An MMC team leading surprise checks during the Saptah Fair, which generated considerable revenue to the municipal coffers. VIKRAM NAYAK
THE GOAN | VASCO
From a financial crunch and constant worker strikes over unpaid salaries to generating profits and clearing pending dues, the Mormugao Municipal Council’s (MMC) financial turnaround has been remarkable.
The MMC has turned from being a financially struggling body to a self-sufficient and thriving governing organisation in just a few years. Once mired in debt and constant worker strikes over unpaid salaries, the council is now clearing its long-pending dues, implementing the 7th Pay Commission salaries, and planning for a brighter future.
This remarkable turnaround is credited to the leadership of MMC Chairperson Girish Borker, Chief Officer Deepesh Priolkar, and Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar. Their coordinated efforts, innovative initiatives, and determination have transformed the council into a model of financial stability.
According to MMC Chairperson Girish Borker, the council is committed to maintaining its financial stability and ensuring the well-being of its workers and residents. The MMC’s transformation from red to green is a testament to efficient management, setting an example for other municipal bodies in the State.
Struggles of the past
A few years ago, the MMC was synonymous with chaos. Regular strikes by workers over unpaid salaries brought the council to a standstill, often leading to uncollected garbage piling up across the city and angering residents.
Some strikes lasted over a week, forcing political intervention to mediate between workers and the council. Despite assurances, the MMC’s financial woes persisted, with government aid often unavailable due to the council's self-governance mandate.
Path to financial stability
The turning point came with a new leadership team that implemented several game-changing initiatives.
The first such initiative was to resolve a two-decade deadlock with HPCL. After over 20 years of litigation, the MMC resolved a dispute with HPCL over a prime municipal property. With the close coordination of Borker, Priolkar, Salkar, and Urban Development Minister Vishwajeet Rane, the council earned Rs 15 crore and regained 9,000 square metres of land.
From this amount, Rs 8 crore were used to clear 20 years of pending retirement dues, providing much-needed relief to MMC’s pensioners.
The second initiative was the record-breaking Saptah festival revenue. The MMC's revenue collection during the annual Damodar Bhajani Saptah Fair saw unprecedented growth under the new leadership.
From previous collections which hovered around Rs 60-70 lakh due to revenue leakages, the MMC earned Rs 97 lakh from the Saptah Fair in 2023 and this shot up to Rs 1.03 crore in 2024.
Surprise checks and stringent monitoring also ensured MMC a steady revenue stream of nearly Rs 1 crore annually.
The council conducted regular surprise checks, sealing shops and establishments for non-payment of municipal dues.
Businesses operating without valid trade licenses were forced to comply, boosting revenue.
Anti-encroachment drives and fines added to the council's income.
The enforcement of ‘Sopo’ charges from vendors and small outlets operating in MMC jurisdiction further strengthened the council's finances.
What MMC has achieved
Today, the MMC has achieved financial stability. Workers and staff receive timely salaries, including the long-delayed 7th Pay Commission benefits after eight years. Besides, all retirement dues have been cleared, providing security to former employees.
Plans are now underway to regularise temporary staff, some of whom have served for over 15 years, and recruitment of additional staff to improve council operations.
