It is learnt that since implementing the revised tax structure from April 1, Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has reportedly collected trade tax and other fees averaging Rs 12 lakh per day. A group of concerned citizens and taxpayers from Margao are opposing the steep hike in taxes and fees. Though the civic body has claimed that the hike is limited to just 20 per cent there are allegations that an increase of 60 per cent is being implemented. This steep hike seems unwarranted and will affect the business community in a big way. There has been a demand that the civic body should first focus on recovering outstanding dues and completing the survey of unassessed properties before imposing any tax hike. A warning has also been sounded that if the hike was not rolled back, the people would express their discontent in the upcoming municipal and assembly elections. A gradual hike in the taxes over the years should have been implemented instead of a sudden steep hike. There is apprehension that citizens would resort to a civil disobedience movement by refusing to pay municipal taxes if there is no roll back.
