Goa’s GST Council member, Minister Mauvin Godinho, has appealed to council Chairperson, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, to release the compensation cess GST shortfall quicker to small States like Goa, Himachal Pradesh and North Eastern States as compared to bigger States, as their requirement are small in terms of the amounts that are to be devolved from the Centre.
Godinho’s contention was that these funds are due to the States and that Goa has received Rs 840 crore through various tranches and is yet to receive another Rs 840 crore.
Godinho argued that in the case of Goa, where mining had stopped and due to the lockdown tourism had also been detrimentally affected, the State needs these funds now to avert any possible financial crisis. He added that this has been a constant plea to the council.
On a larger note, Godinho also called on the council to look at new alternative ways of raising revenue. He gave the example of changing what commodities come under what type of slab. “Something has to be thought of and implemented differently,” Godinho said.
He expressed concern as to what happens once the Centre stops releasing the present GST compensation cess shortfall from June 2022.
On another issue, Godinho said he had followed up with the Chief Minister regarding providing compensation to families of those who have lost their lives to COVID, from either the Rs 300 crore grant from the Centre or other sources.
He added that the government has not yet received this grant but will get it any time soon.
