MARGAO: Nearly 24 shops operating at the KTC bus stand at Margao will be asked to shut down their business operations in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public meeting scheduled on February 6.
However, a few shop owners stated that they are ready to shut down the business, but requested the government and the KTCL to provide relaxation in shop rent.
According to sources, several counters related to government schemes will be opened at the bus stand platform, where nearly 10 shops have been engaged in business.
When O Heraldo visited the bus stand, a few shop owners claimed that they have not received any notice regarding the closure of the shops in wake of the PM’s public meeting at the bus stand.
“We will surely cooperate with the government if asked to close down the shops, but our request is that we be given relaxation on the shop rent,” urged Puspak Mamlekar, owner of one of the shops operating at the Margao KTC bus stand.
Stating that business here has been affected badly in the last few years, he complained that they are finding it difficult to pay monthly rent to the KTCL, which is nearly Rs, 25,000 to Rs. 30,000.
Ratika Naik, another shop owner said that the shut down should not be for more days as they will be in trouble to earn their livelihood.
“Let the authorities concerned issue the notices with regards to closure of shops and we, shop owners will decide accordingly,” she said.
KTC chairman Ulhas Tuenkar said that the government will try not to disturb the businesses of the shop owners.
“They will be asked to shut down the shops for certain days for security reasons,” he stated.
