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The Rape of Goa - A photo documentary by Rajan P. Parrikar Venue: Menezes Braganza Art Gallery, Panjim, May 21-24, 2008 http://www.parrikar.org/misc/doc-notice.pdf --------------------------------------------------------------------------- These days our singers seem to be singing special songs about Special Status for Goa. I have to wonder why we as Goans have to come up with jingoist solutions to problems that are faced all over India. If Hema can make provisions for the return of all the Goans that currently abide in Mumbai alone, then she is welcome to "take to the streets" asking for special status. If not, then we as Goans have to collectively put our heads together and come out with concrete solutions. (i)One effective way would be a substantial State tax on non-domiciled Indians purchasing immovable property in Goa. (ii)We also need to increase the current turn-around time for tax exemption from the current three years to five years. (iii)A large number of these flats are then rented out as holiday homes. We need to tax the rental income, either the landlord or the lease-holder or both. (Talk about double taxation !!) Renting maybe an informal sector in Goa, but that has to be remedied with strict penalties for non-registration of lease agreement. These measures will have a three-fold effect: a) It will reduce speculative bidding and buying. b) The market will bear fewer buyers. c) It will accrue much needed state revenue, which has to be used to address the needs of infrastructure that an increase in population brings. It will also mean we are working within the framework of the Indian constitution and looking for workable solutions. Since, Chris was kind enough to provide us with the email of the CM, I've cced it to him as well :-) selma