VASCO
Around 25 existing fruit, vegetable, fish and meat vendors in Cortalim began their first day of sale in the new Cortalim Market complex after offering prayers, when they were shifted to the new market complex on Wednesday evening.
Cortalim Sarpanch Senia Pereira and other panch members were present when the 25 vendors offered prayers, before starting their business on the first day.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Pereira said one lady vendor, who had been part of the struggle to demand the shifting of existing vendors to the new market complex, had unfortunately passed away on Monday, two days before the existing vendors were shifted to the new market complex.
"The existing vendors had been operating from a temporary shed since 2014, which was not hygienic. This huge market complex was inaugurated in January 2019, but for the last two years, the vendors were not shifted because procedures to complete the possession were not completed and this project was almost a white elephant.”
“I am happy that finally after determined efforts by the Cortalim panchayat, Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha and the support of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the existing vendors were finally shifted on Wednesday evening," said Pereira.
"The opposition panchas had gone to court to stop the shifting of vendors and I had to fight for the shifting in three different courts, where we won the case.
“The main reason to shift the vendors in the new market complex was the sad demise of a woman vendor from the village who had supported the struggle, but she expired two days ago.
“Sadly, she did not get to see this day and we are missing her," said Pereira.
Pereira said 12 fish vendors, 4 vegetable vendors, 4 fruit vendors, a beef vendor, 2 pork and 2 chicken vendors had been shifted to the new market complex.
"The vendors were taken to the market complex on Wednesday and they decided on which spots to occupy and these vendors began sale on Thursday. People are also happy that the vendors have been shifted and they can buy their products in a hygienic location and one place.”
“We have not taken any new vendors, but have shifted only existing vendors who have been given the Sopo. We will allot the Sopo to new vendors from Cortalim and surrounding villages in the market only after all procedures are done and our market policy is ready," said Pereira.
The sarpanch said freelance vendors from the village who have cultivated vegetables and fruits would also be given a Sopo to sell their produce in the new market complex.
