NT Reporter
Mapusa
Agitated over the issue of retrospective arrears and the alleged inaction by the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), merchants in Mapusa, led by the Mapusa Merchants Association along with the All Goa Merchants Federation, have decided to shut their shops and stage a morcha on Wednesday, intensifying their protest against the civic body for failing to resolve their issues. The protest is being organised by the Mapusa Merchants Association in association with the All Goa Merchants Federation.
Addressing media, Jitendra Falari, in the presence of Narayan Karekar, Ashish Shirodkar, Sandeep Falari, Siddesh Raut and others, said that despite submitting multiple representations over the past several months and holding several meetings with officials, no concrete relief has been provided to them. Falari said the Chief Officer has informed them that the withdrawal of arrears is possible only after receiving written directions from higher authorities. He urged elected representatives, including the Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA, to intervene and take up the matter on priority to resolve the issue.
He alleged that the lack of consistent and transparent communication from MMC officials has led to confusion, uncertainty and mistrust among merchants.
Former MMA president Ashish Shirodkar said traders feel they are being “punished” as officials are unwilling to address their concerns. “All shops will remain shut from 10 am onwards as merchants gather and march to the MMC office to press for their demands and seek immediate redressal,”
said Shirodkar.
Sandeep Falari said the issue dates back to August 2025 and, despite interventions at higher levels, including assurances from authorities, there has been no effective implementation at the municipal level, forcing traders to
resort to protest.
