Team Herald
MARGAO: Chaos was witnessed at the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) when several citizens vehemently protested against the discriminatory hike in house tax and waste collection fees.
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Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar however said that the council has not yet implemented the circular and would study the matter.
“ The MMC will take more time in implementing the decision to hike house tax and garbage fees, but at the same we have to follow the circular issued by the government and not the council,” stated Shirodkar.
On Wednesday, several citizens gathered at the Municipal building to protest against the hike in taxes, however, they were stopped at the threshold of entrance when they wanted submit the memorandum and discuss the issue with the Chairperson.
A posse of policemen stopped the irate citizens and told them they were instructed by the Chairperson to allow only five representatives to meet him.
However, citizens opined that being loyal taxpayers they had the right to discuss the issue with the Chairperson and nobody could stop them from doing so.
After heated arguments, half an hour later, ten representatives were allowed to enter.
Citizens demanded that the circular for hike in house tax and garbage fee, be kept in abeyance till the council completed the exercise of bringing un-assessed premises under the tax benefit.
Maria Fernandes requested the Chairperson to bring all under the tax bracket and not to do injustice to loyal taxpayers.
Pio Baretto argued that if un-assessed premises are tapped for revenue, the very cause for shortage of funds will not arise, and no hikes will be necessary.
A lengthy discussion was witnessed between the Chairperson and Savio Coutinho, former Chairperson and Shadow Council Convenor (SCC) for Margao representing the group of citizens, wherein, several other issues pertaining to leakage in revenue was also raised.
“We filed written objections at the time when the rules were notified by the government and had also requested the Council to take an appropriate resolution to oppose the additional financial burden, however no such resolution was taken by the Council ,” Coutinho informed.
The delegation requested the Chairperson to act in the interest of not only the loyal taxpayers who have been feeding the Municipal treasury all over the years, but also act in the interest of the Council by further boosting the revenue collection.
“ Only the loyal taxpayers are over burdened with new tax rates,” stated charged Laurel Abranches.
Speaking to reporters, the Chairperson said that the council has not yet implemented the circular and will surely look into the grievances put forward by the citizens.
