MARGAO
Perhaps for the first time in recent years, the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) has officially conceded that the wholesale fish market has the potential to generate revenue to the tune of Rs 70-80 lakh annually by way of levy of fees on vehicles entering the market.
The figure amounting to Rs 70-80 lakh may come only from the vehicles entering the market. And, if one takes into account the untapped revenue from the fish cutters and other sources, the figure may touch close to Rs one crore, sources said.
This may throw up the moot question why the SGPDA has been dragging its feet to float a tender and get the best possible deals from the contractor collecting the Sopo tax from the wholesale fish market.
Otherwise, consider this. Records state that the last time the SGPDA tendered sopo collection in the wholesale fish market was around 12 year ago. Since then, the sopo fees from the market have been collected by the contractor of the PDA’s choice without inviting the tenders or putting the entire exercise for an auction.
The sopo collection fees issue figured at the SGPDA meeting presided by Chairman, MLA Wilfred D’Sa, wherein it was decided to float a tender to appoint a contractor for the fee collection.
The PDA Chairman, however, pointed out that till such time the sopo tender is floated by the PDA, the authority will collect the fees from the market departmentally through a person at the rate of Rs seven lakh a month.
Incidentally, a resident of Chinchinim, Malcom Pereira, questioned the decision of the PDA directing the contractor collecting the sopo fees on behalf of the planning body to pay Rs seven lakh a month to the PDA.
“I have moved an application to the PDA expressing my willingness to pay Rs 7.24 lakh a month towards collection of sopo fees, but my application is not considered,” he said and wondered why the PDA is content with revenue of Rs seven lakh a month when he is ready to pay Rs 7.24 lakh a month.
Addressing the media after the meeting in the presence of PDA member, MLA Digambar Kamat, the PDA Chairman said Tuesday’s meeting has decided to float the tenders after seeking legal advice. “Since it is a tender process, we have decided to collect the sopo fees departmentally till the tender is floated by the body.” he added.
The PDA Chairman pointed out that the PDA has set in motion the process to float the tender, a system which was not in place over the last 12 years. “The PDA must have lost revenue running into lakhs of rupees annually,” he added.
PDA member Digambar Kamat said since it has come to light that the PDA wholesale fish market can generate revenue of around Rs 70-80 lakh annually, it has been decided to send the tender file to the PWD for sanction.
“Any tender amounting to over Rs 50 lakh is required to be sent to the PWD for technical sanction,” Kamat said.
