MARGAO: The Margao New Market Traders Association that had voluntarily closed down their shops during the lockdown due to increasing number of COVID cases opened some of the shops in the morning and began selling perishables and items required to prepare for monsoons.
However, at around 9.30 am, police arrived at the New Market and asked the vendors to close their shutters and demanded that they should get permission from the Collector. Hence, the Chief Officer has now sought advice from the Collector.
Meanwhile, Vinod Shirodkar, president of the Association said while they had voluntarily downed their shutters many people who do not even pay any taxes to the municipality come every morning and sell raincoats, plastic and umbrellas by the roadside.
“We have lost our business to these illegal vendors and it is ironic that while the police ask us to close our shops they take no action against the roadside vendors,” said Vinod.
Margao Municipal Council Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes on Tuesday sought the Collector’s advice on the letter submitted to him by the Margao New Market Traders Association seeking permission to sell perishables and utility items such as raincoats, plastic and umbrellas.
