Team Herald
MARGAO: The protest against the recent hike in Margao Municipal Council (MMC) fees has intensified, with commercial establishment owners formally refusing to pay the revised rates, alleging that the increase exceeds what was approved by the Council on 27 February 2025.
A group of citizens and taxpayers has termed the hike illegal and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
At a press conference, Shadow Council of Margao convener Savio Coutinho was joined by Adv. Snehal Onskar, architect Carlos Gracias, Lincoln Gomes, Aneil Alvares, Robert Vaz, Anwar Naroo, Clifford Dias, and Camilo Camara. Coutinho presented copies of letters submitted by traders, stating their refusal to comply with the new fees, citing the February Council resolution that allowed only a 10–15% increase.
He accused MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar of deploying market inspectors to threaten traders with sealing orders if they failed to pay under the new structure, calling it “an act of extortion”. He also questioned why no action had been taken to recover Rs. 3 lakh in dues allegedly owed by a Margao BJP Mandal office bearer.
Protesters said they had compiled video evidence showing Chairperson Shirodkar and councillors—including BJP councillor Camilo Barretto—stating that only a modest hike was approved. These clips will be circulated to business owners to resist any pressure from municipal staff.
Coutinho also revealed that Fatorda councillors had filed an objection with the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), challenging the unauthorised hike. He maintained that this objection gave legal ground to withhold payment at the inflated rates.
Lincoln Gomes said several complaints had been received from business owners, and urged them to submit written refusals and use the video evidence to counter intimidation.
Adv. Snehal Onskar criticised both the MMC Chairperson and BJP MLA Digambar Kamat for the April 2023 hike in residential sanitation fees—from Rs 600 to Rs. 900—higher than Panjim’s corresponding fee, which remains Rs 600.
Protesters also condemned the Council’s decision to apply the new rates to transfer fees, even for applications submitted before the start of the financial year.
The group warned that if the fee hike is not withdrawn, they will approach the High Court, alleging that the Council’s actions—and those of its political mentors—are unlawful and must be stopped.