Canacona traders seek Dy Collector’s help to end malpractices

Team Herald 

CANACONA: The Executive Committee of Association of Businessmen of Canacona (ABC) submitted a petition to the Canacona Deputy Collector’s office seeking his intervention to end the malpractices by non-Goans operating in Chaudi. 

The members have demanded that the Deputy Collector arrange a meeting of the representatives of both Goan and non-Goan businessmen within a week to put an end to the malpractices to ensure business is conducted in a fair and transparent manner. 

The memorandum stated that the Collector being the head of the administration in Canacona they expect him to intervene so that the Goan businesses are spared from shutting down.

ABC president Diogo da Silva said their earlier representations to the concerned authorities have not been addressed properly and shops such as electrical, plywood, hardware and other shops owned by Goans are on the verge of shutting down.

When asked what malpractices the non-Goan shop owners commit, the members claimed that they sometimes open at 7 am and close past 9 pm, with no lunch break. They give commission to painters, plumbers, carpenters and masons and remain open on Sundays or on public holidays, which has adversely affected the business of Goan traders.

Goan businessmen allege that the non-Goan traders sell substandard goods at lower rates; most of them have no licenses.  Another ABC member alleged that their staff members have been working for over 12 hours a day and that too without holidays for years.

The delegation later submitted a petition copy to local MLA and Deputy Speaker Isidore Fernandes and informed him about the malpractices. 

After lending a patient ear to their grievances, Fernandes informed the delegation that it is the constitutional right of any Indian to set up business or work in any State but all have to adhere to the rules and regulations of the State in which they operate.  Fernandes assured the delegation to put an end to malpractices in Chaudi.