THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) unanimously approved its budget for the financial year 2025-26 during a special council meeting on Wednesday.
However, the budget lacked new initiatives or development plans, drawing criticism from some councillors.
Several revisions were made based on councillors’ feedback, with key changes in estimated income and expenditure.
The income from taxes on houses and land was reduced from the proposed Rs 12.50 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, factoring in arrears.
Similarly, the revenue from garbage tax was slashed from Rs 3.50 lakh to Rs 2.25 lakh. The tax on trade and professions was also revised downward, from Rs 1.10 crore to Rs 89 lakh.
Meanwhile, revenue from market sopo collections stood at Rs 1.90 crore. The council increased the estimated income from construction license fees from Rs 4.50 crore to Rs 7 crore.
Additionally, earnings from buildings, shops, and kiosks were revised upward from Rs 3.70 crore to Rs 4.12 crore.
During the meeting, Councillor Shashank Narvekar demanded an assessment of tax on telecom towers, a suggestion that received unanimous support. He, along with other councillors, also expressed dissatisfaction over the long-pending industrial estate tax dues.
Narvekar further criticised the delay in presenting the budget, pointing out that it was the fourth consecutive year such delays had occurred. He emphasised that the budget should have been presented by December.
In response, MMC Chairperson Priya Mishal clarified that the budget had been prepared on time and presented to the standing committee in January.
However, a change in the chairperson’s post caused a delay in scheduling the meeting. Narvekar urged the chairperson to ensure timely budget discussions in the future.
The special council meeting was chaired by Priya Mishal and attended by Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar along with other civic officials.
