Panaji (Goa): While rolling out a detailed program to introduce GST across the state, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar today said that 73 per cent of the traders have already registered under the new tax regime.

“Considering the current figures, almost 73 per cent of the traders have already complied with GST registration. We expect that by the end of the current month it will be 75 per cent,” Parrikar said addressing group of

Goa legislators here as a part of state government initiative to make everyone aware about GST.

Goa state legislative assembly had recently passed Goa GST Bill unanimously which was supported by all the parties.

Parrikar said by June 15, which is cut off date for registration, at least 95 per cent of the traders will be complying with the GST registration.

“This is first time that government machinery is ready (to implement any scheme) and industry is not ready. That is because GST has been in discussion with the government for very long time,” the chief minister said.

Parrikar said the industry is now gearing up and state government will tie up with trade bodies to create awareness on the issue.

“We intend to create advisory teams which will have chartered accountants and experts on it who will be placed in every taluka to assist people in understanding GST,” he said.

“The hand holding exercise (with the traders) will continue for three months,” he said.

The chief minister said introduction of GST will bring down prices of commodities within 2-3 months while giving advantage to the state to earn more revenue.

Stating that GST regime would be implemented strictly, Parrikar said the commissioner of GST will have right to raid any establishment and rules about it are already in the public domain.

Parrikar said that the GST will make all the marketing gimmicks disappear giving level playing field to the trader in Goa on par with those in other states.

Team TNV