TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Asserting that elections on party lines would spell doom for the grass root panchayat bodies, Salcete sarpanchas on Thursday feared that the hand of ‘High Command’ and ‘money power’ would rule and control the panchayat bodies if the government has its way on the issue.
The issue was deliberated at length at a meeting of the Salcete Panchayat forum wherein it was resolved to oppose the government move to hold panchayat election on party lines tooth and nail.
Addressing the media after the meeting, ex-Loutolim sarpanch Maria Monteiro said the High Command of the political parties will control the affairs of the grass root panchayat bodies if the elections are held on party lines. With huge monetary resources at the disposal of the political parties, she said the parties will try to rig and manipulate the elections to the advantage of party candidate, defeating the very purpose of the Panchayat Raj Institutions. “Money power will be involved in the election and the Independent candidates will stand nowhere,” she added
She further said that election on party liens is going against the 73rd Amendment and Article 243 (a) of the Constitution of India. ”Panchayats will have to depend on the government to execute works. Those not supporting the government will be left high and dry,” she added.
On illegal constructions, Maria said the government should look into the illegal constructions while amending the Act. “While plans are being approved by the TCP with technically qualified authorities, complaints of illegal constructions are forwarded to the panchayat body for initiating action. “When the panchayat body initiates action against any illegal construction, the opponents appeal before the court and bring a stay on the demolition order. The panchayat then is forced to contest the case shelling out public money to fight the case,” she added.
