MAPUSA: The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) seems to be turning a blind eye towards the issue of unauthorised subletting of Municipal premises such as shops and stalls in the town. It has been noticed that the MMC has been signing an agreement with the lessees but are failing to act against those violating the terms and conditions.

A huge number of municipal shops have been sublet by the lessees in violation of the terms and conditions of the lease agreement. According to the agreement any lessee found indulging in subletting of municipal premises has no rights to bid in auction for the privilege to occupy municipal premises in the future.

Out of the 1047 municipal premises around 463 have been further given out to sub lessees or tenants with the knowledge of the municipality. Recently in an RTI reply, the MMC has furnished details of original lessees and sub lesses. This goes on to show that the MMC authority are aware of this illegality and they themselves are violating the terms and conditions mentioned in the lease agreement.

The Chief Officer, Clen Madeira, informed that the lessee signs a contract of three years with the MMC and further subletting of shops is not permissible under the Municipal Act. “If municipal premises are being further sublet then the licence of those has to be revoked. Within the next six months’ time things will fall in place,” said Clen.

One of the active Councillors from Ward VII, Franky Carvalho stated that the MMC has the authority to take back possession of the shops and auction the original lessees. When asked the process adopted he said,, “Out of three bidders the highest bidder is given the shop or stall on lease after which an agreement is signed by the MMC. If any of the lessee is not following the terms and condition or goes against the contract the MMC CO has the power to cancel or discontinue with the agreement.” 

An RTI activist and senior citizen, Jawaharlal Shetye pointed out that municipalities do not seem to be taking any action against those violating the lease deal.

“The municipality has the right to take back possession from tenants or lessee indulging in this act as per the Municipal Act 1968,” said Shetye.

It is high time the councillors debate on the course of action to be taken on the vexed issue. In case the councillors fail then a report should be sent to the Directorate of Municipal Administration for its advice on how to deal with the same.