VASCO
Seeking a reduction in house tax for people in the port town, Vasco BJP Block President and Ward 12 Councillor Deepak Naik on Thursday also demanded the implementation of the resolution regarding lowering of house tax, which was passed by the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) last year.
Naik was speaking to reporters after the special meeting to constitute the standing committee and other sub-committees.
“The council had a meeting for the first time since it was elected. A lot of people told me that they received house taxes at revised rates which are almost double and in some cases, even five times the previous rates and that, they are facing a financial crunch to pay the revised tax.”
“When I enquired, I realised there was a resolution by MMC in 2014 where the taxes were revised and arrears were also added. The MMC had passed another resolution in 2020 not to increase the house tax rates and other licenses fees etc. due to the pandemic,” said Naik.
“However, that resolution has not been implemented and rates are being calculated as per the revised tariff. I have placed the issue before the chairperson and chief officer, requesting a special council meeting to discuss this issue,” said Naik.
When contacted, MMC Chairperson Damodar Kaskar said he would take up the matter with the MMC chief officer, so that people are not financially burdened with higher tariffs amid the pandemic.
