TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Tightening its screws on exhibitions-cum-sales in the commercial capital, Margao Municipal Council on Wednesday resolved to hike license fees by double the amount.
The civic body has also constituted a team of officials headed by municipal engineer to ascertain whether the SGPDA is legally permitted to allow exhibitions-cum-sales on land acquired for the purpose of parking.
At a special meeting held on Wednesday, the council resolved to hike the license fee to Rs 50,000 per day as against the current fee of Rs 25,000. The fee hike has been come in the wake of representation received from Margao New Market traders demanding a ban on sales and exhibitions.
The meeting witnessed heated discussions with some of the members demanding to know the revenue generated from the New Market and from sales and exhibitions. They also demanded to know whether the stalls and shops in the municipal market are transferable with Marwari businessmen making their presence felt in the market. It was pointed out that while original allottees have leased out the premises to the Marwaris for hefty rent, the civic body has not benefited much.
