Team Herald
MARGAO: The traditional khell tiatrists who had performed for the Margao Municipal Council during the Carnival-2015 celebrations and who were not paid their dues are likely to get paid by August 10. The tiatrists had met the MMC chairperson twice over the issue and had been assured of payment. However, the Margao Municipal Council had said that it is waiting for the funds from the Tourism Department and has now promised payment by August 10.
The khell tiatrists informed that the MMC awarded the contract cheerfully but backed out when payments had to be done. It was also informed that payments for the Carnival-2010 performances were also not done.
“It has been almost 5 years we are waiting for the payments but nothing is happening. We are tired of asking for our own money,” said tiatrist Piety De Navelim.
MMC chairperson Arthur D’Silva said he had spoken to the Tourism Department for sanctioning the funds a month back.
The khell tiatrists complained that they visited MMC several times to get their bills cleared. Sources stated that the payment is nearly Rs 2 lakh. There were around 12 directors who were given the contract to stage khell tiatr in the municipal wards and as per the agreement, they were promised payment within three months.
Meanwhile, Margao Municipal Council has launched a crackdown on encroachments in the market area following complaints by citizens. On Monday, some fisherwomen who were selling fish by the roadside were raided. Chairperson Arthur D’Silva said now MMC will act strictly against such violations.
