Feb 7 – House saw a heated debate over the collection of Green Cess from coal and petroleum companies by the Goa govt. Today is second and last day of the 2 day session of the Goa State Legislative Assembly. As per details of Assessments and Tax Payment by the companies registered under Goa Cess on Products and Substances Causing Pollution (Green Cess) Act placed before the house, the tax demanded along with penalty and interest was Rs 352.20 crore( Rs 3,52,20,49,123), the tax paid was Rs 237.70 crore( Rs 2,37,70,67,765) and the balance remaining to be paid is Rs 114.49 crore( Rs 1,14,49,81,359). CM Pramod Sawant informed the house that the state has collected over 50% of the Rs 352 crore cess adding that the matter is pending before the Supreme Court. LoP Yuri Alemao alleged that thousands of crores still remain unpaid and demanded that the government withdraw consent for these companies to operate and initiate an inquiry into the alleged scam. He also called for constitution of House Committee to probe the issue. The debate led to chaos in the Assembly, prompting the Speaker to urge the opposition to maintain decorum.
