SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: The discussion concerning the budget estimates for the upcoming fiscal year of 2024-25 in Velim panchayat at its gram sabha faced a delay due to the absence of the Panchayat Secretary, leading to a decision to adjourn that discussion.
During the gram sabha meeting led by Sarpanch Veena Cardozo, members expressed frustration over the Panchayat Secretary’s absence. They insisted on postponing the budget discussion until the Secretary’s presence was ensured, citing the Secretary’s absence from the fourth consecutive gram sabha meeting.
Additionally, the Velim gram sabha deliberated on various issues, including the inclusion of traditional communities such as toddy tappers, fishermen and Scheduled Tribes (STs) residing along riverbanks.
Highlighting this concern, gram sabha member Vinay Tari noted that despite the enactment of relevant legislation over a decade ago, relief measures for traditional communities are still lacking.
Former Sarpanch Savio D’Silva emphasized the gram sabha’s advocacy for the inclusion of traditional communities, urging recognition for toddy tappers, fishermen and ST communities residing near rivers.
Sarpanch Veena later informed media persons about the decision to carry out a survey to assess the inclusion of traditional communities, with the intention of submitting a report to the government for further action.
Furthermore, the gram sabha demanded the de-notification of a Major District Road (MDR) depicted on Google Maps passing through Cumbeabhatt-Baradi.
