MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that panchayats and municipalities across the State will be directed not to collect Sopo (market fees) from vendors selling Matoli items during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Responding to concerns raised by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, the Chief Minister said, “We will direct the municipalities and the panchayats not to collect Sopo from Matoli item vendors during Chaturthi.”
Sardesai had urged the government to allow traditional vendors to sell local produce in designated open spaces without being charged fees, highlighting the cultural significance of Matoli items during the Chaturthi. He stressed the need for immediate intervention by local bodies to facilitate the sale of seasonal vegetables and produce sourced.
