VALPOI
Residents have urged Valpoi Municipality to increase revenue by issuing trade licences, recovering outstanding rent and leasing vacant municipal shops, amid concerns over its ability to meet regular expenditure, including employees’ salaries.
Several commercial establishments within the municipal limits allegedly operate without trade licences or the required waste collection permissions. Residents have called for a survey of businesses, verification of licences and fees, and action against violations.
They have also sought an inquiry into allegations that municipal employees have not adequately monitored compliance.
The municipality reportedly earns around Rs 10 lakh annually from rent paid by the Gram Nyayalaya and the Civil Supplies Department’s divisional office housed in its building. However, several municipality-owned shops remain vacant, while some tenants have reportedly accumulated rent arrears.
Residents have called for vacant premises to be repaired and leased through prescribed procedures. They have also urged the administration to issue notices to rent defaulters, set payment deadlines and recover outstanding dues in accordance with the rules.
Concerns have also been raised over the municipality’s ability to pay employees’ salaries on time and maintain sanitation, waste management and other civic services.
Following the expiry of the municipal council’s term, an appointed administrator is overseeing the municipality. Residents have urged the administrator to prepare a time-bound plan covering revenue collection, licence fees, rental income, recovery of arrears and expenditure monitoring.
They have also called for monthly reviews of revenue and expenditure, with responsibility assigned to officials for implementing the measures.
Residents have sought the intervention of local MLA and minister Vishwajit Rane to address the municipality’s financial position and ensure funds are available for essential civic services and development works.
