The Hindu 21.01.2010
Proposal for increased deposits, rent opposed
Staff Reporter
| By traders for shops at new market site |
Over a dozen traders met Mayor G. Thenmozhi to record their protest
“If the Corporation is facing revenue shortage, how can we be made to pay such a large sum?”
MADURAI: Traders of Central Vegetable Market near Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple are opposing the Madurai Corporation’s proposal to demand “exorbitant” deposit amount and rent from them on shifting the market to the new site at Mattuthavani.
Over a dozen traders, led by councillor, K. Chelladurai, met the Mayor, G. Thenmozhi, to record their protest. The officials have proposed to collect Rs. 4 lakh deposit and Rs. 5,000 monthly rent for bigger shops (13 feet by 13 feet) and Rs.3 lakh deposit and rent of Rs. 3,000 for smaller ones (8 feet by 8 feet).
“Presently, we are paying Rs.200 to Rs.4,000 rent for our shops. We were offered only an alternative site and none of the five meetings held so far the officials spoke about the new deposits and increased rent,” Mr. Chelladurai, who is also the president of an association of vegetable traders paying monthly rent, said.
“If the Corporation is facing revenue shortage, how can we be made to pay such a large sum of money. It is unfair to expect such a huge sum from traders who sell perishable goods,” another trader said.
The Corporation Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), R. Baskaran, said that the local body had spent Rs. 8 crore on the new market project.
“We have provided permanent structure with all facilities. When other traders, like those selling onions and fruits, are willing to take shops on payment of higher deposits, why should these traders, whom were are giving top priority in allocation, not pay the money. We are not insisting on the rate of rent and deposits as proposed, but willing to negotiate with the traders. But, the local body cannot afford to give them without collecting any money,” he said.
Mr. Chelladurai said that the traders have no other option but to seek legal remedy.
