the goan I network
MAPUSA
Referring to the recent poll debacle in five states, Deputy Speaker and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Thursday said wrong policies of the Centre could cost the BJP dearly in the ensuing parliamentary elections.
“Wrong implementation of GST, demonetization and RERA has put us on the backfoot. We have lost five states. Chattisgarh was impossible to lose and then we lost Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh too. Congress has not done anything in these States. They won only because of the wrong policies of the Centre,” Lobo said.
The deputy speaker was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the annual prize distribution function of Janata High School in Mapusa.
Lobo said that in 2014, people brought the BJP-led government to power with the expectation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would bring about required changes in the country.
“Instead of reforms, the common man has been burdened with tax. India is a developing country teeming with people living in hand to mouth condition. You cannot tax poor people,” he opined.
He said poor people needed to build homes but the cement used to build houses has been slapped with 28 percent GST by the government.
Critiquing the 28 percent GST applicable to tourists, the Calangute MLA said international tourists have flown to other countries due to high tax rate.
“Today there is a 60 percent drop in occupancy rate in the State. Tourists come and spend money here and yet, we expect them to pay 28 percent GST. How will the tourism industry survive,” he asked.
Lobo said the world over, tax on tourism was capped at 4-5 percent, but only in India it was so steep.
Similarly, he said government of India was simplifying the visa process but at the same time, was increasing visa fees.
“How do you expect foreigners to come to India with high visa fees? In any country, the visa fees is at 25 dollars but in India it’s as high as 100 dollars,” he said.
Lobo said GST was required but wrong implementation and irrational GST slabs had hit the common man badly.
He also said that with the introduction of RERA, a legislation to bring a control in real estate industry, small time contractors were finished.
