MARGAO: Upset over permissions being granted for a 10-day exhibition cum sale of rainwear and products related to monsoon apparel and other products at the SGPDA open ground, 150 vendors from the Margao municipal New Market and Gandhi market gheraod the MMC chairperson Arthur D’silva on Friday.
The furious market vendors demanded for the immediate revocation of the licence given for the sale failing which they threatened to keep both the market shut for two days. Pointing that the exhibitions cause them heavy losses, the vendors questioned the wisdom of the MMC to allow such exhibitions given the fact that vendors pay rent and taxes to the government in government run markets.
Even as the protests were underway, there was yet another commotion as it was revealed that the chief officer had just cleared the exhibitions license application and the payment for the same had been received.
When the protestors asked the Chairperson whether the MMC is being overpowered by the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), D’Silva said, “Yes, maybe we are being overpowered by them; you need to ask DMA what is happening with our demands.”
The agitated vendors continued to protest and they continued to argue with the chairperson from 11.15 am to 2 pm.
Finally the chairperson called the councillors to discuss the issue. At this stage sources had informed that a payment of Rs 6 lakh had been paid to the MMC in taxes and similarly Rs 5.60 lakh in fees to the SGPDA.
“If we revoke permission and pay back the money, we will have to face disqualification on the point that we have caused revenue loss to MMC,” said Councillor Sadanand Naik. It was also argued that a recent observation by High Court stated that any business activity which fits in all rules regulations and permissions and which earns revenue for government cannot be stopped.
Responding to queries from media persons, D’Silva stated that he would convene a council meeting next week and resolve the demands of the vendor. “We will also look into the legal way of dislodging the sale at SGPDA.
