Goa restores ST holidays

The Faleiro government which was toppled last month by defectors had decided to scrap Sales Tax concessions in view of Goa’s financial deficit. However, powerful industrialists, affected by the decision, were actively campaigning against the former chief minister.

Sardinha admitted that Goa’s fiscal deficit was worrying and called for newer methods to mobilise resources. Industries which begain production by March next year will be eligible for concessions as follows; small scale units – 15 years. Medium and large units- ten years.

Sardinha informed that his government is tightening the screws on ferro alloy units operating in the State. The state-owned Economic Development Corporation will henceforth not give any financial assistance to the units, he said.

The Chief Minister also revealed that Goa is going in for private transmission and distribution of power to facilitate rapid industrialisation. "We will appeal to the courts to grant us permission for providing more electricity connections," Sardinha said. The Panaji bench of the Mumbai High Court had banned grant of new electricity connections after a public interest petition was submitted in the court. This prevented opening of new units in the State.