VASCO: After cracking whip against trade tax defaulters, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has turned its focus on government departments which are occupying municipal premises but have failed to pay rent dues.
A total of Rs 1.34 crore is pending as rent dues to the MMC from government departments.
Government offices such as office of the deputy collector, office of the mamlatdar, sub-treasury office, health, civil supplies, post office etc have been occupying the premises owned by MMC. However all these departments have not cleared their rent dues, despite demand notices served on them by the MMC.
“As per our records, all exercise to serve demand notices on these government offices has been complied with. Even letters were sent to the heads of department, however, there has been no progress nor did they come forward to pay their rent dues. May be they want MMC to waive them these dues which is not tenable,” MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said.
“After assuming charge I have cleared big amount on power and water bills pending since last more than 10 years to these respective departments. If I had paid the outstanding dues, then, why not these departments follow suit? Yesterday, I issued them another notice asking them to appear for personal hearing fixed on first week of May and thereafter I will take needful action in the matter,” he said.
He said that recovery of dues by MMC is in progress and the council has set a target to recover at least Rs 14 crore this year. “I am confident of achieving the target. Many traders and house owners have come forward after we started cracking whip against the defaulters. People can pay their dues without fine up to May 31. From June 1, we will impose 25 percent fine and thereafter in next quarter 50% and so on,” he added.
