Team Herald
PONDA: The Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) is facing a significant challenge in recovering Rs 3.5 crore in rent arrears, including interest, from 108 shopkeepers who have failed to pay their dues, which includes years of unpaid rent and interest. PMC Chief Officer Yogiraj Gosavi has warned of strict legal action, including the sealing and auctioning of shops, if the arrears are not cleared immediately.
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However, small vendors, such as ros omelette and vada pao sellers, who operate their businesses daily, have been praised for consistently paying their daily sopo taxes.
Gosavi revealed that notices have already been served to the defaulters, giving them a three-month period to settle their arrears. In a recent council meeting, the PMC passed a resolution to escalate the matter and recover the dues through notices issued by the Deputy Collector’s office and the Mamlatdar.
Gosavi highlighted that legal action will be initiated against all leaseholders who fail to clear their dues. He also warned that if leaseholders do not pay the arrears, their shops will be sealed and eventually auctioned. “Once the auction process begins, it will be difficult for the leaseholders to reclaim their shops, so they must settle their dues immediately,” he said.
The council has also observed cases where shopkeepers have sublet their municipal premises but failed to clear the pending rent. Such practices have further complicated the situation, prompting the PMC to consider stricter enforcement measures.
Chairperson Anand Naik confirmed that the council has already taken legal action against some shopkeepers and sealed certain shops. He urged other defaulters to clear their dues promptly to avoid similar consequences.
