Old Goa VP to hike rates for stalls at SFX feast

OLD GOA, OCT 17
Old Goa Panchayat in a bid to increase its revenue has decided to increase the rates for the stalls, which will be put up at Old Goa during the Novenas and Feast of St Francis Xavier.
According to sources in panchayat, from this year, stall of 2 mtrs each will be charged Rs 1,000 per day, while a stall of 4 mtrs will be charged Rs 2,000 per day. The stall rates were last increased two years ago.
Sources further informed that the forms are expected to be out from November 10.
It may be noted that hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world attend the Feast of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa during which over 500 stalls are put up at various places in Old Goa. During 10 days, Old Goa Panchayat earns huge revenue in the form of rent from stalls.
Speaking to Herald, Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar said the panchayat has decided to increase the rates of the stalls so that the panchayat could earn some extra revenue.
“The panchayat thought of increasing the rates, as the panchayat felt that the rates were too low,” said Madkaikar.