MAPUSA: Vendors operating at the Mapusa municipal market have leveled allegations against the Mapusa Municipality, claiming that they are being subjected to overcharging of sopo (sitting fee). The vendors assert that instead of the specified amount of Rs 30, municipal employees are collecting Rs 40 per square metre. Furthermore, those utilising a three-meter platform for item display are being charged Rs 90 instead of the designated Rs. 50.
The vendors argued that the MMC employees are collecting a much higher fee than what is legally required. Sudesh Hasotikar, President of Feri Vikret Sena, emphasized that the sopo for vendors conducting business in the shed is Rs 30, including the garbage tax. However, vendors are being charged Rs 40 despite the inadequate provision of basic facilities such as proper drinking water and toilets at the market. Hasotikar urged the MMC to prioritise the improvement of essential amenities rather than increasing the sopo fee.
In a separate development, a delegation of wholesale goods-carrier drivers met with Chairperson Priya Mishal to demand a reduction in the sopo (parking fee) applicable to them. The delegation stated that they were previously paying sopo of Rs 50 for their vehicles, whereas the current charges have escalated to Rs 300 for small vehicles and Rs. 500 for large vehicles.
Recently, a delegation of vegetable vendors had also approached the chairperson, seeking a reduction in the sopo tax due to the perceived unaffordability of the increased fees.
Effective from July 1, the MMC has implemented new rates for sopo, amounting to Rs 15 for vendors seated in the open and Rs 25 for those in the shed. Additionally, vendors are required to pay Rs 5 as a garbage tax, collected by municipal employees.
Chairperson Priya Mishal addressed the issue, stating, “The council has not significantly raised the sopo. We have only increased it by Rs 5. The confusion among vendors may be due to the additional Rs 5 charged as garbage fee.”
