VALPOI
When the going got tough, the Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) got going and in a sudden move on Thursday, sealed about 40 shops in municipal buildings for non-payment of rent.
Among the defaulters included the shop which was being used by the Valpoi BJP block and many defaulters quickly paid their dues by Thursday evening.
It may be recalled that recovery of dues running into lakh of rupees was pending for the last few years. Many shops in the old building and newly constructed building were allotted on rental basis as per the guidelines, but most vendors had failed to pay their monthly rent, due to which recovery of lakhs of rupees was pending.
Since VMC does not have any major source of income, the council was facing financial crisis for the last few months.
Many notices were served regarding the pending dues, but there was no serious response from the vendors. Finally, the vendors were served final notices and four days were given to pay the dues, but there was poor response from the defaulters.
On Thursday, VMC authorities initiated sudden action to recover the dues and sealed over 40 shops. Market Inspector Madhura Natekar along with other staff undertook the special drive.
The Valpoi constituency BJP Mandal office, which was running for the last 15 years in the old building complex, was also sealed. This office is in the name of Shashira Shishu Kendra, but BJP Mandal office is running from the premises.
When contacted, BJP Mandal President Sakharam Gaonkar said he had intimated the matter to the higher authorities many times, but admitted that no serious attention was paid to the issue.
Speaking to The Goan, VMC Chief Officer Cynthia Misquita said action was taken as per provision of law.
“Many notices and reminders were sent to defaulters, but there was poor response from them. So, action was undertaken to seal the premises. Many vendors have paid the dues, but a number of vendors are negligible as far as defaulter list is concerned.”
