It is learnt that the Mapusa Municipal Council finds itself in a controversy following a staggering 200% increase in the pay parking fees at the taxi stand amid mounting public outcry. While pay parking rates elsewhere in Mapusa stand at Rs 20 for four-wheelers and Rs 10 for two-wheelers for a two-hour duration, the exorbitant charge of Rs 60 at the taxi-stand raises eyebrows. It is understood that no resolution had been passed by the council to authorize such drastic measures.
One fails to understand the logic behind having different pay-parking rates at different places in the city. There needs to be parity on the parking fees charged across any city. As a matter of fact the same parking rates should be made applicable in all cities across the state. Surprisingly it is learnt that the Mapusa Municipal Council is collecting parking fees along with GST.
By its very meaning the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a value-added tax (VAT) levied on most goods and services sold for domestic consumption. In pay-parking, neither goods are sold nor any service provided. So how can GST be collected? Certain guidelines need to be laid down by the government for the civic bodies to follow while fixing the parking fees. For those vehicle owners who park on a daily basis, like shop-keepers in the market-place, a monthly parking-card could be introduced.
