PANAJI
State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded immediate withdrawal of the circular issued by the commissioner of commercial taxes asking traders to go cashless within 10 days.
Strongly opposing the 10-day deadline set vide a circular, BJP blamed it on over enthusiasm of ‘some’ officers of the State government.
Addressing a press conference at BJP headquarters in Panaji, BJP Spokesperson Damu Naik said, “We have welcomed the decision of the Government to make Goa a model state with cashless economy. But this process will take time. We have requested the chief minister to immediately withdraw the circular. The Chief Minister has assured to meet the concerned officers and issue appropriate directions.”
On December 1, the State Government through the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes had issued a circular asking all the dealers/hoteliers/proprietors registered under the Goa Value Added Tax Act, 2005; The Central Sales Tax Act, 1956; The Goa Tax on Entry of Goods Act, 2000; The Goa Entertainment Tax Act, 1964 and The Goa Tax on Luxuries Act, 1988 to ensure that the cashless modes of payments are made available at their respective place of business within 10 days from the date of issue of the circular.
Speaking further, Naik said, “We welcome the decision, but the process will take time, may be next four months or even a year. We have to create awareness among the traders. We have to educate them and also make the facility available. This will definitely take some time.
Stating that the 10-day deadline may cause dissatisfaction and panic among traders, he said, “Additionally, there are small traders dealing in smaller transactions who would also be inconvenienced. We also appeal to the traders not to panic.”
Asked if it would be possible that Goa becomes cashless by December 30, he said, “There will be hardships caused to people. It cannot happen. It is very difficult. Tourists too will be inconvenienced.”
“We have to educate them on various methods to go cashless. Though the decision is correct, but circular issued by commercial taxes is wrong. Sometimes the decisions taken by officers are wrong”, he said.
