Margao Municipal Council takes cautious approach on revised plinth area rates

The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has opted for a cautious approach by refraining from making an immediate decision regarding the contentious matter of adopting revised plinth area rates. These rates are pivotal in calculating the construction licence fees for both residential and commercial buildings. In a recent meeting the municipal body opted to take a route of "deferral" in relation to this matter.

This issue was prominently listed on the agenda well in advance of the meeting. The proposed revised rates formulated by the Public Works Department (PWD), were slated to be implemented for the purpose of creating preliminary estimates for the issuance of construction licenses starting from July 26. A brief note that accompanied the meeting's agenda had explicitly mentioned this intention.

However, the proposal was met with resistance from various quarters, creating a significant wave of opposition. Notably, the Shadow Council for Margao emerged as a vocal critic, staunchly expressing its disapproval by highlighting the substantial escalation that would ensue in construction license fees—a staggering surge ranging from 38% to 45%, inclusive of additional charges. In a move aimed at safeguarding the interests of their clients, real estate developers were also encouraged to address this matter of substantial rate increase in plinth area with the government.

Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar of the MMC asserted the necessity for a thorough and comprehensive examination of the matter before any definitive decision could be made. Thus, in light of this, he officially announced the postponement of any detailed discussions regarding the issue.

The outcome of the MMC's decision triggered a reaction from Savio Coutinho, the convenor of the Shadow Council for Margao. He attributed the council's cautious approach to the mounting pressure generated by heightened public awareness and the collective voice of dissent. While acknowledging the unanimous stance taken by the councillors in refusing to accept the new plinth area rates, Coutinho expressed hope that the MMC would eventually arrive at a conclusive resolution concerning this matter. He characterized the current deferral as a provisional measure, emphasizing that this postponement of adopting the new rates might only be temporary.

Coutinho further elaborated on his viewpoint, suggesting that in the foreseeable future, when the situation might be more tranquil and less turbulent, the revised rates could potentially be implemented. He pointed out that there exists a real possibility that the rates could be enforced retroactively, similar to how it had been executed in the past. This could mean that the authorities might decide to recover the increased fees for construction licenses from a point preceding the actual implementation of the revised rates.

In essence, the MMC's decision to defer the adoption of the revised plinth area rates reflects a cautious and measured approach, acknowledging the concerns raised by various stakeholders. This delay provides an opportunity for a more in-depth examination of the potential implications and considerations involved, and it remains to be seen how the matter will evolve in the coming months.

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Margao Municipal Council takes cautious approach on revised plinth area rates

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