Guntur: Money virtually rained on Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) as it successfully completed the long-pending auction of shops in the city’s wholesale vegetable market. Held 25 years after the market complex was built, the auction is expected to generate Rs 50 lakh per month from 81 shops — up from the previous rental income of Rs 6.7 lakh. This marks a staggering 550% revenue jump, with annual earnings projected at Rs 6 crore against the earlier Rs 81.58 lakh.The auction process was fraught with political resistance. GMC commissioner Puli Srinivasulu uncovered years of deliberate stalling by traders, resulting in major losses to the exchequer. After tracking multiple court cases over six months, he secured high court clearance to proceed.Local MLA Mohammed Naseer opposed the move, demanding that existing traders be retained with nominal rent hikes and objecting to the proposed SC/ST reservation system. Despite pressure, commissioner Srinivasulu released the auction schedule. MLA Naseer escalated the matter to municipal administration minister Dr Narayana, seeking a five-year lease extension for current traders.Though Narayana didn’t endorse the MLA’s stance, he briefly postponed the auction to allow a meeting with chief minister Chandrababu Naidu. With no relief from the CMO, Narayana reviewed the issue with city MLAs, who criticized the commissioner. However, the minister upheld the auction plan, citing court orders.Backed by Union minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar and mayor Kovelamudi Ravindra, the commissioner conducted the auction from August 18–20. For the first time, SC/ST reservations were implemented —four shops allotted to SCs and two to STs. Following the auction, rumors spread that the market would be relocated to the national highway. Mayor Nani dismissed the claims, affirming the market would remain at its current location. GFX Fiscal BoostTotal shops at Kolli Sarada wholesale veg market: 81Existing revenue through rentals for 81 shops: Rs 6,79,896 per monthIt is Rs. 81,58,752 per annumRevenue after auction of 81 shops: Rs 49,97,000 per monthThis is Rs 5,99,64,000 per annumIncrease in revenue: 43,17,104 per month and Rs 5,18,05,248 per annumGMC implemented SC/ST reservation in allocation of shops for the first-time in the historyNo plans to shift wholesale vegetable market from the city, says mayor Kovelamudi Ravindra
