Aimed at boosting revenue collection from trade licences, property taxes
Margao: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) is close to finalising its Geographic Information System (GIS) survey in four wards, aimed at enhancing revenue collection from trade licences, property taxes, and waste disposal fees.
MMC Chief Officer Melvin Vaz on Tuesday said that the survey, initiated by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA), focuses on mapping both commercial and residential properties in Margao to ensure their proper inclusion in the tax system.
The tax arrears, including licence fees, etc, are estimated at Rs 33.14 crore.
“This GIS survey will help us identify unauthorised residential properties and unregistered commercial establishments within MMC’s jurisdiction. It is nearing completion in Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 13, and Ward 14,” Vaz said.
So far, approximately 2,000 establishments have been surveyed, with a comprehensive report compiled on its progress. A senior municipal engineer involved in the project said that the survey, which began in November, is scheduled to conclude by March 31, 2025.
While MMC officials remain optimistic about meeting the March deadline, several citizens have voiced skepticism over the project’s timely completion. “It’s a challenging endeavour, and in all probability, the MMC will not be able to complete it,” said one citizen.
This is not the first time MMC has undertaken such an initiative. A similar GIS survey was conducted in 2015 in Ward 14, but the reports and recommendations were never implemented. The report had pointed to revenue losses due to official negligence, but it mysteriously disappeared from MMC records. Following public outcry, Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane had launched an investigation.
“If the recommendations from the 2015 GIS survey had been implemented, MMC would have accrued several crores of rupees,” said an opposition councillor. Coincidentally, Ward 14 is once again undergoing a GIS survey under GSUDA.
Citizens, including Gajanand Desai and Anil Naik, said it was important to act on the survey’s recommendations to recover significant arrears. However, there have been allegations that the appointment of a Recovery Officer by MMC for arrears collection is progressing slowly—a claim strongly refuted by MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar.
“It is a time-consuming process that requires taxpayer funds. But if the municipal body completes the survey and promptly implements the recommendations, it has the potential to generate revenue and recover crores in arrears,” said a concerned citizen.
