PANAJI
The Goa government is poised to represent before the Centre and seek a review of the GST Council’s decision on Tuesday to impose 28% tax on full face value on casinos, online gaming, horse racing and other gaming operations, a decision which has generated much debate and controversy.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, who represents Goa at the GST council, said the decision is a bit of a negative for Goa as it will affect tourist footfalls with casinos, unique to Goa and Sikkim, is a major driver in the tourism sector.
He said, he discussed the issue with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and has asked him to represent before the Finance Ministry on behalf of the State seeking a review of the decision.
“I have spoken to the Chief Minister and asked him to write to the Union Finance Minister seeking a review,” Godinho said.
According to him, some of the big States such as the finance minister of Uttar Pradesh had objected to the demand of Goa and Sikkim for a lower GST rate for the industry.
“I am thankful to the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for attempting to find a favourable consensus on the issue. However the exercise failed. The decision will adversely impact the industry and hamper fresh investments,” Godinho said, adding that the State will definitely represent with the Centre and seek that the decision be reviewed.
“The State will definitely make a representation to the Centre,” Godinho said.
The controversial casino gaming industry in Goa has been a major economic activity and has often been accused of being a beneficiary of covert and overt patronage from the State government. The latter has been pushing the industry as one of its major tourism offerings apart from seeing it as a viable economic activity, job creator and revenue earner for the State.
