Daijiworld Media Network - Vasco

Vasco, Oct 31: The scrutiny of claims submitted by traders affected by the devastating fire at Vasco Sunday Modern Market began on Friday, with a committee examining 107 applications and granting claimants an additional day to submit supporting documents.

During the preliminary verification, 50 claimants identified themselves as owners of their respective businesses, while the remaining applicants included traders operating from rented premises and those running businesses through subletting arrangements.

The scrutiny committee, headed by the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mormugao, found that several claimants required additional time to produce documents establishing their ownership, tenancy, business operations and the extent of losses suffered in the fire.

Following requests from the affected traders, the committee has provided another opportunity to submit the necessary records on Saturday, October 31, from 10.30 am onwards at the Conference Hall of the Mormugao Municipal Council.

Claimants have been asked to produce available supporting documents, including ownership or tenancy records, business registration certificates, purchase invoices, bills, stock details and inventory records to substantiate their claims.

Those whose documents were destroyed in the fire have been asked to submit affidavits specifying the records lost or damaged, along with details of their businesses. Wherever applicable, the affidavits should be countersigned by the president or secretary of the authorised committee concerned.

Mormugao Municipal Council Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik said the council would continue working on Saturday and Sunday, with staff instructed to report for duty to facilitate the verification and scrutiny process.

He said the council was cross-checking the applications against its official database to establish the identity and status of the claimants.

“As per our records, there are around 133 hawkers and 16 shops in the market, but we have received 107 claims. We have created two categories — allottees and present occupiers — to simplify the verification process. Some claimants have reported losses of Rs 65 lakh, while others have claimed Rs 50 lakh. We have to cross-verify these claims, and the claimants have now been informed about the documents required,” Naik said.

The verification exercise aims to establish the actual occupancy, business details and extent of losses before financial assistance is processed for the fire-affected traders.

With several businesses losing their premises, merchandise and important records in the blaze, the additional opportunity is expected to help affected traders submit the necessary details for their claims to be considered.