Shocked by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) observations on Goa’s revenue arrears, a whopping Rs 5,223.9 crore being in arrears as of March 2024? Of this, 39% is of Goa’s own resources, Rs126.7 crore is locked in legal proceedings and the rest yet to be recovered. Shockingly, Rs 2,190.5 crore (42%) is pending for three years. The CAG has asked the govt to recoup the dues that would help the revenue receipts and meet the deficit-reduction targets. During the 2025 monsoon Assembly session, additional defaulters emerged. These are Rs 963 crore from liquor dealers, Rs 4,500 crore green cess allegedly owed by private coal-handling firms, Rs 2,434 crore pending electricity bills and Rs 352 crore from casinos to name a few. Unmentioned were taxes and rents from municipal markets, from houses, offices and shops etc. Goa would be a princely State if the dues are collected. The CAG report was tabled on Aug 8, the last day of the session and left no time for discussion. Does the CAG penalise or punish or just gives a gentle rap on the knuckle to the govts and organisations that do not act on its recommendations?
