MAPUSA
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho on Wednesday told the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government will soon begin digitising house tax records across all panchayats to curb widespread tax evasion and ensure better compliance.
Responding to charges raised by AAP MLA Venzy Viegas about a “massive tax evasion scam” involving several panchayats, Godinho acknowledged that many households are not paying house tax.
“Once records are digitised, we will have details of every house on the system. Those who haven’t paid taxes will be denied certificates and government schemes,” the minister said.
Viegas called for a formal mechanism to track defaulters, citing data from the panchayat department showing significant lapses. He claimed that several households were completely evading their tax obligations.
Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye added that property owners often build additional rooms for rent but fail to pay either house or garbage tax on the extra structures.
In response, Godinho said it was the responsibility of local panchayat members and MLAs to identify such cases.
“The government cannot be blamed for every single lapse. Local bodies have the authority and duty to take action,” he said.
Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) MLA Viresh Borkar alleged a possible quid pro quo in some cases, stating that certain rented rooms were left out of tax collection deliberately by panchayats.
Godinho urged MLAs to bring such cases to his attention. “If there are specific instances, let me know. We will take action,” he assured.
The minister further alleged a case in Majorda where the panchayat sarpanch, who is the daughter, issues notices while her father conducts inspections in hotels.
“This clearly indicates a conflict of interest. I have already directed action in this matter,” he said.
AAP MLA Cruz Silva pointed out that although new house tax slabs have been introduced by the government, several panchayats have not implemented them. Godinho said implementation is the responsibility of the local bodies.
“They are expected to collect taxes based on the revised rates. If they fail to act, the government will step in,” he said.
The minister assured that digitisation will help streamline monitoring and enforcement across all panchayats.
