VASCO
People have been seen at the taxation department to make the necessary payment and renew their licenses, but staff have not been of much help as the signing authority is on leave and the replacement officer has failed to take the charge.
“Earlier, we never kept files pending and would clear renewal and trade licenses within short time,” said a source from the taxation division on condition of anonymity.
Speaking to The Goan, a senior citizen, Alex Godinho, who has been visiting the office for the last one week to renew his trade licence, said he is being harassed over petty issues.
“I cannot climb the staircase as I have a knee problem and despite that, I have been visiting the office, only to hear that my papers are not signed even when all documents are in order,” said Godinho.
Ramkrishna Pednekar said he had applied for a trade licence over two weeks ago, but added that his papers were pending as the officer concerned was on leave.
“Here we are trying to do legal business, but those involved in illegal businesses are flourishing and MMC has failed to act against them,” complained Pednekar.
When contacted, MMC Chief Officer Deepali Naik confirmed that the officer concerned was on leave and added that an officer from Margao Municipal Council who had been allotted additional charges failed to report to work at the MMC.
MMC Chairperson Deepak Naik informed that the council had sought the officer’s transfer on account of complaints about the officer.
“If people are unhappy if their work is not done, they can either meet me or the chief officer and we will help them,” assured Deepak.
Councillor Frederick Henriques said the council is struggling to recover the outstanding dues, but the officer concerned had made it difficult for people to make payments. “During the next council meeting, I will raise the issue and will seek transfer of this officer,” said Henriques.
