PORVORIM: The government has decided to strengthen its drive in the next two months to identify Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaders.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, while replying to the Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik’s address to the Goa Legislative Assembly, has stated that there still exist some establishments, which have failed to apply for GST registration.
“Even till date, many GST registrations have not been made. They (business owners) should not evade it; else they will face strict action. In the next two months, our enforcement will be tightened to identify the GST evaders,” he told the House.
The Chief Minister also informed that State has surpassed it GST Collection target to Rs 42 crore last month.
“For the time being, in the last month, we have completed the target,” he said.
As per recent details available, when the new tax regime came into force on July 1, 2017, there were only 23,378 registered taxable persons in Goa, as against 40,139 registered taxable persons.
Sanjivani sugar factory issue
The Chief Minister informed the House that the government has still not taken any decision regarding its closure. But, he said, they are making all efforts to export the produce in a bid to lessen the burden on the State.
“At present only about 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes of sugarcane are left to be exported. It will soon be done… we have released some payment (to the concerned for exporting of sugarcanes),” he said.
“We have not taken any decision to shut down the Sanjivani sugar factory. Everyone is aware about its status and the Rs 25 crore annual losses to the government,” he added.
Even as a lot was discussed about the financial crisis in the State, Sawant assured the House that no projects have been stalled. Over drinking water supply, the government is making efforts to complete the 100 per cent target of purified water supply by March 31, 2020.
During his reply, Chief Minister also took potshots at the Opposition criticising the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), stating that attempts have been made to split the society.
“Till now there is no communal disharmony in Goa and we all should work towards maintaining it. Don’t do politics on this issue,” he stated.
