While attention is drawn to the USA's impending fiscal cliff, I wonder whether
Goa has already fallen off the fiscal cliff. Now we hear that Goa is losing
many crores of rupees due to cessation of mining activities. This is probably
the reason for the Government's lackluster control of mining activities in
Goa. It oooks lijke the Govt. was hand in glove with the miners.The Government
has also abolished House tax in Goa, leaving Panchayats in the lurch as the
house tax was an assured source of income. The Government promised to make up
the loss of revenue somehow to the Panchayats. Dont know if it has happened yet.
Meanwhile, the Government has been giving out goodies left and right. The
"Ladli Laxmi" scheme which gives one lakh of rupees to new brides; monthly
payment of a stipend to housewives (hopefully to those below the poverty line),
etc. etc. All these are sops to the
electorate to assure future votes.
How does one reconcile reduced revenues with higher outlays ?? Soon we will
be in the same straits as the Greeks and other European nations.
A couple of guys I know working on contractual terms with Government
departments have not received their meager pay for weeks. These are guys
working in low paying labour jobs. The Govt. seems to have run out of money
topay them. These are poor people living hand to mouth who are being treated
in such a callous manner by the Government..
Has Goa fallen off the fiscal cliff or what !!!!
