TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Industry associations from Maharashtra and Karnataka have asked Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for concessions on the entry tax by way of a monthly pass system for vehicles entering Goa frequently with 75% waiver on essential commodities for pass holders and 50% concession for vehicles carrying industrial raw materials.
The associations who submitted the memorandum included the Belgaum Chamber of Commerce, Kolhapur Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce, Kolhapur Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee, Karnataka Small Scale Industries and the Belgaum Small Scale Industries Association.
The associations also wanted extension of the four hour window given by the government to 6 hours. They also asked for pass stickers to be issued to vehicles for display and a separate lane at the entry point for pass holders.
The Government had levied Entry Tax on vehicles entering Goa through National Highway 17 (Panjim-Mangalore), 17 B and 4 A at the rate of Rs 100 for three-wheelers, Rs 250 for four-wheelers, Rs 500 for six-wheelers and Rs 1,000 on vehicles with more than six wheels, with provision of reimbursement of Entry Tax to vehicles returning within four hours of their entry into Goa.
The memorandum, stating that they “fully respect the State’s right to impose taxes/ fees etc in order to raise revenues,” argued that “…the instant imposition of Entry Fee causes a lot of inconvenience to transporters and is an additional financial burden on a sector that is already burdened with a lot of taxes.”
The memorandum wanted the state government to “reconsider” the decision on entry tax and if not at least give substantial concessions to the vehicles from neighbouring districts that make frequent trips. Admitting that they also need “business from Goa for their our own survival,” even as Goa depends on the neighbouring districts for almost all of its essential commodities.
