Jt Meet of Govt & truckers today to resolve entry tax issue
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 23 April 2013 10:35 IST
A solution on the entry tax issue may be arrived today as Goa government officials are meeting traders and truckers of Kolhapur and Belgaum in the city today afternoon.
The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry has taken an initiative in this regard at the request of Goa government, said GCCI president Mangirish Pai Raikar.
The joint meeting, to be held at 3 pm today, would be attended by Kolhapur and Belgaum chambers, the All India Motor Transport Congress as well as Kolhapur Lorry Owners’ Association.
“A speedy solution is necessary as both the sides are getting affected”, said Anant Mane, president of the Kolhapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He also welcomed Goa government’s decision to temporarily exempt Kolhapur, Belgaum, Sindhudurg and Karwar vehicles from entry tax.
“This has created conducive atmosphere for talks”, he said.
Though chief minister Manohar Parrikar claims that Goa has enough stocks of vegetables and prices are under control, the situation in the market is contrary to this claim.
As Belgaum and Kolhapur trucks have stopped operating, essential commodities like fruits and vegetables have been in shortage and prices have also soured.
The traders of neighbouring states are up in arms against the entry tax imposed by Goa with a demand to abolish the tax.
Goa government has however decided not to rollback on the tax issue.
Instead, they have offered monthly pass at concessional rates to the daily vehicles bringing essential commodities to Goa.
