Citizens and taxpayers Protest at Margao Municipal Council building against the proposed hike in taxes and fee’s by Council
Citizens and taxpayers Protest at Margao Municipal Council building against the proposed hike in taxes and fee’s by Council
Margao 29 March 2025: Citizens and taxpayers of Margao, under the leadership of Congress leader Mr Savio Coutinho held a Protest at the Margao Municipal Council building against the proposed hike in taxes and fee’s. The largely attended protest included Congress party leaders Orville Rodrigues, Rajan Ghate, Moreno Rebello, Milagris Fernandes, Goa Forward party leaders Dilip Prabhudesai, Mohandas Lolienkar, Dr. Babita Angle and MMC councilors, besides traders, household premise owners and prominent citizens
Taxpayers warned about to resorting to Civil Disobedience Movement by putting a full stop to the payment of taxes if th Council goes ahead with the implementation of the huge hike proposed to be implemented from 1st April 2025
Mr. Savio Coutinho came down heavily on the BJP led Municipal Council and Margao MLA Digamber Kamat for being insensitive to the already burdened traders and house tax payers. Condemning the misleading statements of the MMC Chairperson Mr Damodar Shirodkar that the hike was Limited to 20% only, Mr Coutinho stated that the taxpayers wish to gift him a calculator incase his was not functioning properly.
Mr. Coutinho questioned the Margao MLA and Chairperson over the recovery of crores of rupees due to the Council besides the 18 lakhs misappropriated by its staff and the Sopo contractor’s dues of over 65 lakhs. He also pointed out to the non recovery of taxes/fee’s/rent from mobile tower operators and petrol pumps on Municipal land, and made a a strong demand that the Council should work on the recovery of outstanding dues and complete the survey of unassesed premises first. And further said that only after all these premises are brought under the tax net, and the revenue receivable is worked out, no hike should be implemented.
Goa Forward leader Mr Mohandas Lolienkar charged that the triple engine BJP administraton in Margao is out to squeeze and finish the people of Margao, Fatorda and Curtorim areas. He said that it appears that the announcement of Margao MLA Digamber Kamat to go full swing from 1st April, was infact to burden the people of Margao from 1st April. When questioned why Goa Forward councilors did not oppose the resolution for hike, Mr. Lolienkar stated that the Chairperson misguided all the councilors that the hike was only to the tune of 20% extra. Mr. Lolienkar reassured that Goa Forward councilors would oppose this hike, and warned the ruling councilors and the Margao MLA that the people would give them the appropriate reply during the Municipal and assembly elections due soon if the hike is not withdrawn.
Mr. Andrew Pereira criticised the Chairperson by charging that his entire tenure as Chairperson was marred with financial frauds. First 50 thousand was stolen, thereafter the job scam rocked the Council, and finally the 18 lakhs loot by a MMC staff made headlines. He also charged that Margao MLA Digamber Kamat was very much party to the proposed hike. However much the Chairperson may try to lie about the fact that Margao MLA was not involved; If he was truly not involved he should have been with the people today, Mr Pereira added.
Councilors Ravindra Naik and Lyndon Pereira stated that their group fully opposes the steep hike, and Camilo Barretto stated that the hike was unjustified and will severely effect the common man.
