Cong against hike in Margao municipal fees

Margao: Congress has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the proposed increase in municipal taxes and fees proposed by the Margao Municipal Council (MMC).
Margao Congress block criticised local MLA Digambar Kamat for orchestrating what they claim is an exorbitant hike in municipal charges. While MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar said the increase is only 15-20%, Congress’s Savio Coutinho said the actual hike ranges from 50% to 500% across various categories.
The proposed changes include a rise in house tax transfer fees from Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000, a 100% increase in birth and death certificate charges, and hikes in trade licence fees from Rs 1,547 to between Rs 2,500 and Rs 6,000.
Additionally, new charges for signboards have been introduced, with illuminated boards of 3sqm costing Rs 4,500 and un-illuminated ones Rs 2,250.
Congress expressed concern about the impact on local businesses, particularly due to competition from online shopping platforms. The party said that such steep hikes could force many establishments to either shut down or operate illegally.
“While the MMC has failed to collect dues exceeding Rs 1 crore from defaulters, they’re burdening honest taxpayers with excessive fees,” Coutinho said.