Goemkarponn desk
MARGAO: Led by SCM Convener Savio Coutinho, several applicants seeking permission to display temporary banners confronted the Chairperson in his chamber, demanding to know why he (Chairperson) had given instructions to the MMC staff not to accept any applications and payments for the display of temporary banners.
While Chairperson Lyndon Pereira was caught on the wrong foot, he tried to defend his action by stating that the District Collector had issued orders. Mr Coutinho, however, stated that the District Collector has not issued any orders whatsoever, restricting the Council from issuing permissions. “The District Collector’s orders are crystal clear and very specific, with directions only for removal of unauthorized political banners in government property”, Mr Coutinho clarified.
Adv. Seoula Vas charged that the Chairperson was not following any official orders from the Collector but unofficial directions from his political bosses. “The Chairperson, on the one hand, claims that he has not received the Collector’s order yet; then how he could imagine something false being part of the order?”, Adv. Seoula Vas questioned.
Another applicant, Lincoln Vaz, complained that when he comes to the Council to apply for permission, the officials say that they are instructed not to accept applications from the political Party’s, and subsequently, the Council removes their banners, causing huge losses financially. He further sought to know why the Banners/Hoardings of sitting MLA’S and Councillors are left untouched, inspite of many of the displayed banners lack the requisite permission.
Mr. Coutinho charged that the unauthorized actions of the Chairperson has resulted in the Council loosing a revenue of over Rs. 150000/-. The Shadow Council for Margao has consistently, for over 5 years, highlighting the scope of revenue the Council can earn through temporary advertisements, considering the fees of Rs. 500/- per banner along with Rs. 200/- as security deposit.
The SCM shall not hesitate to file a petition before the Director for Municipal Administration seeking necessary action against the malpractice of the Chairperson which has resulted in a loss of revenue to the public exchequer, Mr. Coutinho warned.
