Cuncolim, Goa
https://assets.yournews.com/2026/04/cuncolim-garbge.mp4
Hundreds of residents in Cuncolim are facing financial stress after the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) began issuing nearly 800 notices demanding payment of sanitation fees and related dues dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic period.
What was once announced as relief during one of the most difficult economic periods for families has now returned as a major burden, with residents calling it an administrative failure that has pushed ordinary households into unnecessary hardship.
The controversy began after audit objections flagged a significant revenue loss linked to sanitation fee rebates granted during the pandemic. The civic body is now attempting to recover these dues, even though many residents believed the charges had been waived or officially reduced as part of COVID relief measures.
Relief Turned Into Recovery Drive
During the pandemic, the CMC had reportedly reduced or kept in abeyance sanitation fees to ease pressure on families facing job losses, salary cuts, and financial instability.
However, recent audit findings pointed out that the municipality failed to properly restore Urban Development Department (UDD)-notified fees after the pandemic period ended. This led to a shortfall of nearly ₹67 lakh in sanitation fee collection between 2022 and 2025.
Now, instead of addressing internal lapses, the burden is being shifted onto residents through backdated notices and demands for payment.
Residents Call It Unfair and Insensitive
Many families, especially middle-class and lower-income households, say they were shocked to receive notices demanding lump-sum payments for years-old dues.
Several residents claim they were never clearly informed that the rebate was temporary or that the waived amounts would later be recovered.
“This is unfair. During COVID, people were struggling just to survive. Now asking them to pay old dues all at once is cruel,” said one resident from Cuncolim.
Local voices argue that the issue is not non-payment by residents, but poor administrative handling by the municipality.
Administrative Failure Under Scrutiny
Critics say the situation reflects serious failures within the CMC administration:
Failure to formally restore sanitation fees after the COVID rebate period
Poor communication with residents regarding revised charges
Delay in taking corrective action for several years
Lack of transparency in fee recovery decisions
Residents and community leaders argue that municipal staff and officials responsible for these lapses should be held accountable rather than forcing citizens to suffer the consequences.
Growing Demand for Permanent Waiver
There is increasing public pressure for the CMC to permanently waive these backdated sanitation dues, especially for economically weaker families.
Many believe that demanding arrears from 2020 onwards is unreasonable and socially insensitive, particularly when people are still recovering financially.
Residents are also calling for installment options, clearer explanations, and a people-friendly resolution instead of sudden legal-style notices.
Need for Accountability, Not Punishment
The issue has triggered wider debate on governance and accountability in local bodies. Citizens say municipal administration should serve the people—not punish them for bureaucratic failures.
As Cuncolim families struggle with rising living costs, inflation, and daily expenses, the demand is simple: fix the system, don’t penalize the people.
For many in Cuncolim, this is no longer just about garbage fees—it is about trust, fairness, and whether ordinary citizens should pay the price for administrative negligence.
Original article
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