MARGAO
In a major decision aimed at mopping up revenue, the Margao Municipal Council on Monday resolved to bring professionals including lawyers, doctors, engineers and architects under the ambit of professional tax.
As part of its revenue-mopping exercise, MMC in another far-reaching decision has resolved to auction goods confiscated during the encroachment drive if the owners do not collect these within a stipulated time. Goods to be returned would be fined 25 per cent of the total value.
The Council also recognized the services rendered by Chief Officer Siddivinayak Naik for the ongoing revenue collection exercise, further empowering the CO to take the exercise to its logical conclusion by bringing all establishments under the tax net.
The Council meeting chaired by Chairperson Babita Prabhudesai resolved to levy professional tax on professionals based in the city since they have neither been paying the trade license, advertisement fees nor the garbage fees.
The Chairperson, however, said the Council would invite representatives of the medical, engineers and architects associations before levying the professional tax. “I will invite representatives of these associations by January before the tax is made applicable in the new financial year,” Babita told the media.
The CO pointed out there may be around 5000 professionals having their offices in the city.
Meanwhile, in another major decision, MMC has resolved to invoke section 10 sub section (5) of the Goa Sewerage System and Sanitation Services Management Act 2008 and Rules 2010 to act against those who obstruct citizens wishing to avail the sewerage facility.
