PANJIM: The Aam Aadmi Party on Friday appealed to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to provide some sops to the Goans as a Diwali gift, like how it is given to the non-Goan casino owners.
Spokesperson Surel Tilve referred to the joint letter addressed by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Goa Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), GOA State Industries Association (GSIA), Travel and Tourism Association of Goa and VIA to the Chief Minister asking for help to Goan business houses.
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“It is surprising that cash rich sectors like the casino have been given a waiver of Rs 277.08 crore by the State 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 organisations’.
“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.
Tilve pointed out that the Goans had asked for electricity to be charged as per consumption and not sanctioned unit stamp fee of 2 per cent for liquidation of assets, cancel excise fees during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period and postpone the increase in tourism fees.
He regretted that it will be a bleak Diwali for the 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 Tilve.
