When the petrol price touched 52/ltr, the CM Laxmikant Parsekar thought it is very cheap in Goa and within his wisdom hiked VAT and while doing so also promised that VAT on petrol will be reviewed if petrol price crosses 60/ltr. On similar lines the central government hiked duties on crude when the prices were nearing Rs 50/ltr and the additional levy still continues inspite of the recent spike in international prices.
While hiking VAT in Dec 2014 the CM has stated that “We will implement five per cent value added tax (VAT) on petrol. We have noticed that the cost of petrol is lesser than diesel in Goa, which is not fair. The state government will impose five per cent VAT on petrol so that its price is little more than diesel”. The recent statement by the CM that “the increase in taxation was to compensate the loss resulted due to mining closure” defending his decision and further stating that “there were media reports that speculating about the poor financial situation of the government, the increase on VAT came from that” does not make any sense. The BJP government came to power primarily because of the misdeeds of the predecessor government and also from the various assurances given as a part of election manifesto. If the state financial situation is not so good, then why the government is still continuing with its various welfare schemes. Already the common man is burdened with so many hikes in utility bills and other levies. Why no attempt is made to cut government spending on ministers tours and travels.
Why no serious attempt is made to recover the money looted through various scams rather than only talking on figures. To put it short there appears to be no accountability and responsibility as this government has gone back on every promise and assurance given to people of Goa with corruption still at large, people being betrayed on every front.
Further statements by the CM that his decision to raise VAT is “highly welcomed by people and appreciated” perhaps by his won ministers and colleagues who are least affected by these hikes as their expenses are met from our taxes and they need to plan more tours and holidays. One should not be surprised by further hikes in near future as petrol is still cheaper in Goa than rest of India and this reasoning well fits within the CM’s logic for further hikes.
