Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SD)

Panaji, May 14: Chief minister Pramod Sawant sympathized over the hardship faced after having lost their livelihood in the state due to the lockdown. He said that even if it is his deepest desire to extend necessary aid, he is unable to do so as the state's revenue has dropped 80 percent during this period.

The chief minister responding to some citizens who had requested for waiver of water and electricity bills said, "There are taxi owners, pilots, autorickshaw owners who have absolutely no business for the last two months. They have not earned even Rs 5000 during this period. I really feel like extending a package to them. If we have to help, we should help those in need, who find it difficult to earn for two meals a day."

He said that the state is unable to extend any package in the current situation due to heavy slump in tax collection in the state.

He said, "We should understand the situation of the state government. There is 80 percent drop in our revenue in GST, VAT collections. If there is money in the state treasury then I would also have been happy to help those in need. But the Prime Minister has helped the needy through the Garib Kalyan Yojana. It has really brought much needed relief to farmers and other such sections. It will further be of assistance to others in need too."

Due to the lockdwon and closure of tourism, the state has witnessed drastic decline in VAT in fuel and alcohol.