Goa govt's plan to impose tax on feni opposed

Goa government's proposal to impose tax on feni, which has earned state 'herit drink' tag, and also to increase excise tax on liquor has been opposed by industry players as well as political leers.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in state budget presented in Assembly on February 6, has proposed a hike in excise tax on liquor and imposition of tax on MRP of feni. Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai questioned decision to impose tax on feni.

"Whose idea was it to tax herit drink, which has GI? Did it come as a suggestion from pre budget online suggestions that Govt sought? Or was it an original idea by he of Govt? #Goa needs to kw!" he tweeted. State Ports Minister Michael Lobo said he would talk to chief minister and request him to consider reducing tax on wine and feni.

Taking to Twitter, he said, "I will speak with Hon CM @DrPramodPSawant to consider reducing tax on wines used for weddings or tritional functions and also on our local Cashew Feni." Cashew Feni Distillers and Bottlers' Association has alrey expressed its objection to move saying that tax on MRP will make feni costlier.

President of association Gurudatt Bhakta h said that tax will hurt genuine bottlers and distillers and also hike prices of "common man's drink" in coastal state. Feni, produced from cashew and toddy palm, has been given status of 'herit drink' by Goa government and also has a Geographical Indication (GI). government's move will make drink costlier by Rs 100 to Rs 200 depending on retail selling price of a bottle.

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