PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday stood by the Goan industry and businesses and slammed the increase in commercial water tariff.
In a press release, AAP stated that the Goan industry and commercial establishments have been reeling due to the pandemic and the lockdown's double whammy. Instead of coming out with new steps to protect them, the government has increased commercial water tariff as part of its eyewash of a scheme for free water. It seems clear that after coming for the pocket of common Goans the government is now coming for the pockets of Goan businesses and kicking them while they are still down.
The release further stated that the GSIA on Tuesday slammed the government and expressed shock at how commercial water tariff have been increased. This is making life difficult for Goan businesses, further eating into their costs and therefore directly impacting their hiring power. This is a double whammy for the economy which will impact the earning of businesses and in turn jobs for Goans. How does the government expect to provide jobs for Goans when it is strangling private enterprises in the state. Furthermore, these high rates will force the commercial institutions to take money from tankers impacting the groundwater of Goa.
"These water tariff are unsustainable for the hotel industry which is already reeling from a lot of difficulties due to less tourist footfall. This will make things worse for hoteliers in particular," said Jack Sukhija, a prominent Panjim hotelier and Office Bearer of TTAG.
"At the time when the CM should stand with Goan businesses he has decided to hit them hard. And why? Just so he can push his free water jumla?" said AAP Goa Convenor Rahul Mhambre.
"It's clear that CM's jumla doesn't help common Goans nor industry," added Mhambre.
