VASCO: Following an official complaint lodged by Vasco Fish Market Vendors’ Association (VFMVA) against the stalls over the alleged illegal fish sale at wholesale rates at Khariwado, the Chief Officer of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Agnelo Fernandes on Wednesday heard both the parties and will now pronounce his order on March 5.
According to Fernandes, MMC had granted its permission to the stalls for selling of sea food items in 2015. However, VFMVA lodged its complaint against the stalls and had asked MMC to revoke such licences. Therefore, he issued notices to both the parties and on Wednesday heard them. “Today, I have heard both the parties and have fixed the matter for order on Monday” Fernandes said.
Meanwhile, the lawyer representing the stall owners, Advocate Dileshwar Naik claimed that MMC had issued licence to his clients (stall operators) and now to revoke their licence, MMC has to prove that his clients have not followed or complied with the conditions, which are mentioned in the licence.
“Licence is given to sell sea food and my clients are selling sea food only so how MMC on the basis of complaint or pressure from fish vendors can revoke licence issued to my clients. We have also complied licence condition and hence there is no question of MMC revoking its licence,” Naik said.
On the other hand, Vasco fish market vendors are adamant on their demand. They said that if MMC fails to act against the stalls then from Monday they would also approach MMC seeking permission to sell fish at all nooks and corners of Vasco.
“Not only nooks and corners but even we will spread out in different groups and will start selling fishing even in front of municipal building,” Vasco Fish Market Vendors’ Association president Caridade Pereira warned.
