PANAJI
Industry in Goa including small and medium businesses hailed announcements in the Union budget and took solace in the fact that no new taxation was imposed.
However, Goa's crucial tourism sector lamented that "there is nothing in the budget for travel and tourism".
Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice-president Sandeep Bhandari pointed out to the fact that there was no fresh taxation proposal.
"There has been no increase in taxes or education cess," Bhandari a Chartered Accountant, said, adding that it is a relief for the industry.
Damodar Kochkar, who heads the Goa Small Industries Association said, the focus on infrastructure spending is good.
"This expenditure on infrastructure will also help push employment," Kochkar said.
But Goa's crucial travel and tourism industry, badly hit by the economic backlash of the pandemic, lamented that there was nothing in it for them.
Travel and Tourism Association of Goa vice-president, Jack Sukhina said the tourism industry expected more especially as it was worst hit with Covid.
"There was a demand for hotels being granted industry status. There is nothing in the budget for travel and tourism," Sukhija said.
