Staff Reporter

Margao

After several years, the village panchayat of Raia has decided to resume the weekly Thursday bazaar on its land behind the Gaunkar Higher Secondary School.

Previously, the same bazaar was situated at the Communidade land, close to the main Raia Junction. Here, a variety of goods including vegetables, fruits, garments, masonry tools, plastic items, footwear, electronic items, and electrical items, among others, are available.

“The decision has been taken to utilise the vacant land and generate revenue for the panchayat,” said Manuel Rodrigues, the local ward member. He further emphasised that the bazaar will be beneficial for local residents.

“Preference will be given to local village vendors, who will be provided prime spots at reasonable charges,” said Peter Quadros, the sarpanch of Raia. He said that the decision to establish the bazaar at this location was collectively agreed upon by the panchayat members.

Sources indicate that the panchayat will initially collect revenue from these vendors departmentally for a month before auctioning the fee collection process. Additionally, local vendors will have the opportunity to sell their locally grown vegetables and fruits. However, some locals have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to relocate the weekly bazaar near an institution.

It may be remembered that the office of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously conducted a raid at the Thursday Raia Bazaar following a complaint from consumers. Additionally, officials from the Weights and Measures department had cautioned several vendors for using incorrect weighing scales.