Team Herald
PANJIM: The marginal sector, hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic, can expect some relief in the State Budget 2021-22, with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant working on such proposals. The focus will also be on sending a positive message to investors and the industrial sector, via the Budget, which is expected to be presented in March.
The Chief Minister on Thursday held a pre-Budget meeting with representatives of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) Goa Unit, Goa Small Industries Association (GSIA) and Small Hoteliers Association. The stakeholders put across their demands that included tax relaxation, industrial infrastructure and ease of doing business.
Speaking to media persons post the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the demands put forth by the industry players are worth considering.
Sawant said that CREDAI demanded relaxation in payment of infrastructure tax, stamp duty and on sanad conversion charges, whereas GSIA stressed on the need to improve and provide better infrastructure facilities in the industrial area along with strengthening ease of doing business initiative.
The hoteliers sought relaxation in excise charges and on municipal tax. “Their main demand was that migrant labourers coming to Goa be provided a common health card,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that all the demands put forth can be worked out in consultation with the concerned departments. “We would definitely try to provide relief directly or indirectly. Budget will send a positive message for industrial and investment sector,” he said, adding, “Under the migrant cell, which the government has set up, the labour force would be registered and health cards would be issued.”
Responding to a question with regard to several marginal sectors being hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Minister said that the government will consider some relief in the Budget to these sectors, too.
Sawant added that the State cabinet meeting, scheduled shortly will decide the date for holding the State Legislative Assembly Session and Budget presentation.
