PANJIM: Minister for Ports Michael Lobo has urged the government to waive off the pending barge taxes in view of the current ban on the mining operations. Addressing a gathering at the launch of new oil spill collection vessel on Thursday, the minister cited that barge operators are hit by money crisis owing to the mining shutdown, the industry that was once key revenue earners for the State.
“The government took a good decision by exempting road tax for the mining truck operators. A proposal to waive off barge tax is also under the consideration of the government. They (barge operators) should get the help and therefore government should either provide grants them concession or waive off their tax. Chief Minister (Pramod Sawant) will take a decision,” he said.
Last month, Goa Barge Owners Association President Atul Jhadav had led a delegation to meet the minister requesting for tax waiver. Lobo then stated that 90 per cent of the barge owners’ taxes are pending and they are in no position to pay the amount.
Lobo also expressed the urgency to resume mining operations within the purview of the law considering that the State’s economy is crumbling. “The government would get revenue through different taxes in the mining sector and its closure has hit the State treasury. A decision should be made at the earliest because the shutdown of mining industry has shaken Goa’s economy. A solution by the Centre and the State for its resumption should be convincing and within the framework of the order of the Supreme Court,” he stated emphasising that steps taken by the governments should not be challenged in the court.
The Centre has set a new deadline December to decide about the mining issue following a meeting of CM Sawant with Union Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to find ways to re-start mining. Lobo said he will urge the CM to pursue the issue with the union ministers till it finds a solution.
Earlier, Lobo launched Rs 4.18 crore vessel at the Captain of Ports jetty in the capital.
The vessel can suck up to 7000 litres of oil in its tank. Calling the vessel a milestone to Captain of Ports Department and a long pending demand, Lobo said that the vessel will prove an asset to Goa’s waterways. “The vessel will be stationed at Britona and move according to the distress call, get the oil to shore to send it for research. Collecting oil before it spills in the water is necessary and in an environment friendly process,” he said.
