PANJIM: From April 1, the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) will start charging annual fees of Rs 48,000 to shopkeepers who sell or dispense plastic bags with thickness greater than 50 microns. However, shop owners have objected to this, stating that the fees are very high.
CCP has also banned the use of plastic bags less than 50 microns, and shopkeepers are expected to register with CCP for using plastic bags above 50 microns.
Panjim market shopkeepers told Herald they were not happy with the decision. “Rs 48,000 is too much and impossible for us to pay. If we pay such high fees our profit margin will be affected. We object to the CCP decision. The fees should be minimal and in the interest of small traders and shops. The current amount is beyond reach and I demand that CCP reverse the decision,” a vegetable seller, seeking anonymity, said.
Another shopkeeper who runs a grocery store at Panjim market said, “How are we supposed to pay such massive annual fees, they should at least think about our profits, I am not saying they shouldn’t charge, but it should be a minimal fee. Big traders can pay such a high fees, not us. I object to this decision.”
CCP through a notice has also warned that shopkeepers and vendors found selling goods in plastic without having registered themselves will be penalised under Section 45 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1996, which mandates imprisonment of five years and a fine extending up to Rs 1 lakh or both. In case failure or contravention continues then an additional fine of Rs 5000 will be levied daily.
Panjim Mayor Vithal Chopdekar said the corporation cannot reverse the annual fees as it has come from the central government.
“It is the decision of the Central government. The CCP Commissioner and I have requested shop owners to charge a fee per each bag as it is done is supermarkets and stores. The fees will be charged at the time of renewal of trade licences,” Chopdekar said.
