TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: Hit by mounting house tax arrears which have touched a staggering Rs 1.38 crore, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has started issuing warrants under the Goa Municipalities Act to those defaulting in house tax payments.
MMC Bhanudas Naik told Herald that the house tax arrears had gone up to Rs 1.38 crore, which included 390 house/flats with house tax arrears exceeding Rs 25,000.
“Despite being issued demand notices, the defaulters have not bothered to pay the pending house tax to the MMC. Left with no option, the MMC has been forced to take stringent action against the defaulters,” said Naik.
“To begin with, the MMC prepared a list of major 40 house/flat defaulters from wards 1 to 9 and the total due from these defaulters works out to Rs 14.25 lakh. The MMC has started issuing warrants to these defaulters since Tuesday. As per the Goa Municipality Act, the MMC has the right to confiscate and sell movable or immovable property of the defaulters to the extent of the amount due from the defaulter. The defaulters have been given three days to clear the house tax arrears, failing which the MMC will be forced to act in the matter,” said Naik.
MMC Chairman Sandeep Falari stated that the house tax is a major component of revenue for the MMC.
“Beside, there are huge outstanding dues from shop rent, garbage tax, trade license fees and signboard fees. The MCC has also issued notices to defaulters of shop rent, as also to the traders for renewal of licenses. The MMC receives grants from the government based on the revenue collected. The MM C is, therefore, bent on recovering the arrears which are essential for the development of the town,” said Falari.
