Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has not increased any SOPO tax or fees, MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar clarified on Friday, dismissing claims of a hike as false and misleading.
Shirodkar said some individuals were spreading fake news alleging that the civic body had increased SOPO charges, which he categorically denied.
“The SOPO fees remain fixed. There has been no increase of any kind,” he stated.
Explaining the recent tender process, Shirodkar said a fresh tender was floated for the collection of SOPO fees and received four bidders.
However, the highest bidder later withdrew from the process, following which the bidder’s earnest money deposit (EMD) was forfeited.
Subsequently, the tender was awarded to the second-highest bidder, Bapu Environment Limited, which had quoted ₹1.06 crore.
Appealing to vendors, Shirodkar said that anyone facing issues related to excess SOPO charges should directly approach him or the municipal office for redressal, instead of believing or circulating misinformation.
