MARGAO
Panchayat Director’s order to the panchayats to collect one per cent labour cess on the total cost of constructions of houses and buildings in the villages took centre stage at the gram sabha of Ambelim village Panchayat on Sunday.
The meeting chaired by acting Sarpanch Rosario D’Silva saw members raising the matter at the gram sabha, seeking to know how the government can collect the labour cess after 12 long years.
Members pointed out that the audit had never raised any queries on non-collection of the one per cent labour cess, seeking to know whether it is rationale to collect the cess after a decade and when the people have been passing through difficult times due to the Covid pandemic.
Members pointed out that as one per cent cess on the cost of construction runs into several thousands of rupees, the house owners may find it difficult to pay the huge amount.
Some of the members contended that setting a seven-day time-frame to pay the cess is without rhyme or reason since the amount runs into thousands of rupees.
After much discussions, the gram sabha resolved that people who have received the notices should reply to the panchayat, stating they are unable to pay the cess. The meeting decided that the Panchayat secretary would forward the replies of the house owners to the Salcete Block Development Officer for appropriate action.
