MARGAO
The sopo collection issue has come back to haunt businessmen in the commercial capital after a fast food establishment owner complained that sopo collection agents allegedly stopped a vehicle, which had come to deliver goods to his establishment.
The incident occurred at the Old market when the fast food establishment owner called the Fatorda police after a two-wheeler was parked in front of the delivery van.
The fast food owner told the media that he is paying thousands of rupees as taxes after investing crores of rupees in the business. “Am I supposed to pay the sopo fees. Are the delivery van supplying goods to my establishment liable to pay the sopo fees? Or these sopo fees applicable only for streets vendors as charges for occupation of the street or market”, he further questioned.
To ensure that innocent businessmen are not meted out harassment by the sopo collectors, the owner demanded that the Margao Municipal Council issue a notice not making the shop owners liable for sopo payment.
This is not the first time that vehicles entering the city to supply goods to shops and establishments are charged sopo. The issue had figured in the just concluded session of the Goa Legislative Asembly as well.
Traders and businessmen have demanded that Margao Municipal Chief officer Madhu Narvekar intervene in the matter and stop the harassment meted out to the business community. They have pointed out that it is the duty and responsibility of the MMC administration to clarify on the sopo collection since the contractor is collecting sopo on behalf of the civic body.
