MAPUSA
Pointing to various anomalies in the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, the All Goa Merchant Association United Forum on Friday asked the State government to repeal the ordinance or refer it to a select committee under the chairmanship of the urban development minister.
The forum said due to Covid-19 pandemic, businesses were undergoing financial stress and burdening the merchants with increased taxes and penal action was most inappropriate and against the law of natural justice.
It also requested the government to consult with all the stakeholders while bringing any changes in the Act.
“The government through the ordinance intends to regularise some unauthorised transfer, renew leases and also raise finances for the municipalities. However, the merchants have several issues which could be thrashed out by holding wide consultation with stakeholders. Most of the provisions in the ordinance are harmful and against the interest of the merchants,” said Ashish Shirodkar, convenor of the forum.
In a representation to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the forum has suggested various changes in the municipality ordinance.
The forum said the ‘termination of leases after 10 years and re-auction’ clause was not acceptable to the merchants and hence, should be scrapped and automatic renewal every three years should be maintained.
It also said that the increase in rent by 10 percent per year was exorbitant and hence an outer limit ought to be fixed.
The forum also found that the proposed transfer fees of unauthorised municipal premises were on the higher side and needed to be rationalised, depending on the size and place of business.
The forum further noted that transfer fees of leasehold rights by way of inheritance were also exorbitant and suggested nominal processing fee in cases of transfer by way of succession or inheritance.
It also suggested that the rent for the holders doing business in old structures should be exempted from the proposed rent hike.
According to the forum, making offences cognizable and non-bailable was draconian in nature and needs to be withdrawn as it was against the principle of natural justice and human rights.
It also said the provision to exclude married daughters for transfer of lessees among the family members was legally not tenable and should include any lineal ascendant or descendant of lessee or his spouse or any blood relation, including married daughter and uncles.
‘House tax assessment unprecedented’
MAPUSA: The All Goa Merchant Association United Forum has described as “unprecedented” the introduction of the assessment of House Tax on the basis of Capital Value of the property in the municipal ordinance which could be detrimental to the public.
“Capital Value is to be fixed by the chief officer taking into consideration market value under the Goa Stamp (determination of true market value of property) Rules 2003, which may be unreasonable and beyond limits of the holder,” said Ashish Shirodkar, convenor of the forum.
