Bhatkal: The municipality-owned shops were auctioned on Monday amidst tight security. Surprisingly, many small outlets and shops were auctioned for Rs 50,000 and 60000 Rs. One shop whose rent starts from Rs. 622 was auctioned at Rs. 1,00,800. The public is apprehensive whether the tenants are able to pay such a huge amount of rent as it seems impossible
The auction was undertaken on Monday by the chief engineer RP Naik of Urban Development Department, who had come all the way from Karwar.
It is to be noted that the 39 shops out of 109 were auctioned on Saturday. Meanwhile, on Monday, the first two shops were auctioned and the rent was settled after mutual agreement. The third shop, which began with a bid of Rs.1322 was sold at Rs.13,700. As the auction progressed, the bid increased substantially.
It is surprising as to shops which sell tea and coldrinks could possibly afford the monthly rent exceeding Rs. 10,000. Many people were also left wondering as to what type of business will be carried in those shops that the tenants readily agreed to pay the huge amount. Meanwhile, many applicants have alleged that they were not permitted to enter the room where auctioning was held.
Speaking to Sahil Online, Chief engineer R P Naik said the auction list will be submitted to the Municipalty council and then shipped off to the Deputy Commissioner to seal the approval.
The huge amount bidding has raised many speculations among the public. Many assume that the shop tenants might drag this matter to court and fight a legal battle while some are presuming that the DC will reject the approval.
Almost all the shops were retained by the previous tenants. Although new tenants will find it difficult to vacate the previously occupied shops.
A strict police bandobast was arranged around TMC led by ASP Dr. Anoop Kumar Shetty, CPI Suresh Naik and Kumar Swamy and PSI Revathi.
Chief officer G. Ramesh, vice president of municipality Dr. SM Syed Saleem and Chairman of Municipal Standing Committee Qaesar Mohtesham and councillors were present at the auction.