Proposal to double vendor levy from ₹5 to ₹10 scrapped amid united oppn
The Mapusa Municipal Council’s (MMC) bid to double the daily garbage tax on vendors from Rs 5 to Rs 10 was shot down after councillors across the board opposed the move, accusing the civic body of squeezing the common man while failing to deliver basic services.
The proposal, mooted by Market Committee Chairman Sainath Raul during the council’s general meeting, sparked immediate backlash.
Councillor Tarak Arolkar said residents and vendors were being taxed more each year without any visible improvement in civic amenities.
Several others echoed his view, forcing Chairperson Priya Mishal to drop the proposal altogether.
“This council keeps piling taxes but services remain the same. We cannot support a hike that only hurts small vendors,” councillors argued.
While the garbage tax proposal collapsed, the council went ahead with approving the Sopo tender for 2025–26, fixing the reserve at Rs 1.65 crore, a 10 per cent increase over last year.
To prevent revenue loss, the existing contractor will continue collections until the tender process is completed.
Other contentious issues also came under the scanner.
A plan to notify the area in front of Bardez Bazaar fish market as a pay-parking zone was opposed by councillors Sudhir Kandolkar and Shashank Narvekar, who insisted that proper facilities be created first and parking for locals be safeguarded.
The council also held back a Rs 63 lakh taxi stand renovation project, with members from both sides demanding a joint inspection before approving any spending.
Meanwhile, councillors Arolkar and Narvekar alleged that during Ganesh Chaturthi, the contractor collected an additional Rs 1,200 Sopo from vehicles bringing in matoli items and vegetables from outside the State.
Market Chairman Raul and Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar gave contradictory replies, prompting Narvekar to demand clarity.
The reconstruction of a drain from Pankar shop to the petrol pump in Ward 19 at a cost of Rs 8.23 lakh also figured in the discussions.
The meeting was chaired by Mishal and attended by Vice-chairperson Prakash Bhivshet, Chief Officer Shetkar, Accounts and Administrative Officer Abhay Rane, councillors and other officials.
