A group of concerned Margao residents, led by former municipal chairperson and Congress functionary Savio Coutinho, has alleged that an overwhelming majority of business units operating from Margao Municipal Council (MMC) properties are functioning without valid trade licences.
In a press briefing, Coutinho claimed that out of around 800 commercial establishments housed in municipal markets and other council-owned spaces, only 16 are officially licensed. According to him, the rest evade not just trade licence fees but also payments for signboards and sanitation services.
The citizens criticised what they described as a glaring case of administrative negligence and unfair enforcement. Coutinho accused MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar and the council of discriminating between businesses operating from private properties and those functioning within municipal premises.
“Private business owners are made to pay hefty fees for trade licences, signage, and sanitation. Yet the MMC turns a blind eye to its own establishments that fail to meet even the most basic regulatory requirements,” he said.
The group argued that this selective enforcement not only undermines transparency and good governance but also places an undue burden on compliant private establishments.
They further alleged that the fees currently being collected by the council have not been properly ratified. “Several councillors have filed formal objections, pointing out that the rates being imposed are not in accordance with the council’s officially approved resolutions,” said a member of the group, adding that no charges should be collected without the due ratification of meeting minutes.
Coutinho also revealed that the Shadow Council of Margao had filed a Right to Information (RTI) application seeking details of trade licence holders occupying municipal spaces. However, the MMC has reportedly failed to respond, even after two months. Appeals to the first appellate authority have also gone unanswered.