Amidst intense opposition from citizens, Margao civic body implements new house tax, garbage fee structure

Team Herald

MARGAO: The citizens of Margao have expressed outrage over the decision of the Margao Municipal Council to hike house tax and garbage fees by 50%. Despite strong objections, the civic body implemented the circular, leaving taxpayers feeling betrayed.

Two days ago, a group of citizens had held a protest in front of the municipal building, demanding that the Council reconsider the implementation of the circular. Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar had even promised to discuss the matter with councillors and take the citizens’ objections into consideration. However, the council went ahead with updating their online tax collection system with the new fee structure on Thursday evening, and citizens were asked to pay up as per the hiked rates.

“This is a total betrayal of the loyal taxpayers of Margao,” said Savio Coutinho, local activist and convenor of the Shadow Council of Margao. “The Chairperson had assured us that the council would reconsider the implementation of the circular, but it was shocking that they have started charging citizens as per the new circular.” Coutinho warned the council of an aggressive agitation over the issue in the coming days.

The Chairperson, on the other hand, defended the decision, saying that the council had deliberated with other councillors before implementing the circular, and were now bound by it. “For residential houses, the sanitation fees have gone up to Rs 900 from Rs 600. The charges for commercial establishments will be according to the area occupied,” he explained. He further said that the council used to charge commercial establishments a flat fee of Rs 1,800, but now the fee will be calculated as per the area, perhaps resulting in a lower fee as compared to the earlier rate.

However, citizens remain unconvinced, with many feeling that the council has let them down. “They are now habitual betrayers,” remarked Coutinho. 

“Implementing the new circular before bringing the non-assessed premises into the tax bracket is completely wrong and irresponsible on the part of the council,” he said.