PANAJI: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Tuesday said that the state would prepare itself to migrate to goods and service tax (GST) regime proposed by the central government, after studying it in detail after the draft bill was received from the central authorities.

Replying to the queries raised by the members of the state legislative assembly during discussion on demands for commercial taxes, excise, finance etc departments held by him, Mr Kamat also said that he has called upon the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Indian Industries (Goa chapter), and other bodies to organise a seminar on GST to clear the doubts of business and trading industry. The chairman of the central committee on GST, Mr Asim Das Gupta, has agreed to speak at the seminar, he added.
He said that the commercial tax department has performed well and collected revenue to the tune of Rs 1,385 crore during the last financial year. He also said that the department would be opening sub-offices in Pernem, Sattari, Sanguem and Bicholim talukas for the benefit of businessmen and traders in those areas, even as he announced that e-filing of commercial tax returns would be started from next month.
Speaking on the issue of excise department, he said that steps have been initiated to prevent leakages including holograms and that multi-coloured permit system has been introduced to prevent misuse of permit. He also said that monthly verification of imports was being conducted with officials of the states from where the alcohol and finished goods were imported or exported and also with customs authorities in case of export abroad.
He also said that the department would be fully computerised and all the distilleries etc would be connected to the headquarters, which would make the administration more transparent and help keep a track of issue of permits, production, etc. He also said that the government would redraft the Excise Act and Rules to plug the loopholes and prevent their misuse.
Mr Kamat also informed the House that entire department has been reshuffled to prevent manipulation by any officer even as he assured the House that there would not be any compromise on any issue particularly relating to leakage of revenue to the state. He also said that details of the trailer truck used in liquor smuggling have been obtained and that the department would proceed in accordance with the law against the accused.
Stating that considerable amount of funds contributed by the people to the Chief Minister’s relief fund for the victims of the Canacona flash floods were still remaining unutilised, he said that these funds would not be diverted for any other purpose and that they would be used for welfare of the people of the taluka affected by floods.
Earlier, the leader of opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar told the House that the government should take steps to plug the loopholes even as he went on to add that there was a scam in excise department and demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation and if not, then by a senior Indian Police Service official. Mr Francisco D’Souza, the deputy opposition leader, cautioned the government of walking into debt trap. Mr Mauvin Godinho said that finances should be generated for fast pace of development.