Team Herald
MARGAO: Alleging major scam in the feast fair, the Shadow Council for Margao (SCM) on Monday submitted a representation to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) demanding a thorough inquiry into the revenue collection of the Old Market Feast fair stalls and recovery of the receivable amount.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
In the representation the SCM expressed strong resentment on account of the fair being allowed to run for 12 days, thereby subjecting the general public and more specifically the residents of Madel to grave hardship.
“The motorists were also put to severe inconvenience due to traffic congestion on account of parking on the highway, in close proximity to the Old Market Circle/junction, ” said Savio Coutinho, SCM Convener.
SCM demanded that a thorough assessment be made on the total number of stalls set up at the fair and the revenue receivable for all the 12 days.
“We have reliable information that the Council is likely to suffer a loss to the tune of over Rs 15 lakh due to the concealment of actual revenue collection. While in the past the Council earnings were over Rs 15 to Rs 16 lakh per season for the period of not more than 7 days. This year in spite of the fair running for 12 days, the revenue collection is projected at Rs 7 lakh only”, Coutinho lamented.
SCM demanded that the revenue for the entire period of 12 days should reach the municipal treasury.
“We consider it very unfortunate that at a time of severe financial crisis, wherein dues to the staff are not being paid on time, such loot and plunder is tolerated by the Council”, he added.
Hoping necessary action will be taken in this matter to recover the amount due to the Council, the SCM warned that failure will compel it to file necessary complaints before the competent authority including Anti Corruption Branch/Vigilance Department.
