Municipality accused of ignoring encroachments
VALPOI
Licensed shopkeepers in Valpoi have raised concerns over the growing number of illegal stalls and vendors operating on footpaths across the municipal area. They allege that the authorities have failed to act against these unauthorised businesses, which are affecting the livelihood of legal traders. The shopkeepers have urged the Market Inspector to take immediate steps to remove the encroachments.
Following the completion of its term, the elected council of the Valpoi Municipality was dissolved and the administration is currently being run by appointed officials. However, residents and traders claim there is little monitoring of activities in the town, allowing illegal occupation of footpaths to continue unchecked. They say this has raised serious questions about the functioning of the municipal administration.
According to traders, the problem is particularly severe in the town’s central market area, where the number of unauthorised vendors has increased significantly. Shopkeepers allege that repeated complaints have gone unanswered and that the growing presence of illegal stalls is causing considerable financial losses to licensed businesses.
The traders point out that legal shop owners are required to comply with government regulations and pay taxes, including GST and other charges. In contrast, they claim that illegal vendors operate without such obligations, allowing them to sell goods at lower prices. This, they say, creates an unfair advantage and puts licensed traders at a disadvantage.
Shopkeepers are especially concerned about the increasing number of stalls selling monsoon-related items, fruits, garments and other goods on public footpaths. They allege that many of these stalls are operated by migrant vendors and have demanded immediate action from the municipality to clear the encroachments.
Traders also claim that complaints have been submitted to municipal staff responsible for collecting shop fees, but no effective action has been taken so far.
Market Inspector Under Fire
Shopkeepers argue that it is the responsibility of the Market Inspector to monitor the market and take action against unauthorised vendors. They claim that inspections are rarely carried out and that regular enforcement drives are needed to support licensed traders and maintain order in the marketplace.
They further point out that legal shopkeepers regularly pay municipal fees and other charges, while illegal vendors allegedly operate without paying any fees. This, they say, not only affects legitimate businesses but also results in a loss of revenue for the municipality.
Traders Threaten Gherao
Frustrated by what they describe as continued inaction by municipal officials, traders have accused the Market Inspector and other authorities of failing to perform their duties. They allege that roadside vendors selling fruits and other goods continue to operate freely despite repeated complaints.
As a result, licensed shopkeepers have announced plans to gherao the Valpoi Municipal Market Inspector to demand immediate action against illegal footpath vendors and the removal of encroachments across the town.
