 per cent GDP growth followed by 15 per cent next year,” he said, appealing the entrepreneurs to lend their support in achieving this growth target.

 

Counting the liabilities created by erstwhile Digambar Kamat-led government, Parrikar said that when he took over after victory in the Assembly polls, he was handed over a payable debt of Rs 1,200 crore.

“Government of Goa had not paid Reliance Energy for 12 months and National Thermal Power Corporation for three months, River Princess removal had got Rs 90 crore sanctioned out of which Rs 70 crore were spent elsewhere, Rs 110 crore was the pension arrears for government servants. Every scheme for mother and child was left without implementation,” the chief minister said.

Parrikar said that the State will abolish entry tax by next two years but by next year, the entry tax would be restricted only to few goods. The chief minister also assured to modify the VAT regime for the benefit of the businessmen.

Parrikar assured that the issues faced by industrial estates would be solved within next one year. “Verna industrial estate gets only 0.5 MLD water while it needs 10 MLD. By March next year, we will give 15 MLD water for Verna industrial estate alone,” he promised.

Parrikar has asked the entrepreneurs to come out with the short, middle and long term plans before the State government which can be completed within a time frame. “You come with a policy. Any policy which is good for the state of Goa would be accepted straightway,” he said.

He appealed that the short-term plans would be those that can be implemented upto September 30, middle term are those which can be completed by March 2013 and long term, would be those that can be achieved in next two years. These plans, he said could be put forth before the State government.