VASCO: Vendors at the fruit and vegetable market in Vasco have demanded the implementation of a proper Sopo system by the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC).
Several vendors who shut their shops in protest on Monday alleging harassment by MMC have alleged that MMC appointed Sopo agents collect money from fixed vendors who keep their produce outside their stalls even though fixed vendors don’t come in the ambit of collections by Sopo agents.
Questioning MMC’s anti-encroachment drive, vendors claimed that if the MMC wanted to evict roadside hawkers then the Sopo should not be collected and if the sopo is being collected, then roadside vendors cannot be evicted from the area.
According to sources, a Sopo agent is appointed by MMC through bids and the agent is liable to collect a fee on a daily basis from people who do small business and sell products in the jurisdiction, but don’t have MMC stalls or shops or trade licenses and other documentation.
“Though fruit and vegetable stalls are not covered under the Sopo system, the agent collects Rs 50 from them each day as Sopo fees after MMC officials are gone,” complained a fruit vendor on condition of anonymity.
“We are paying license fees and other revenue to the MMC. Sometimes, we have leafy vegetables and fruits that can get spoilt with the heat in the stalls. So we sprinkle them with water and keep them in the shade outside our stalls.”
“The moment we keep them on the ground, Sopo agents come and charge us Rs 50 almost on a daily basis. Many vendors face difficulties as they are not educated enough to question the agents. The MMC must legalize the Sopo system. How many people do we pay? This is eating into our earnings besides causing us trouble. Some agents threaten to seize our products.”
“Sopos are meant for small roadside vendors and if MMC has to evict roadside hawkers, then what is the use of the Sopo system,” asked the fruit vendor.
Refuting the allegations, MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes clarified that Sopo agents are authorised to collect money from people doing temporary business. “People must understand the difference. Sopo is collected from those doing business on purely temporary basis and going home, while rent and market fees are for permanent structures.”
“Sopo does not entitle anyone to do continuous business. Everyday, they can halt only at dedicated places and do business. People doing temporary business cannot do business everywhere in the name of Sopo and encroach on public pathways and footpaths,” said Fernandes.
