Valpoi council finally decides to auction 9 vacant shops

VALPOI
The Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) has finally decided to auction its shops located in various places and will auction nine shops in its properties in different parts of the municipality.
Many shops in the VMC’s own buildings have been lying vacant, resulting in a significant loss of revenue for the council. Residents had repeatedly demanded that the VMC auction these shops, but not much attention was paid to their demands.
The VMC finally decided to auction nine shops and recently issued an auction notice in this connection. Parties interested will have to fill out the forms by January 22, and the tenders will be opened on January 27.
Three shops located near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Municipal Park will be auctioned. The shops 2, 3, and 4 have been vacant for almost a year since the park was inaugurated on February 19, 2024.
Besides, five shops in the project located in front of the municipal administrative building will be auctioned. One of these shops is on the ground floor, while the other four are on the first floor.
Some shops had been previously given out on auction, but many did not pay the rent, prompting the VMC to take possession of these shops. Outstanding dues from many shopkeepers have not yet been recovered and the VMC has filed cases against the defaulting shop owners. One shop located in the Market Complex in Valpoi city will also be put up for auction.
Incidentally, many shops on the first floor of the market complex appear to be closed. Despite this, the VMC has announced the auction of only one shop, and there is no mention of the other shops.
The VMC will be leasing the shops at an approximate rate of Rs 250 per square metre. Many have reacted that this rate is not affordable to businesses in a town like Valpoi and felt that the rate should be reduced.