Traders feel the pinch with Guwahati Municipal Corporation, threaten stir

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: It's the turn of a section of traders and businessmen in Guwahati to feel the pinch with the GMC (Guwahati Municipal Corporation) hiking rental of its space in all of its market places.

Addressing the media here on Thursday, GMC Market Central Committee (GMCMCC) president Pabitra Kumar Sarma said, "It was on November 18, 2020 the civic body issued a notice asking the traders doing business at Dispur Supermarket to pay rental at increased rates. They were also asked to pay rental within seven days, failing which, they're threatened that their trade licences would be cancelled and the shops would be locked.

"Finding no way out, we, the GMCMCC, moved the Gauhati High Court seeking justice. The case is pending at the High Court. However, at a time when the matter is sub-judice, the GMC has issued a fresh notice to the traders doing business under the Chandmari Flyover GMC Market, Ganeshguri GMC Market, Fancy Bazar GMC Market, Paltan Bazar and Uzan Bazar GMC markets to pay rentals at hiked rates within seven days.

"It is unfortunate that the GMC has hiked rentals unilaterally without having discussed the matter with us at a time when the matter is sub-judice at the High Court.

"The old rate of rental was Rs 3 per square ft at Dispur Supermarket (GMC). However, it has been hiked up to Rs 20 per square ft now. The rate of rental per square ft at Ganeshguri GMC Market was Rs 5, but it has been hiked to Rs 20 per square ft now. While the new rental per square ft at Ulubari GMC Market is Rs 10 against Rs 5 earlier, that of Paltan Bazar GMC Market is Rs 20 against Rs 4 earlier, Fancy Bazar GMC Market is Rs 38 against Rs 10 earlier, Rs 12 at Uzan Bazar GMC Market against Rs 3.50 earlier, Rs 12 at Chandmari Flyover GMC Market against Rs 4 earlier, Rs 38 at New Market (GMC) against Rs 3 earlier and Rs 20 at Fatasil Ambari GMC Market against Rs 3.50 earlier.

"We did agree to ten per cent hike in rental, but we can't accept such a steep hike in rental. If the GMC harasses us for payment of rentals in the increased rate, we'll resort to agitation."

The GMC has as many as 12 markets in the city.

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