The MMC also resolved to impose a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Reliance Jio for each ground-based mast installed in its jurisdiction.
The meeting, although attended by all councillors, saw only four or five councillors speak, while the rest just observed their colleagues.
Initially, there was a heated discussion over the changing of the Carnival, Shigmo and Narkasur Vadh parade routes from Margao town to Fatorda. Councillors Rupesh Mahatme, Raju Shirodkar, Arthur D’Silva and Damu Naik strongly opposed the shifting of the route.
“There is a hidden agenda in the shifting of the route. Did you take us into confidence while making that carnival organising committee? We challenge the Council to hold the parades in Margao, if not with permission, then forcibly,” said Mahatme.
While clarifying the MMC’s stand on the issue, Chairperson Babita Angle said, “The South SP made a letter to us supporting the change in route. The Collector has called on us and supported this decision. Citizens of the town have also liked the change as it was done for their convenience.”
There was unanimity over the decision to impose a fine against Reliance Jio for the ground based Wi-Fi masts installed across Margao and Fatorda. Several councillors also demanded the shifting of masts that had been installed haphazardly in dangerous places.
The MMC engineers and technical staff were taken to task by the councillors for remaining silent and allowing such masts to come up.
“Nobody knows that the masts have been installed, and surprisingly, not even the municipal engineer knows about this,” said Shirodkar, adding, “We have lost a lot of money due to this and have to fine them (Reliance) for it.”
While clearing the MMC’s position on the issue, Angle stated that Reliance had obtained single-window clearance and at no point permission had been taken. She added, “We have therefore decided to impose a heavy fine and regularise them (masts) by means of a council decision.”
The council unanimously resolved to slap a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Reliance for each tower and to charge advance rent from the service provider.
The MMC has also passed a resolution to expedite the assessment of revenue and houses in its jurisdiction. The charges for issuing birth and death certificates were also discussed at length, following which the council resolved to double the amount from Rs 15 to Rs 30.
The MMC has also resolved to expedite the work of revenue collection and to contact the people who had expressed willingness to take up the work.
There was a lot of discussion on the issue of house tax assessment, which the municipality had promised but not done.
“The Margao MLA, when was the Chief Minister, had said that the houses will be assessed. He made the promise, took votes, and finally people did not get anything. The election results will be declared before the survey is complete, and hence, something concrete has to be done to get the work completed,” said Mahatme.
Meanwhile, Chairperson Angle made it clear that the assessment numbers will be given to people, but no legalisation by means of assessment will be done. The Council finally resolved to assess houses only on an application made by the owners.
The issues of a food court at the parking lot opposite the KTC bus stand and the renaming of two roads in Fatorda were held back, while several other resolutions were taken at the meet.
