Team Herald
MARGAO: Margao Municipal Council (MMC) on Monday warned all political parties against defacing public property.
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MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said as per Prevention of Goa Defacement Act, his office has to survey all hoardings and banners displayed without permission from the appropriate licensing authority of the Margao Municipal Council.
The CO has urged his staff and also cautioned political parties and the general public that the MMC is bound to adhere strictly with the necessary pre-model code of conduct precautions and an exercise has been conducted by MMC and strict punitive action will be initiated against violators.
Requesting all concerned to be cautioned and terming the matter as most urgent, the MMC CO said his staff has been strictly instructed that all public areas within the municipal jurisdiction is to be cleaned before enforcement of Model Code of Conduct which will come into force once the ensuing Goa Legislative Assembly polls will be announced.
“All who have displayed any posters, cut outs or any advertising material without necessary permissions from the MMC are directed to remove any such advertisements within 24 hours,” said CO. He further said that this is the only intimation and public notice to all political parties to remove anything unauthorised posters/hoardings displayed in the MMC areas by themselves with their own intent.
Citizens of Margao have been expressing regret over several posters, hoardings and cut outs that have popped out overnight and which are an eyesore. In certain cases there is obstruction as well as destruction to traffic.
“No licence of hoarding will exist once code of conduct is enforced as once code of conduct is enforced, Returning Officers (RO) permission is required for any hoarding advertising for any political party or asking to vote for any particular candidate. However, a trade licence can exist unless it is a political advertisement,” added Agnelo.
The CO has appealed to all to maintain a cordial atmosphere in Margao for a peaceful, free and fair assembly election and ensure all election period rules and regulations, especially of the Code of Conduct, are upheld.
