(Source: Fwd e-mails)
Salient features of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's budget, which may be of interest to those on this forum:
# Reduction in prices on petrol by nearly Rs 11 per litre. VAT abolished on sale of petrol locally and is kept it at 0.1% just to maintain the sale records.
# Entry Toll on all vehicles registered outside the State that enter Goa, for using the infrastructure of the State. The details along with a suitable legislation would be brought forward during the Monsoon session.
# A 15% Tax on Cars and SUVs sold at a price in access of Rs 15 lakhs. This rate will be also applicable for two wheelers costing above Rs 2 lakhs. (I am not sure about the percentage)
# In line with the increase in VAT on Cars, SUVs and two wheelers, an increase in the rates of entry tax to these goods at the rate of 15%.
# Revision in the one-time tax on Motor Vehicles belonging to limited companies with share capital of less than Rs 50 lakhs, individuals and partnership firm to 6% of the cost of the Vehicle, whose cost is Rs 6 lakhs and below and 7% of the cost of the vehicle, whose cost is above Rs 6 lakhs. In the case of two wheelers whose cost price is above Rs 2 lakhs shall be charged one-time tax of 10%.
# Enhancing the existing one-time tax on all other vehicles not covered as stated above, by 1%.
# Enhancing the special permit passenger tax, which is applicable on tourist vehicles from outside the State, to Rs 300 per passenger per month.
# New six-lane bridge across Zuari River to be completed in 36 months.
# New bridges linking Camurlim-Tuem, Chodan-Pomburpa, Calvim-Carona, Keri-Terekhol, Chorao-Ribander, Cumbarjua-Gaundalim, Madkai-Neura, Khandepar, Betim-Panjim, Arpora-Calangute, Virdi-Amona, Sanguem, Talpona and Galgibag.
# Construction of Santacruz–Taleigao bypass and crossovers on National Highway at Mapusa, Porvorim, Santacruz and Siridao.
# Subsidy of 70% to commuters who use public transport. The monthly pass will be made available at only 30% of the cost. Similarly, for the students, the same will be available for only 15% of the cost.
# Late night bus service connecting major towns and tourist destinations.
# Purchase of 300 new buses by Kadamba Transport Corporation.
# Dedicated motorcycle and bicycle lanes, on such possible routes to provide a safer lane and also encourage creation of pedestrian‟s zones in the congested urban areas.