the goan I network
PANAJI
The Panjim Hotel And Traders Association (PHATA) has alleged continuance of illegalities in the operation of street gaddas which it said are being protected by some ‘unscrupulous councillors’ and have vowed to boycott all Corporation of the City of Panaji fees.
In a statement to the media, Ricardo Rebelo the secretary of the association has said that there was open connivance by certain councillors in the CCP to allow the gaddas to continue illegally.
“The government should inquire how gas connections are being used in the illegal cooking of food by gaddas stationed across the city. PHATA wants to know which gas company and gas agency is supplying gas cylinders illegally where cooking is done openly surrounded by the public without following any safety norms. Why has the CCP closed its eyes to the blatant illegality of using gas in public places?” Rebelo asked.
“PHATA has urged the CCP to immediately look into the levy of taxation on house tax, trade licence tax, garbage fees and signboard tax as per the assurances were given and discussion held in the chamber of Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza, Secretary for Urban Development, CCP Commissioner, Panaji Mayor and PHATA. Till relief is granted and renewal of trade licence fee is simplified PHATA will continue with the call to boycott of CCP fees,” Rebelo said.
The association has warned the corporators not to interfere in the functioning of the CCP affairs as they have no executive powers which are vested with the CCP Commissioner.
The Panaji police late on Saturday night swooped down and shut down some of the allegedly illegal gaddas, but the hoteliers have remained defiant that they will continue to push with their demands.
