However, the government has clarified that the barge owners, found to be involved in transportation of any kind of goods post suspension of mining in September 2012, would not be eligible for tax exemption.
Captain of Ports James Braganza said that the tax exemption could be availed only from June 2014 to March 31, 2015 or till the mining activity resumes, whichever is earlier. The Government had earlier granted a tax holiday to barge and truck owners for 2013-14.
“The government of Goa being of the opinion that it is necessary and expedient in public interest to do so, hereby exempts the barges which, prior to September 11, 2012, were used exclusively for transportation of mineral ore in the waterways within the State of Goa, from the payment of tax, levied under Section 3 of the said Acts,” Braganza said in a notification issued on Wednesday.
The notification also states that for claiming tax exemption, the barge owner will have to submit an affidavit to the effect that the barge has not been used for the transportation of any type of goods from September 11, 2012, till date. The barge owner will have to submit the official log book for verification of transportation of goods to the Deputy Captain of Ports, Mormugao.
A total 131 barges have so far been registered with the Department of Mines and Geology for transportation of ore.
