PANAJI: While most industries are giving the 2010-2011state budget the ‘thumbs up’, bankers are sceptical. They feel it is not yet clear, firstly by adjusting the income slab on taxes, salaried persons may sees reduced pay. Secondly, the state government has imposed taxes on new property purchases, this will make the cost higher for new property buyers.
Thirdly, an opportunity for investment of Rs 20,000 in infrastructure bonds in addition to Rs 1 lakh, could be a good draw.
"Most of our proposal in our wish-list to the government has come true," said Mr Nitin Kunkolienker, ex-president of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The government now plans to go ahead with the formation of the Goa Maritime Board to regulate shipping in Panaji and the two proposed minor ports to be developed for cargo and cruise facilities will move faster.
"Now the government should take a serious view of handing over the rivers to the Inland National Waterways Authority of India," said Captain Bruno D’Souza, chairman of GCCI Logistic Committee.
"We are too happy to hear the formation of the Goa Maritime Board," informed Mr Atul Jadhav the president of the Goa Barge Owners Association.Mr Kunkolienker said it is a foresighted budget touching all sectors. The plan expenditure for agriculture has been increased to four per cent from two per cent is a good sign, he said.
The Contract Farming Act to come into force will bring uncultivable land under cultivation. The unutilised plots to be utilised will draw more investors, specially the emerging ones. It is also a welcome step to start ferry service from Goa to Mumbai and Goa to Karwar.
This will reduce the traffic stress on the Goa roads, and the government’s emphasis on PPP projects is good for the state. However, the government has ignored the setting up of an IT Park, may hurt the unemployed IT professions.Farmer Mr K V Gadgil of Sattari said it is a very fine budget for farmers because it gives more stress on drip irrigation for sugarcane cultivation, offering us 90 per cent subsidy of total cost. This system saves water and less use of weedicides, labour cost comes and the use of water is controlled.
The government is offering 70 per cent from 50 per cent on power fencing which keeps animals and beast away, but does not kill them. It is the best method to protect the produce. More over the general category self-help group gets more subsidies than the individual.
Mr Gadgil said this budget will bring back farmers, who were thinking of leaving their traditional agricultural profession and starting another profession.Mr Anthony an accountant at Timblo, questions whether there will be any accountability to Rs 50 lakh to the MLAs. Mr Arun naik of Merit Pharma said though there is nothing specific in the state budget for pharma industry, we welcome the budget as it has initiated some long-term measures which will improve the investment
climate in Goa.
