25% rebate on monthly pass of entry fee proposed
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 16 May 2013 21:36 IST
Public Works Department, collecting entry fee from outside vehicles at entry point, has suggested around 25 to 30 per cent reduction in the entry fee for the proposed monthly pass.
While declining to confirm the monetary proposal, PWD chief engineer J S Rego confirmed to goanews.com that the file regarding the monthly pass system has been forwarded to the government.
After transporters and traders from the neighbouring states protested against the entry fee, chief minister Manohar Parrikar had assured to issue them monthly pass since they travel to Goa every alternate day with essential goods.
The Chambers of Commerce and Industry from Kolhapur, Belgaum and Hubli had demanded huge reduction in the entry fee while agreeing to Goa’s proposal to collect such a tax for providing good road network and bridges.
The entry fee imposed by the government is Rs 250 on two-wheelers, Rs 500 on six-wheelers and Rs 1000 for vehicles above six wheelers.
According to sources, the monthly pass has now proposed to reduce the entry fee by Rs 150 instead of Rs 500 and Rs 750 instead of Rs 1000.
“We have left it to the chief minister and the PWD minister to decide about it”, said Rego.
While the present proposal is to give concession of around 25 to 30 per cent, the traders have demanded almost 70 to 80 per cent reduction.
As the PWD completed one month yesterday collecting the entry fee, Rego said the total monthly collection is Rs 2.40 crore, which is around Rs eight lakh per day on an average.
“It would increase further once the tourist season picks up”, said Rego.
Even then, the total annual collection however would be between Rs 30 to Rs 40 crore.
Good job by Goa govt, keep it up..