PANJIM: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has agreed in-principle to waive-off payment of various taxes for commercial establishments, within its jurisdiction, for the period they remain shut, due to COVID-19 lockdown. However, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) has appealed that the wavier be granted for the ongoing financial year 2020-21.
GCCI delegation led by its president Manoj Caculo on Thursday called on Mayor Uday Madkaikar with a request for remission in charges of CCP for commercial establishments like restaurants, hotels, malls, cinema houses, etc. The meeting was also attended by BJP’s Panjim MLA Atanasio Monserrate.
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“Right from the start of the lockdown period, no relief was given to any commercial establishments as a result of which all shops and offices, restaurants, hotels, malls, cinema houses, etc, throughout the State had to remain shut and could not do any business activity,” the representation stated.
“Further, even if the lockdown is lifted in Goa on May 3, it will take at least another six to twelve months for the business to attain normalcy. This is going to have a huge impact on the profitability of all these business establishments and we are of the firm opinion that many may even close down,” it said adding that government, had also requested all establishments not to lay off their staff but to continue to pay their salaries.
“Having regards to the adverse circumstances and the financial distress being experienced by all the establishments, request to kindly waive various charges like house tax, property tax, sanitation tax, trade and occupation licence, for the financial year 2020-21,” it demanded.
Speaking to media persons post meeting, the Mayor said that Corporation has in-principle agreed to waive-off the charges during the period, these establishments remain shut due to lockdown or pending directions from the Central government, to allow its operations.
