Margao traders demand action against illegal hawkers squatting on footpaths

MARGAO: Illegal businesses mushrooming on pavements and migrant women hawkers resorting to deceptive sales practices have made life miserable for traders in Margao.

The situation is worse on Sunday’s and public holidays. Hawkers, particularly women make merry by selling goods without any fear of the law and the unscrupulous vendors allegedly conducting their business with the tacit blessings of authoritiesm politicians and mafia in the city, alleged vendors.

These women, predominantly make a living by selling towels and other ready made garments near the entrances of the New Market and Gandhi Market reportedly mislead consumers—particularly tourists—resulting in significant disruptions to regular business operations.

Prompted by these concerns, the newly formed Market Traders Association has alerted its members and urged authorities to address the issue immediatly.

According to traders, a group of approximately 10 migrant women target tourists, often offering assistance with shopping while maintaining covert alliances with select traders. This not only skews business opportunities in favour of a few but also leads to misinformation about product prices. Gopal Naik, President of the New Market Traders Association, expressed dismay at the presence of these migrant women, noting their activities have intensified in recent years.

“Migrant women strategically position themselves at market entrances, preying on unsuspecting tourists,” Naik revealed. He further accused them of deceitful practices, alleging that they mislead shoppers and divert business to affiliated traders, causing financial losses to others.

While emphasising that the association does not oppose legitimate business activities, Naik asserted that action must be  initiated against those engaging in illegal business. 

The association plans to take up the matter with the Margao Municipal Council and local police, seeking intervention to curb the deceptive practices.

Concerned citizen Shivanand Borkar echoed the sentiments, expressing worries about the long-term consequences if the issue remains unaddressed.

“The lack of action from the civic authorities only emboldens these illegal activities, jeopardising the market’s reputation and deterring tourists,” Borkar said. He stressed the importance of preserving a fair and transparent business environment to uphold Margao’s standing as a tourist destination.