Margao Municipal Councilor Camilo Barretto trying to make a point to protect the interest of locals farmers selling marigold in the city ahead of Dussehra. Captured by : Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Goa government’s mantra of Vocal for Local and Swayapurna Goa had no takers at the BJP-ruled Margao Municipal Council.
At the Margao Municipal Council’s meeting held on Monday, BJP-backed Councillor Camilo Baretto drew the attention of MMC Chairperson Damu Shirodkar to the hordes of traders that have come to the commercial capital with truck loads of marigold flowers ahead of Dussehra festival.
Camilo was seen trying to make a fervent plea to the MMC Chairperson to use the municipality's powers to stop the outsiders from Karnataka from selling marigold in the city on grounds the outside traders have encroached upon the business of the local farmers.
His pleas, however fell on deaf ears as evident by the fact that the civic chief point blank told him to sit down since no other matter other than the agenda mentioned in the agenda can be taken up for discussion at the meeting.
Camilo was also shouted down by other councillors even as he made a strong pitch to stop the outsiders from selling marigold along the road sides.
He later told the media that he was trying to get the MMC chief send the municipals inspectors to rein in the outside traders so that the local farmers can encash on the demand for marigold flowers ahead of Dussehra. “This year, marigold has posted a bumper yield and the farmers can achieve the success only if they get good returns for their produce. The presence of outsiders will only eat into their business,” he added.
