MAPUSA
The financial health of the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) is under strain, with the civic body struggling to meet its expenses due to insufficient tax collections, according to a recent audit report by the Director of Accounts.
The report paints a bleak picture of the council’s ability to generate its own revenue, highlighting a growing reliance on government grants to sustain its operations.
The audit revealed that the taxes collected by the MMC are inadequate to cover the costs of the services it provides to the public.
The primary sources of income for the council, which include various types of taxes and the market fee (sopo tax), have proven insufficient, with arrears running into crores of rupees due to a failure in collecting dues.
The report pointed out that the council’s income from these sources is significantly lower than what is needed for the proper functioning of the municipality.
It further observed that the MMC continues to be substantially dependent on government funding rather than generating its own revenue, indicating a lack of self-reliance.
The audit findings underscore the pressing need for the council to improve its revenue collection mechanisms to reduce its dependence on external financial support.
The MMC’s current financial state raises concerns about its long-term sustainability and ability to fulfil its mandated functions effectively.
