SCM Exposes Margao MLA Digamber Kamat’s Hypocrisy Over Fee Hike and Traffic Sentinel Scheme

SCM Exposes Margao MLA Digamber Kamat’s Hypocrisy Over Fee Hike and Traffic Sentinel Scheme

Margao | June 27, 2025: The Shadow Council for Margao (SCM) today launched a scathing attack on Margao MLA Digamber Kamat and Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar, accusing them of double standards and political hypocrisy. At a press conference held in Margao, SCM released an old video clip showing both leaders participating in a dramatic protest where they were seen begging on the streets against the traffic sentinel scheme introduced by the BJP government.

In the video, MLA Digamber Kamat and Chairperson Shirodkar are heard decrying the scheme, claiming that the government was bankrupt and that the program had become a financial burden on the common man. They also highlighted how rising prices and falling business had strained people’s household budgets.

Addressing the media, SCM Convener Savio Coutinho ridiculed the MLA and Chairperson, questioning their U-turn after joining the BJP.

“The Margao MLA and the Chairperson were begging on the streets of Margao in protest of the sentinel scheme, and now these same people are imposing a huge financial burden through the exorbitant fees. Has the budget of the people or the business of the establishments in Margao flourish after these ‘BEGGERS’ defected into the BJP?” Coutinho asked.

Coutinho further alleged that the ongoing collection of fees by the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) is “totally illegal,” stating that:

“On one hand, the applied fees are not as per the Council resolution. And on the other hand, when councilors have submitted in writing that the minutes and applied fees are not as per the Resolution, no collection should be undertaken without confirmation of the minutes.”

The SCM also raised serious concerns over the lack of transparency, pointing out that RTI applications filed on April 22 are being deliberately ignored.

“There are skeletons in the cupboard, and the authorities are buying time,” Coutinho alleged, adding that even appeals filed before the First Appellate Authority are not being heard.

Drawing a parallel with the earlier exposure of the fraudulent Margao Master Plan, SCM believes that the citizens will soon see through the fee hike issue as well.

“Only private establishments are being targeted for trade licence, signboard, and sanitation fees. Meanwhile, over 800 units owned by the MMC remain untouched—with barely 16 having valid trade licences,” Coutinho charged.

SCM member Lincoln Gomes called upon the business community to resist the fee hike collectively.

“Many businessmen have refused to pay the new rates, declaring them illegal. We hope more traders will join this movement,” he said.

Responding to claims by the Chairperson that crores were collected from traders, SCM said:

“When you hike a ₹100 fee to ₹500, naturally your collection rises from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakhs. But that is not willingness—it is extortion under pressure, especially since licences are required for submission to other offices.”

SCM warned that many traders are preparing to take legal action and that this issue will be a major electoral topic in the upcoming municipal elections.

“We will take this issue to the public court,” Coutinho declared, sending a stern warning to councilors who supported the hike.