Reportedly, several casino operators are yet to pay the Goa govt Rs.352.44 crore, and some dues are pending since 2018. The amount includes the Annual Recurring Fees and that accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 18 onshore casinos with valid licences, nine have outstanding payments; the licences of the others were either revoked or the casinos are not operational. Three non-operational casinos have arrears of Rs 264.81 crore while an offshore casino has to pay Rs 8.25 crore.
The govt has sent demand notices, reminders and show-cause notices to the multiple licence holders, yet there is no sign of the money. One reason for the backlog was attributed to the pandemic. Fortunately, this was solved as the Supreme Court permitted 75% of the principal amount to be paid because of the Covid period. Incidentally, not only the casinos suffered during the pandemic but so did crores of other businesses and vendors “ whether small or large. No concessions to them?
Try driving a vehicle without a licence or registration and see what ensues. One would be fined thousands of rupees under multiple traffic rules. In contrast, nine casinos are yet to clear their dues but are operating by thumbing their noses at the govt. Sending reminders to the defaulters appears to be a routine administrative exercise so that later no fingers will be pointed.
Can any businessperson get away by not responding to govt departments or banks? If so, in a few days, his/her shop, office or whatever would be seized and assets auctioned to recover the dues. There may even be ‘look-out’ notices issued by govt agencies.
And there are casinos that have to pay Rs 352.44 crore, which would help the govt to carry out welfare measures for the citizens. Any bets if the govt would poke the casino owners and recover the eligible amount?
