SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Most of the panchayats of Salcete taluka will be ruled by women for the next five years, as 14 Sarpanchas and 15 Deputy Sarpanchas took charge of their offices after a swearing-in ceremony held before the concerned Block Development Officers, on Tuesday.
Looking at the scenario, it is clear that women will play an important role in the functioning of the village panchayats in Salcete, with their decisions shaping the standard of living in their individual villages.
It is pertinent to note that on August 22, all the village panchayats elected their Sarpanchas and deputy Sarpanchas for the next five years, and the womens’ force has taken up an equal share as the men, in taking up positions of power within the local bodies.
Out of 30 village panchayats of this taluka, 14, which is almost half the number, are headed by women Sarpanchas. Interestingly, some of the curial village panchayats will also be headed by the women.
The women chosen for the Sarpanch post include Celia Torcato (Ambelim), Suzie Fernandes (Colva), Avita Pereira (Dramapur), Sonia Fernandes (Guirdolim), Joana Fernandes (Loutolim), Frida D’Sa (Nuvem); Manisha Naik (Paroda), Mubina Bi Faniband (Rumdamol-Davorlim), Leona Fernandes (Sarzora), and Sima Shanke (Seraulim), Joyce Dias (Sao Jose de Areal), Lena Coutinho (Telaulim), Salesiana Fernandes (Varca) and Ludovina Cardozo (Velim).
All of the above women Sarpanchas have vowed to work for the betterment of their respective villages.
Sarpanch of Loutolim panchayat Joana Fernandes has already made her stand clear that the voice of the people will prevail upon the functioning of the panchayat.
“I will stand by the decision of the people pertaining to all the projects opposed by the villagers,” she told the media, after she was elected Sarpanch. On the other hand, 15 women have taken the oath of office as deputy sarpachas in their respective village panchayats.Those elected Deputy Sarpanchas include Valency Carvalho (Ambelim), Amisha Tilve (Aquem-Baixo), Chaya Arlokar (Assolna), Viola Pacheco (Betalbhatim); Glyda Fernandes (Cana-Benaulim), Reina Dias (Camurlim), Rinku Lobo (Cavelossim), Angella Antao (Chandor-Cavorim), Egsina D’Souza (Curtorim), Sharmila Gracias (Chinchinim), Michelle Miranda (Davorlim-Dicarpali), Caitana Vaz (Dramapur), Celina Braganza (Loutolim), Michelle D’Souza (Macazana) and Riya Oliveira (Sarzora).
