BJP opposed to amendments to Panchayati Raj Bill
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 20
The Panchayat Raj Cell of the BJP is opposed to amendments to Goa Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill 2009 which they believe are an attempt to bypass elected panchayat members.
Amendment of Section 47 of the Act by inserting a clause seeks to give more powers to secretary of the panchayat, they alleged.
Convenor of Panchayat Raj Cell of BJP Premanand Mahambre told a press conference on Friday here that proposed amendment is blatant violation of the Act and against the spirit of 73 rd Constitutional amendment which ensures powers of Panchayati Raj institution.
The amendment was introduced in the House during last session of the assembly, was not only opposed by Opposition members but some MLAs from ruling party with ex-finance minister Dayanand Narvekar and Victoria Fernandes vehemently opposing the Bill.
The Bill was later referred to the Select Committee headed by Panchayat Minister Babu Azgaonkar. The report of the Select Committee is likely to be submitted in the budget session of Goa Assembly.
The Cell feels that it is an attempt by the Congress Government to bypass the elected gram panchayat members and to interfere in the affairs of the panchayat and to harass them through secretaries.
Mahambre said this act of the Government is against the spirit of the Constitution and anti-people. Instead of giving more powers and funds to panchayat Raj bodies like gram panchayat and zilla panchayat by implementing the 73rd Amendment, this Government wants to dilute whatever little power the panchayats have and thus impose their undemocratic will over the people.
