P'yats should represent
will of the villagers
Of late, several village panchayats in the state have been in the news, many of them for all the wrong reasons. In Anjuna, it is learnt that only 18 of the 175 structures which were served a show cause notice for demolition.
Not even a single unit has an occupancy certificate or follows fire and garbage regulations. The Sancoale Village Panchayat will debate and decide on the reply to the show cause notice filed by Bhutani Infra. It may be recalled that a show-cause notice was issued to Bhutani Infra after a large number of villagers stormed the panchayat office demanding that the construction license for the project at Savarfond in Sancoale village be revoked.
In line with Betalbatim villagers’ recent outcry, concerned citizens of Cavelossim village have sounded the bugle against what they termed as a host of construction and hotel projects in the pipeline in the tourist village. As per the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, the village panchayats in Goa have power to issue licenses for construction, repairs and alterations. The panchayat can initiate action to demolish any unauthorised structure or building. Hence the elected body should represent the collective wisdom and will of the rural community. It should ensure holistic development of the village and also ensure people’s participation at the gram sabha. Hence it is vital for the elected body to respond positively to the wishes and aspirations of the villagers.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Curb misuse of
govt vehicles
Some officials are misusing government vehicles for private purposes and personal needs of their family members thus putting a huge burden on the state exchequer. Such behaviour reflects poorly on the integrity of public service and sets a negative precedent.
Government vehicles are provided to save time and serve the people and the authorities should direct officers to submit an affidavit every month to certify that official vehicles are not used for personal purpose. Failure to maintain the vehicle properly can also count as misuse. This includes neglecting regular service checks, not reporting damage or necessary repairs, and failing to keep the vehicle safe and operable.
Those failing to fall in line should be pulled up. Regular audits and checks should be conducted to ensure compliance. The culture of entitlement and misuse of public resources must be curtailed to restore faith. Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of a functional democracy.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Poverty eradication
is a challenge
Severe poverty is a threat to human security. Not merely being poor, but an imbalance between the rich and the poor is the biggest socioeconomic disorder that cannot easily be fixed. Dangerous working conditions, unsafe housing, unequal access to healthcare and less nutritious food are the obvious repercussions. Removing poverty is akin to saving the earth and boosting the economy.
Not to mention securing justice because overcoming the condition is much more than mere charity. Surviving on less than 2.15 dollars per person per day at 2017 purchasing power parity is defined as extreme poverty by the United Nations. In simple terms, extreme poverty is severe deprivation of basic human needs
The poverty-stricken nations are keen that rejection, humiliation and shame faced by the poor should be things of the past. After all, where you live should not be an index of measurement of life and death.
In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared October 17 as international Day of Eradication of Poverty. Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity is a lengthy, but earnest, aim of the UN.
As the late boxing legend Muhammad Ali said " Wars of nations are fought to change maps. Wars of poverty are fought to map changes".
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Initiate action against
illegal dance bars
Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira recently highlighted concerns about bouncers from a nightclub accused of assaulting local youths, emphasising that the venue operates without a valid licence and has outstanding dues.
The sarpanch stated that the panchayat plans to take action against illegal encroachments associated with the club. There are also questions surrounding the abrupt transfer of the Calangute Police Inspector, with community members suspecting it may be related to his efforts to seal the nightclub due to illegal activities. Residents have filed a public interest litigation (PIL) with the High Court regarding unauthorized commercial activities, specifically pointing to dance bars operating within unlicenced structures. This situation raises issues of accountability and enforcement of regulations in the area.
Antonio D'Souza, Calangute
Margao’s streets blocked
by unauthorised vendors
Unauthorised vendors blocking Margao streets is a serious issue. This is a common sight in cities like Mumbai and one will find them on every inch of space on busy roads where both traffic and pedestrians are struggling to make headway. So where do we go from here?
Why do unauthorised vendors flourish? Yes, it is the responsibility of the civic authorities to take action. But, are we also not responsible for this situation? Are the citizens themselves not patronizing these stalls? If customers don't patronise the stalls, then the hawkers would have no option but to pack up. But are we willing to do that or else, face the consequences. One cannot have the cake and eat it too!
Melville X D'Souza, Mumbai