Panaji: The state cabinet on Thursday granted approval to amend the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, to empower the panchayat to levy fees for permissions and licences granted or renewed by it, and to decide the quantum of such fees by a resolution passed in its meeting, subject to the maximum rate as specified in the said Act.The Goa Panchayat Raj Act was enacted on July 9, 1994, and came into force on July 13, 1994. Since its enactment, the act underwent many amendments. The act requires further amendment to incorporate certain changes necessary for the effective implementation of the act, the cabinet said.A section of the Goa act provides for granting permission and licences for various commercial activities undertaken within the jurisdiction of panchayats. The said section provides that permission or a licence can be granted on payment in advance of such fees as may be prescribed.However, the section is silent on the maximum rate at which the panchayats shall levy fees on the issuance of a trade licence or permission for commercial activity, the cabinet said.
