Finish survey of unlicensed premises before tax hike: Sardesai

Margao: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai backed citizens’ protests against the steep tax hike of Margao Municipal Council (MMC), demanding the increase be suspended until a survey of unassessed properties is completed.

A citizens’ delegation led by former chairperson Savio Coutinho met Sardesai on Friday to oppose the tax hike. “The council needs to complete its survey of the 45% unlicensed premises before implementing any increase,” Sardesai said. He vowed to raise the issue in the assembly through a calling attention motion or during the governor’s address if govt fails to act.

Contrary to the council’s claims of a modest 20% increase, protestors provided evidence showing hikes ranging from 66% to 550% in some cases. “There is not a single instance in the published notice where the hike is limited to 20%,” Coutinho said. “My constituents are directly affected by this enormous increase, and the hike should be withdrawn or put on hold,” Sardesai said.

A protest is set for March 28 in front of the Margao Municipal Council building. Protesters argue that MMC should bring unassessed properties into the tax net before increasing the burden on existing taxpayers.