MARGAO: Even dead are not spared! In a shocking incident, Nuvem Panchayat issued a notice to a dead person asking him to pay the labour cess, and that too after his legal heirs paid the amount three months ago.
Claiming the above, Caetano Fernandes, son of late Jose Fernandes has filed a complaint before the panchayat office in this regard. However, the Panchayat Secretary is still pressing for the labour cess.
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Speaking to the media persons, Caetano said the aforesaid construction licence was initially granted in the name of his father late Jose Fernandes who expired and subsequently the same was renewed in the names of his legal heirs – Santana Jesus Fernandes, Piedade Fernandes, Caetano Fernandes and Femi Fernandes.
“I paid the labour cess in September 2021, and having paid the labour cess fees there is no provision by which the same has to be paid every financial year or otherwise. This conduct on the part of the panchayat without verification is ridiculous,” Caetano said.
He urged the Nuvem Panchayat to withdraw the illegal notice issued to him for the payment of labour cess which he has already paid.
As per the notice issued by the Panchayat Secretary it has been directed to pay the labour cess amounting Rs 26,757 as per the construction licence issued within seven days, as to further remit the labour cess amount to the Goa Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board as per their directives to avoid further consequences.
Earlier, the panchayat had issued notice in the name of Caetano Fernandes upon which he had paid the fees in 2021.
This issue of labour cess has shocked many citizens in the recent days, as several panchayats have issued notices to the concerned house owners to pay the same immediately.
