the goan I network
MARGAO
A delegation led by former MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho, Jose Marie Miranda, Laurel Abranches, president of Hoteliers Association C P Jaggi called on Chief Officer Y B Tawde and submitted a memorandum demanding justice to the tax payers. They told the Chief Officer that the tax payers will be forced to conclude that the civic body is deliberately indulging in loss of revenue for the Council, adding that they will be compelled to approach any appropriate forum, including the court of law.
Coutinho pointed out that though the civic body had assured to implement the assurances given to the delegation last week, confusion still prevails amongst the Municipal administration on the levy of fees and acceptance of taxes, including the trade licence.
The delegation pointed out that while it was agreed that the civic body will not charge the household owners the sanitation fee and accept trade licence and other revenue, the Municipal officials have been found not accepting even the trade licence from the traders.
The delegation reminded the Chief Officer that the civic body has agreed not to charge any penalty for delay in the renewal of trade licence, until the entire process is completed. The civic body had further agreed to accept renewal of trade/occupation licence without charging the sanitation fees as per the new rates.
When contacted, Chief Officer Y B Tawde said that some confusion prevailed amongst the officials on the acceptance of trade licence from the traders. “We will communicate to the lower rung officials to accept the trade licence and to levy the sanitation fees only after the Council takes a call after holding a special meeting,” Tawde said.
Meanwhile, MMC Chairperson Babita Angle Prabhudesai said she is closely studying the issue over the sanitation fees, adding that the Council meeting will be convened only after taking various stake holders into confidence.
