TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The Goa Hotels and Restaurants Association has flayed the Corporation of the City of Panaji for hiking taxes and fees by 80 to 150 per cent and for insisting on advance payments for services rendered to this segment of the industry.
The association has submitted a memorandum which criticizes the CCP for not following procedures of imposing taxes in the first place as is laid down specifically in the CCP Act. Citing the Act and its provisions, the association pointed that proposed increase of taxes should first be discussed in a special meeting of the Council.
“This, we learn, was never held nor the increase of taxes was published as required under the rules,” says Gaurish Dhond President of Goa Hotels and Restaurants Association. Further 30 days’ time should have been given for objections if any.
Mayor defends decisionMayor defends decision“It is also evident that the CCP has not forwarded its final proposal to the State government as required by law for its sanction,” Dhond said. The memorandum says that the CCP in undue haste has levied and implemented the increased taxes/ fees without following the proper procedures laid down by law.
He added further, “Hoteliers are being charged separately for collection of garbage which is required to be segregated in various coloured bags thereby increasing cost and labour.”
“It is indeed strange that a 12 months’ advance payment for garbage collection is to be made for the year where services are yet to be delivered,” Dhond said.
“As it is, hoteliers are already under pressure due to increasein minimum wages by 39 per cent, hike in cost of cooking gas by 30 per cent, rise in prices of raw material, central service taxes and local VAT,” Dhond narrated.
The memorandum has been submitted to the CM, CCP Commissioner, CCP Mayor, DMA.
