Goa Tourism Department Faces Over Rs 39.7 Crore in Unpaid Bills

The Goa Tourism Department is grappling with a significant financial backlog, owing over Rs 39.7 crore to various contractors for services rendered since as far back as 2019. This outstanding debt encompasses a range of services, including housekeeping, painting, legal fees, and translations, impacting numerous vendors who are now facing cash flow challenges.

Contractors involved in various events, vehicle rentals, and executed projects have expressed growing frustration as they await payment from both the tourism department and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). Among the outstanding debts are amounts owed to government entities such as the Goa Human Resource Development Corporation Limited and Goa Electronics Limited.

Details of Outstanding Payments

The tourism department currently has 17 unpaid bills, mostly related to tourism roadshows and trade fairs. While many of these bills are from the current year, two noteworthy invoices date back to December 2024. A major contributor to the debt includes Goa Human Resource Development Corporation Ltd, which provided security services at GTDC residencies for the 2019-20 period and issued a bill amounting to Rs 1.03 crore that remains unsettled.

Additionally, invoices for the organization of the Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahostav in December 2021, worth Rs 3.7 lakh, have yet to be paid. Taxi services also represent a significant portion of the unpaid bills, with a total amount of Rs 8.65 crore outstanding, according to data presented in the state legislative assembly.

Another critical area of concern is the PRASHAD Scheme, which aims to enhance amenities at religious sites. The tourism department has reported that Rs 4.4 crore is pending for a private firm involved in developing facilities at the Bom Jesus Basilica.

GTDC’s Response to Payment Delays

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation has stated that many of the unpaid bills are “under consideration” and will be processed once they receive the necessary scrutiny and approval. This lack of timely payment has raised concerns about the GTDC’s track record in clearing dues to contractors and event management firms.

Moreover, financial obligations related to the G20 meetings hosted in Goa during India’s presidency in 2023 also remain unpaid. These meetings included significant events such as the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting and the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, underscoring the importance of timely financial management in the tourism sector.

The accumulation of unpaid bills highlights a pressing issue within Goa’s tourism infrastructure, as contractors and service providers await resolution to their outstanding payments. The situation calls for immediate action to restore trust and ensure the smooth functioning of the tourism industry in the region.