the goan I network
MARGAO
Margao Municipal Council Chief Officer Sidhivinayak Naik on Friday went about offering roses to the managers of private and nationalised banks as he adopted a novel way of making these financial institutions clear their statutory dues.
Before leaving the bank premises, the Chief Officer, however, issued a warning to the managers that the civic body would have no option than to issue them warrants under the Goa Municipalities Act if they fail to reciprocate his gesture.
The Chief Officer, with his Accounts and Administrative Officer, Damodar Elekar and Clerk Dilip K in tow, made his presence felt in a couple of financial institutions. The bank managers were taken aback with the Chief Officer offering them a handshake and a rose, only to later realise that Naik’s presence was more to do with the recovery of tax dues, including huge outstanding rent.
While the bank managers have agreed to cooperate with the civic body, the Chief Officer warned that he would have no option than to crack a whip by serving warrants on these institutions. “Each of these four banks owe around Rs 10 lakh each to the civic body by way of rent. I have approached them with roses to convey the message that the civic body does not receive any pleasure by sealing their premises. At the same time, however, I have conveyed a stern message that the civic body will act firmly against the defaulters,” he said, adding that he has requested the banks to clear their dues before March 31.
To a question, the Chief Officer pointed out that the civic body has a bad experience with some of the financial institutions, who were more interested in the paper work than actually clear the dues. “Most of the banks are operating from rented premises. As per law, they are mandated to pay one month’s rent to the local body, which most of the banks have defaulted,” Naik added.
