Mapusa Market vendors have called off their protests after the local MLA assured them that he would address the issue of rent hikes with the Mapusa Municipal Corporation (MMC). The vendors had closed their shutters and marched to the Mapusa Municipality, expressing their discontent over the increase in monthly rent.
Following discussions with the MLA, the vendors confirmed the withdrawal of their protest, citing the MLA’s commitment to addressing the matter and taking necessary actions. The Mapusa MLA announced a scheduled meeting for this evening to delve into the details of the rent hike issue and make an informed decision.
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The vendors had earlier appealed to the MMC to reconsider their decision, emphasizing the substantial financial burden the rent hike would impose on their businesses.
Representatives from the Mapusa Merchants Association emphasized the adverse impact of the proposed rise in shop rents on economic sustainability, stating, “We conveyed the challenges faced by businesses, especially in the current economic climate, and underscored the potential consequences of such a rent hike.” consequences of such a rent hike.
The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) had previously passed a resolution to increase the monthly rent for shops and stalls owned by the municipality from Rs 156 to Rs 295 per square meter. The MMC justified this decision, stating that it was based on a rent certificate received from the Public Works Department (PWD) in March 2023.
