MAPUSA
The trading community in Mapusa has locked horns once again with the civic body after shopkeepers in the municipal market were served notices to clear outstanding dues, despite CM Pramod Sawant’s recent assurance that the issue of lease renewal for municipal shops would be resolved amicably.
The contentious notices were issued by Mapusa Municipal Council’s (MMC) Accounts and Administrative Officer, Abhay Rane, directing shopkeepers to appear at the municipal office within 15 days with relevant documents to discuss discrepancies in shop rent.
The notices cover cases where arrears range between Rs 2.16 lakh and Rs 7.77 lakh and warn that failure to comply could invite action “without prior intimation.”
Traders, however, have questioned both the legality and the intent of the move. “The notice is wrong. We will meet the Chief Officer to seek clarification on what basis the notice was sent and how the amount to be paid was calculated,” said Siddesh Raut, Secretary of the Mapusa Merchants’ Association.
The shopkeepers have also raised objections to the fact that the notice was issued without clear approval from the Chief Officer or the municipal council.
What has irked the business community further is that a copy of the controversial letter was marked to the Chairperson of MMC. Traders allege the step has been taken to “create fear” among shopkeepers and to bypass the Chief Minister’s directives.
It may be recalled that in a meeting held recently with the local MLA, MMC chairperson, vice-chairperson and traders’ representatives, Chief Minister Sawant had assured that the long-pending lease renewal issue would be settled without harassment to shopkeepers. He had also instructed the Urban Development Department to carry out amendments to streamline the process.
“By serving such notices, the municipal council has shown disregard for the CM’s assurances and is attempting to intimidate the business community,” Raut added, warning that the merchants’ association will not remain silent if the matter is not resolved fairly.
Meanwhile, sources within MMC hinted that the civic body is under pressure to augment its revenue collection, but admitted that the communication could have been handled “in a more transparent manner.”
