PORVORIM: Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho has decided to crack the whip on the secretaries in the panchayats who have been allegedly misusing their powers and have accumulated disproportionate assets leaving the panchayat coffers empty. 

Replying to the discussion on the demand of Panchayat Department, Mauvin said that he was aware that most of the illegalities were being carried out due to the misuse of the powers by the panchayat secretaries. 

He said, “Even I was a part of the Assembly which provided more powers to the local bodies but now we need to fine tune the powers of the local level. We would not want to trouble the Goans but we cannot let Goa become full of illegal entities. The number of illegal houses is growing because the panchayat secretaries misuse their powers. Nothing is possible if there is illegal patronage.”

Stating that there are some panchayat secretaries who have assets which are more than the MLAs, Panchayat Minister said, “Especially the coastal belt secretaries and I have already taken steps and asked my department to audit the areas. There are many hotels which are carrying out business without a penny for the panchayat.” 

He further informed that common cadre notification has been issued and the data collection has been completed and within the next two months the transfer process of the staff will begin. 

“Unless there is change in the functioning there will not be a change in the panchayats. With appointment of new secretaries the problem of over-burdened secretaries will also be solved,” he added.

Mauvin, however demanded all the MLAs to support him while undertaking transfers of the secretaries and agree to the transfer policy. 

“Do not call me to stop the transfers,” he stated.

He further said that all the panchayats were facing the ‘not in my backyard’ (NIMBY) factor which has made garbage a major issue in the State. 

He said, “For a clean and green Goa we need to manage our own garbage. To set an example, my own panchayat we have decided to set up a garbage treatment plant of 10 MT with Central funds. While the plant will treat wet garbage, it will also generate electricity.”

Mauvin further informed that for the enthusiasm in the panchayats for garbage treatment the department will disburse the funds as per their performance on managing garbage. 

He said, “Panchayats cannot expect much funds if the local governance bodies do not keep their panchayat areas clean and treat their own garbage. Funds will be disbursed as a reward in the form of Rs 10, Rs 7 and Rs 5 lakh. We will not only impose fines and I will amend the Panchayati Raj Act to dismiss the sarpanch and the panchayat if the panchayat fails to manage the garbage for continuously three quarters in the year.”

He also informed that a circular will be issued asserting that all the panchayats will be closed on Sundays. Further regarding the developments, he informed that in the next cabinet a decision to enhance the funds for construction of Panchayat ghar from existing Rs 2 crore to Rs 3.5 crore will be taken.