Mormugao civic body okays Rs 1.19 cr deficit budget

Mormugao civic body okays Rs 1.19 cr deficit budget
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, MARCH 31
Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), whose term will come to an end in another five months, presented its last budget and approved deficit budget for financial year 2010-11 at the council hall on Wednesday.
As expected, MMC’s inability to improve its track record on recovery aspect like rent and house tax that reflected on its earlier budget, witnessed this year too, as the council approved its deficit budget of Rs 1.19 crore for 2010-11.
The budget reflects revenue receipt of Rs 18.76 crore for the financial year, while the expenditure is Rs 19.95 crore.
Even though the last two budgets were deficit, as council’s spending exceeded receipts as the major chunk of receipts was spent on salaries, wages, pension gratuity of staff and daily wage workers and administrative expenditure, thus creating vacuum for major development for the last three years.
The council is aware that nearly Rs 6 crore is outstanding as rent and house tax for the last many years, as very little efforts have been made to recover it and improve the financial position of the council.
However, the council has recommended increasing its revenue receipt for the financial year by initiating recovery proceedings against the defaulters — house tax, sopo (occupational tax) and reassessment of house tax.
A provision has been made to take up development in all the 20 wards with an estimated Rs 2.20 crore. Besides, provision has also been made to obtain grants from the State government tot the tune of nearly Rs 4 crore for up-gradation and development of existing garbage treatment plant.
Former MMC chairperson Carlos Almeida, who was vociferous during the budget meeting, grilled the Taxation Department official for lethargic towards recovery of outstanding. He suggested that the chief officer should be given full power to execute his authority for speedy recovery.
However, newly appointed Chief Officer Gopal Parsekar asked the council to adopt a resolution that chief officer should be given a free hand for recovery as some councillors often interfere when defaulters are asked to clear their dues.
Almeida also questioned the officers why they have failed to maintain salary reserve funds, which is mandatory as per the Municipal Act, for which Taxation Officer Damodar Yelekar said since beginning, the council has not maintained salary reserve fund properly.
MMC Chairperson Khadapkar raised some concern over recovery aspect, due to which last two budgets were deficit budgets, but he is confident that the financial position of council would improve in the future.
Meanwhile, head clerk Michael D’Souza, a senior most employee of the council, who retired on Wednesday was given a send off by the council. Chairperson Khadapkar appreciated his service, while other council members hailed his service.