PANAJI
Ever since the inception of the 'Ashtami' fair which is held annually by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi, the furniture vendors did not have to apply for allotment of stalls.
However, with other vendors objecting to the availability of a few forms for them, the entire process of allotment of stalls was suspended and CCP commissioner Agnelo Fernandes directed all vendors, including the furniture vendors to submit their forms.
It may be recalled that recently the police had to use lathi-charge to disperse the vendors who had gathered in large numbers outside the CCP alleging that the forms were sold in black.
When The Goan visited CCP on Saturday, it was seen there were separate queues for the furniture vendors and the other vendors, who had come to avail the forms. Police were also posted to ensure that the vendors maintained law and order.
A furniture vendor informed that he has been participating in the 'Ashtami' fair for decades and never had to apply for allotment of the stalls.
“We would occupy the space and then the CCP officials would measure the same and charge the fees,” said the vendor, while adding that this is the first time he had to submit a form for the allotment of the stall.
Another vendor informed that the majority of the furniture vendors are Goans and had never been asked to apply for allotment of stalls.
“Every year, the same procedure was followed with us installing the stalls at the space reserved for the furniture vendors. However, of late, many other vendors dealing in clothes and other items have started setting up stalls at the 'Ashtami' fair, and the traditional furniture vendors are getting outnumbered,” the vendor stated.
Meanwhile, the delay in allotting the stalls for the fair has resulted in the delay in the conduct of the 'Ashtami' fair, which is eagerly awaited by many Goans.
