In a decisive move following Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho’s recent criticism of tourist taxi operators for evading taxes and staying outside the GST system, the Goa government has begun cracking down on the sector.
GST officials have issued notices to 263 tourist taxi operators across the state, aiming to bring them under the GST regime.
Sources within the GST department confirmed to The Goan that this action marks an effort to ensure compliance, with the Income Tax department also focusing on the sector. Several operators, who have now come under scrutiny, have expressed their frustration, accusing the government of harassment, especially after resisting the entry of cab aggregators in the local market.
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Vasudev Arlekar, President of the North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association, accused the government of using “revenge tactics” against the operators. “Many of us run our taxis on loans. Despite a lack of business, the government is insisting on GST collection. Some of us have been in this business for 25-30 years, and this is how we are treated. This government does not represent the people of Goa,” he stated.
“The government talks about supporting local businesses but is instead destroying them,” one association member remarked.
Another leader, Laxman Korgaonkar (Bappa), acknowledged receiving a notice and confirmed his compliance but expressed frustration. “My earnings don’t exceed Rs 10 lakh per year, but they still want proof. I’ve submitted all my documents,” he said, adding that the move feels like harassment for opposing cab aggregators.
Complete Supreme Court Judgment on GST from 2017 to 2024 with Free E-Book Access, Click here
Former taxi association general secretary, Vinayak Nanoskar, shared similar views, accusing the government of going after even the poorest operators. “We will comply with GST, but how will they verify our earnings? This is harassment. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is just a puppet, and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho is failing us. This government is losing touch with local needs,” he warned.
Nanoskar also referred to the Competition Commission of India’s ruling against the entry of companies like Ola and Uber into Goa, a victory he said the local taxi operators fought hard for. Arlekar added further criticism of the government for ignoring illegal operations by vehicles registered in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Complete Supreme Court Judgment on GST from 2017 to 2024 with Free E-Book Access, Click here
As the dispute between GoaMiles and tourist taxi operators continues, Minister Godinho has defended GoaMiles, stating that it operates within the tax framework, contributing Rs 8.5 crore to the government, unlike tourist taxis. The Transport Minister has not yet responded to/commented on the notices.
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