The merchants have realized that order brings more customers and hence, more business. However, one issue that seems to be working against establishment of order is sopo tax. Every year the municipal council increases the quantum of sopo tax to be paid, but without a corresponding increase in the area. As a result the sopo tax collector has to either hike the tax or increase the number of vendors. The second option is less hazardous for the collector who then, doesn’t have to listen to complaints from sopo tax payers. The overall result is congestion in the market. Most city markets are in a bit of a mess and congestion is almost always the reason. The SGPDA market in Margao is an exception because it has ample of space for expansion and parking, but is woefully mismanaged. Almost all markets face the problem of too many vendors in one place. Indiscipline is another issue and municipalities have seldom displayed the political will to set these places of business in order. It is interesting and heartening to note the initiative taken by Mapusa merchants and it could result in a workable solution provided the municipality is on the same page.
Merchants’ initiative
The Mapusa market isn’t a picture of order, but the good news is that merchants in the market have figured out the cause and want to do something about it.
