Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SS)

Panaji, May 14: The Chief minister, Pramod Sawant said that his heart goes out to all those in the state who have lost their livelihood because of the lockdown. However, even though he wishes to extend a package to these people, he is unable to, as the state has seen an 80% drop in its revenue during this period.

He said that there are autorickshaw owners, taxi owners and pilots who have not been able to earn even Rs 5,000 over the last two months. If we are to help, we should help those who are not even able to earn for two meals a day, he said as a reply to residents requesting a waiver of water and electricity bills. He added that tax collections have seen a massive slump during the lockdown and hence, the state is unable to extend a package presently.

The CM urged the people to understand the situation of the state government. There has been an 80% drop in the revenue in GST, Vat collections. The prime minister, through the Garib Kalyan Yojana, has brought much-needed relief to farmers and other such sections, he added.

Due to the lockdown in April, the state saw a 90% drop in tax mop up. The state’s GST collection for the month dropped to Rs 32 crore against an expected Rs 338 crore. In March, the GST collections dropped by 19% at Rs 316 crore against the Rs 389 crore compared to a year back.

VAT imposed on alcohol and fuel has drastically declined since the lockdown came effective and tourism was closed.