13.6.24 7pm. IST
STREET PROVIDENCE GOA thanks The GOA State Transport Department ( RTO ) headed by Minister Mr Mauvin Godinho for road tax exemption on our vehicles starting 1.4.24.
It's a huge huge saving to get tax exemption from The Government of Goa towards our NGO.
Mr Minesh Tar , Asst Director , RTO, Mapusa has been a big support towards this tax exemption benefit as our NGO is registered in Bardez taluka.
Very often people donate their second hand bikes and cars to our NGO and we used to approach The RTO at Mapusa for the paperwork.
For those of you who know this office at Mapusa ” it's always crowded “.
Moment you say NGO, officers in most departments look at you suspiciously and its understandable as today everyone claims to be an NGO.
Initially we had issues, but in due course of time after registering many two wheelers and many four wheelers, both new and second hand , our acquaintance with Asst Director Mr Tar got better and better.
We always had a support in The OSD to Transport Minister and that always quickened up our work.
For the amount of work we undertake which is always on the road, 4 wheelers are always needed.
From Jan 2024, we are in the process of acquiring through donations/ CSR close to 7 new four wheelers but the road tax was an issue.
We approached The Hon Transport Minister through the OSD who directed us to The Asst Director, Mr Tar who examined our papers and assured us that all vechiles bought in the NGO name will be road tax exempted.
No time wasting / no begging / no hanky panky but professional quick service.
Recently end March 24, we purchased an INSUZU frozen food truck which we were granted full road tax exemption.
Then late April 24 we purchased a Mahindra Scorpio which we were granted full road tax exemption.
And both these figures put togther are quite a substantial amount for which we are thankful to the Government of Goa @ The Transport Department.
Usually one never hears of Small NGO like ours getting help from the Government as we are not politically connected to any party or any politician.
But we are proud to state that alot of departments @ Government of Goa , are supporting our NGO namely:
☆ Hon Governor of Goa ,
☆ CMO ,
☆ Goa Police ,
☆ Social Welfare ,
☆ Women & child ,
☆ Inspectorate of Factories & Boilers ,
☆ IPHB,
☆ Government hospitals ,
☆ Civil supplies,
☆ Mopa airport,
& now Tramsport Department.
Without Government support it's next to impossible to run so many complicated services @ Street Providence where our main focus is on :
》Shelter homes &
》Food banks.
I have two habits ie
A. When ever any department goes out of their way to support our work towards homeless and the poor with disabilities
” I MAKE IT A POINT TO HIGHLIGHT & THANK THE DEPARTMENT “.
B. But I also highlight and fight alot when officers in a certain department don't do justice to our NGO fully knowing we are doing a difficult service towards the poorest of the poor.
Last 3 months have been stressful & really difficult for all of us at Street Providence but this road tax exemption is the silver lining on the horizon which makes me belive ” Government of Goa, headed by The Hon CM & his ministers and Bureaucracy is doing something for the homeless, the hungry and those with disabilities at our NGO “.
But it takes alot of follow up, phone calls, running around, etc.
Everything sounds nice and good but belive me where ever we are or whatever benefit we get or got, has taken alot of hard work and convincing as well as proof to demonstrate that the work we undertake across Goa.
And last year we opened homes in Jharkhand & Manipur.
August we open open in South Maharashtra.
Lots of hours on the road.
We do have problems and issues with certain departments but that is because of individual officers/ directors/ staff who are only looking for bribes and they come to office totally stressed and disturbed.
When any Government officer does not belive in humanity but only works for his / her salary then issues and harassment starts especially if you are an NGO.
But if you meet a kind hearted officer like Mr Minesh Tar & your papers are in order and work is there for all to see then you know the officer understands hunger and homeless basically HUMANITY.
Once again we are very thankful to
The Transport Department headed by The Hon Minister Mr Mauvin Godinho as well as The Asst Director of Transport Mapusa Mr Minesh Tar for this support without any hassle.
No negative comments please as I am yet to meet both :
The Hon Transport Minister as well as
The Asst Director of Transport , Mapusa
All communications strictly through whatsapp messages on 8380097564
God bless you all
Donald Fernandes
8380097564 / 7020314848
