MARGAO: Even as Margao Municipal Council chairperson Dr. Babita Prabhudessai said the revised sanitation tax rates was acceptable to the traders, she admitted there would be disgruntled elements due to the difference in the rates made applicable now.
Earlier the MMC had come with 33 categories, which was then increased to 46 and importantly the area of the commercial establishment is made a criterion. However, when the MMC does not know how many shops it has how can it ascertain the area of the establishment asked former chairperson Savio Coutinho who predicted the staff would be swamped with re-assessment claims.
For various shops and offices different sanitation tax is proposed depending on the area of the establishment. Similarly for hotels, lodging and boarding it is as per the number of rooms available. According to Savio there is no respite for owners of barber shops, saloons, small tea shops, laboratories, electronic shops as the rates are the same as was proposed earlier.
However he said there is reduction of Rs. 12,000 per annum for party halls while clinics will have to pay more which is ironical. He said a place to party will pay less while a place to treat illness will have to pay more. Incidentally hospitals with less than 50 beds will have to pay Rs. 12,000 per annum while those having more than 50 beds will have to pay Rs. 48,000 per annum.
Owners of garment shops have got a relief as they will have to pay only around Rs. 1800 to Rs. 3000 per annum depending upon the size which is less than the Rs. 7,200 that was proposed earlier.
