Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Apr 9: Shops in the bustling market area reopened after the municipality temporarily suspended its move to collect pending rent arrears, following a day-long shutdown by traders in protest.

Chandrakant Shetkar, Chief Officer of the Mapusa Municipal Council, announced that arrears collection would remain on hold until a final decision is taken by the state government. He added that issues related to rent dues and trade licence renewals are currently under consideration by the Chief Minister.

Shetkar also advised traders to wait for official directives before clearing dues, while continuing with licence renewal applications as per existing procedures.

The market had earlier witnessed a complete shutdown, with shops remaining closed despite attempts by Vishwajit Rane, the state’s Urban Development Minister, to resolve the situation. Rane had ordered disciplinary action against the chief officer, citing confusion and failure to follow government instructions, and assured traders that their concerns would be addressed within 15 days.

According to Jitendra Falari, president of the Mapusa Merchants’ Association, traders were compelled to shut their businesses to demand a written assurance from authorities regarding resolution of their grievances.

In addition to opposing the arrears collection, traders raised several civic concerns, including the need for improved drainage systems, upgraded electrical wiring, better sanitation, simplified licence renewal processes, and the removal of a proposed mall component from the bus stand redevelopment project.

With the municipality stepping back for now, normal business activity has resumed, though traders remain watchful for concrete action from the government.