Team Herald
MARGAO: In stark contrast to the Rumdamol gram sabha, the Aquem-Baixo Sarpanch welcomed proposals under “Any Other Business” (AOB). The gram sabha was attended by around 100 villagers, the majority of whom were youth.
There was a heated discussion over unauthorised shops and garbage issues. After a brief argument between the panchayat body and a former sarpanch, Sarpanch Siddesh Bhagat assured the gram sabha that he would consult an advocate and send notices to all unauthorised shops and gaddas to collect pending dues or shut them down.
With regards to the garbage issue, the gram sabha also resolved to send notices to the buildings which are disposing their garbage in the open. They also decided to send a memorandum to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department that all construction files have to come to the panchayat before the TCP so that the panchayat can give approval after checking all aspects such as garbage management.
The gram sabha also resolved to with write to the Superintendent of Police (Traffic) and PWD to stop bikes and trucks from parking along the State Highway passing through the village.
The gram sabha also reconstituted the Village Development Committee, the biodiversity committee and also approved the GPDP plan. The sarpanch had requested more members to join the VDC since in the last meeting only three out of the 25 members had attended.
Interestingly, the gram sabha ended with the national anthem on request of the sarpanch.
When asked why he allowed AOB despite the government order against the same, the sarpanch said that the panchayat body wanted to hear the issues of the people of the village. “What is the use of a gram sabha if we can’t take up people’s issues?” he questioned.
