MARGAO
Shadow Council for Margao along with citizens of Margao demanded that the concerned MLAs associated with the Margao Municipal Council should take up the cause of the citizens who are likely to be affected by the amendments related to house tax.
SCM Convenor Savio Coutinho said the citizens have been wary of the fact that their representatives had dedicated all efforts to oppose the provisions of section 88 related to the markets, but have conveniently ignored the other provisions of the ordinance which are directly affecting their constituents and voters.
Adv Seoula Vas, on behalf of the citizens, explained how costly an affair the ordinance is going to be for the taxpayers within the city limits.
“There is going to be a new ‘boss’ in the form of a verification officer, and every premise owner will have to convince this new boss that the assessment/valuation of his premises is fairly done” Coutinho stated.
He added: “And if this new boss is not convinced, he will have the power to increase the house tax and penalize you with a fine five times the difference between the verification officer’s assessment and your assessment”.
Coutinho said SCM and the citizens decided to submit a memorandum to all the three MLAs of Margao, Fatorda and Curtorim, appealing them to take up the matter in the assembly. It also decided to organize a protest in front of the Margao Municipal building.
SCM also announced it will be fielding young and bold candidates who will be the voice of their constituents. It appealed to citizens to come forward and contest the civic elections.
