Vintage car owners up in arms against govt’s move to hike road tax by 4 times

THE GOAN NETWORK | MAY 23, 2022, 12:13 AM IST
Vintage car owners up in arms against govt’s move to hike road tax by 4 times

MARGAO
Beleaguered owners of vintage and classic cars are up in arms against the government’s move to hike the road tax on vintage cars by four times, saying the hike in road tax would further make maintenance of these old cars difficult and a costly affair.

Goa Forward chief and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has taken up cudgels for the beleaguered vintage car owners, as he flagged off an awareness drive by the owners at Fatorda on Sunday. He has also promised to raise the issue on the floor of the Assembly in the ensuing session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

A car owner Sahil Narvekar pointed out that the four-time increase in the road tax on vintage cars would make maintenance difficult. “Huge money goes into the maintenance of these cars. We are not demanding exemption from road tax, but we would be happy if the government provides concessions,” Narvekar added.

The Goa Forward chief said the vintage cars are dead cars, but they constitute the “dad” of all cars, adding that the owners take care of these cars like senior citizens. “The government should provide incentives to the owners to maintain these cars. But, on the contrary, the government is planning to tax them four times. It seems the government’s priority has gone wrong when it comes to preserving heritage,” he said.

Sardesai added: “The vintage cars represent the heritage of the State. They all belong to the Portuguese-era. Let the government categorise these cars and provide incentives to the owners for their maintenance. I will take up the issue in the monsoon session of the Assembly.”

Vijai: Will ask new MMC CO to accord priority in dispensing civic amenities

MARGAO: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Sunday said he would brief the newly-appointed Margao Municipal Chief Officer, Rohit Kadam to accord top most priority to dispense civic amenities to the people.

He made the comments when the media drew attention of the MLA that the pre-monsoon works in the commercial capital is yet to take off despite the pre-monsoon showers lashing the State.

“Right now, I am devoting my attention only to Sonsodo. We have to get the inert generated at Sonsodo carted away. I do not know the status of the desilting works. But, let me remind you, I had carried out desilting of the storm water nullahs from my own funds last year.”

Saying he does not interfere in the day-to-day functioning of the Margao Municipal Council, Sardesai said he would brief the new Chief Officer to ensure that the Council gives foremost priority for civic amenities to the citizens.

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