PANJIM: Notwithstanding significant curtailing of the forthcoming Monsoon Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Minister for Panchayats Mauvin Godinho will table amendments to Goa Panchayati Raj Act.
If the Bill is passed, MLAs and Zilla Panchayat members will have the right to attend the gram sabha meetings in their respective jurisdictions. But will have no powers to vote.
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“We have decided to look into all amendments in totality in the forthcoming session. Even though it would a one day session, it does not prevent us to table amendment or passing of bills. Otherwise we will have to issue ordinance,” he told reporters after meeting Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in the city.
Once passed, the Act will allow MLAs and Zilla Panchayat members to attend the gram sabhas. Godinho said that their attendance will depend on their willingness. “It will not be compulsory on them to attend the gram sabhas. The amendment will allow them to attend the meetings since they may have their say on any issue, but they will not have the voting rights,” he added.
It is learnt that the controversial Occupancy Certificate, house tax and garbage issue will also likely to be taken up during the session.
