Confusion over sanitary tax collection, plagues residents

Residents of Margao are agitated over the collection of taxes of the MMC leaving the citizens agitated. Tax payers met the Chairperson over this matter and presented a letter listing out the decision taken on April 18 with regards to the sanitary tax.

Even though it was decided that the sanitary tax for commercial establishments would be kept on hold till the council decides on the new rates, tax payers alleged that the staff at MMC insisted that people pay the sanitation fees or they would refuse to accept the trade fees.

Citizens called on the Chief Officer Y B Tavde today and presented in writing what was discussed and decided upon at the April 18 meeting and expressed concern that the extension for the late fee payment may also not be implemented.

Confusion prevailed amongst the people who presumed that the exemption for time being in sanitary fee was for house tax payers too while it was exempted only for commercial establishments and house tax payers would have to pay the required Rs 600 per annum while for offices it is Rs 1800 per annum.

Many of them were seen arguing with the staff who had to refer the agitated people to the Accounts Department officials where the same scene was repeated.

Many of the agitated members were asked to contact their councilors for a clarification. Significantly, most of the agitated people were non-resident Madganvkars with some of them being residents of Mumbai and others being overseas residents.

Incidentally, the sanitation fees for households works out to Rs 50 per month while for offices and shops it is Rs 150 per month. In fact MMC has prepared 27 different categories of commercial establishments for the same of sanitation fees.

The sanitation fees for these commercial establishments range from Rs 150 per month for ‘Small Barber Shops’ which works out to Rs 1800 per annum to the highest being Rs 6000 per month for “Stadium” which works out to Rs 72,000 per annum.