MAPUSA
Just days after the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) handed over the Sopo (market fee) collection for the municipal market to a new contractor, complaints have surfaced from local vendors accusing the contractor of overcharging them.
Allegations have emerged that the Sopo contractor is demanding payments far beyond the prescribed rates, leading to widespread frustration among vendors.
Several vendors have raised concerns that while the official Sopo receipt issued by the contractor reflects a charge of Rs 20, the actual amount demanded is as high as Rs 200 or Rs 300, particularly from those participating in the bustling Matoli Bazaar.
The Matoli Bazaar, which operates during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, is a seasonal market where vendors sell traditional items and produce needed for the festival celebrations.
A vendor, expressing frustration, stated, "We come here with our daily produce to do business for just three days during the Matoli Bazaar, but this Sopo contractor is fleecing us. Charging Rs 200 for a small space is not appropriate. We cannot afford such exorbitant fees, especially for such a short period. The council must intervene and take strict action against this exploitation."
The sudden spike in Sopo fees has put vendors in a difficult situation, as many depend on the modest earnings from their seasonal stalls to sustain their livelihoods.
The vendors claim that the contractor is taking advantage of the high demand for space in the market during the festival season, exploiting them with unreasonable charges.
Several vendors have voiced their concerns to the civic body, demanding immediate action to address the issue and hold the contractor accountable for these alleged overcharges.
Many feel that the council, which is responsible for overseeing the market operations, should have stricter oversight over the contractor to ensure compliance with the prescribed rates and protect vendors from being overcharged.
The vendors are also calling for a more transparent system for Sopo collection to prevent such incidents in the future.
"We expect fair treatment from the council and the contractor. The charges must be in line with the prescribed rates, and the process should be clear to avoid confusion or exploitation," said another vendor.
As the complaints grow, vendors are hopeful that the Mapusa Municipal Council will step in swiftly to investigate the allegations and take corrective measures, ensuring that no vendor is subjected to unfair fees during the crucial business period of the festival season.
Efforts to reach the civic body officials were unsuccessful.
