“Under the guidance of MMC Chief Officer Raju Gawas, the MMC has so far recovered rent from shop owners in Mapusa market (Rs 1.54 crore), House Tax from residents (Rs 2.13 crore), trade licenses (Rs 32.47 lakh), signboards (Rs 10.99 lakh), construction licenses (Rs 1.78 crore), mobile tower tax (Rs 41.41 lakh) and garbage tax (Rs 37.04 lakh),” MMC Accounts Taxation Officer Bhanudas Naik told Herald.
“MMC has sealed 28 shops from February 2 to 11 and also recovered Rs 9.14 lakh from the shopkeepers,” Naik added. “The MMC has now planned to recover an additional Rs 1.69 crore from pending house taxes by March 31.”
MMC has deputed recovery officer Rajan Phadte and market inspectors Vikas Kambli, Vijay Salker, Santosh Dangui and Nilesh Lingudker to recover the outstanding dues.
“Initially, the MMC had sent notices to the defaulters, followed by demand notices and then warrants. If defaulters do not bother to pay the outstanding, MMC takes stringent action. Section 147 of Goa Municipality Act empowers the municipality to seize the goods in the house of the defaulters to recover the outstanding dues,” said Naik.
“MMC has also sent notices to 48 shop owners under Goa Public Premises (Eviction of unauthorized occupants) Act 1988 to 48 shop owners, who have not renewed their agreements with MMC,” added Naik.
