Team Herald
MARGAO: Civic group Madganvcho Awaaz has submitted a memorandum to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), demanding a rollback of the steep hikes in municipal taxes and fees, including trade licenses, construction permits, and sanitation charges.
The organization has also called for the release of a White Paper detailing the services provided by the MMC and an appraisal of the performance of both councillors and municipal employees over the past four years.
The memorandum, signed by youth leader Prabhav Naik and addressed to the Chief Officer, refers to an earlier demand made by Madganvcho Awaaz on March 1, immediately after the MMC announced the tax hikes.
Naik has urged the MMC to issue a White Paper covering various municipal services, including scientific waste management, hygienic public toilets, drinking water kiosks, market maintenance, upkeep of traffic islands and public spaces, action against illegal activities, and an assessment of councillors’ and municipal employees’ performance.
Criticizing the fee hikes, Naik argued that they disproportionately burden law-abiding citizens while benefiting those engaged in illegal activities, often with MMC’s tacit approval. He also cited audit reports pointing to the council’s mismanagement, failure to maintain public spaces, and rampant corruption.
"The Margao Municipal Council has completely failed in its responsibilities, and its inability to maintain public spaces or provide essential services is evident," Naik stated in the memorandum.
He further questioned the justification for the hikes, arguing that if the MMC claims taxes haven’t been increased in 15 years, it must first demonstrate what improvements have been made in that time.
"We believe the situation has worsened, not improved. MMC should focus on improving service delivery and tackling corruption," Naik asserted.