VASCO
The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has begun a major tax assessment drive ahead of Diwali, issuing show-cause notices and warning of strict action against establishments ” including major petrol pumps ” that have not cleared their dues.
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker said on Friday that the council has revived its assessment initiative after finding several property owners and traders evading payments.
“We have restarted our assessment drive before Diwali. Though the process had begun earlier, we are now stepping it up as many have still not paid their dues to the MMC,” Borker said. “Our action is not limited to small businesses. Even large establishments, including petrol pumps, are being targeted for not having valid trade licences or for failing to pay long-pending dues.”
Explaining the council’s financial difficulties, Borker said the MMC earlier depended heavily on Octroi taxes, which were discontinued nearly ten years ago.
“We used to earn a major part of our income from Octroi, but that stopped long ago. Now we must generate our own revenue to pay staff salaries and prevent losses,” he said.
He added that the council has also begun assessing house tax to raise more income.
“We are not acting against anyone unfairly. We simply expect people to pay their dues on time,” Borker said. “Some have sublet their premises without updating records, while others are running trades different from those listed in their licences. Such violations will not be tolerated.”
Show-cause notices have been issued to all defaulters, giving them seven days to settle their dues.
“If they fail to pay within the deadline, we will seal their premises and close their businesses without any further notice,” Borker warned.
