August is an important month for Panchayat functioning in Goa. Besides August 15, when a special Gram Sabha (GS) is organized in every village Panchayat, this is also a month when most of the newly constituted Panchayats after elections held in June 2017, have called their general GS. This is the time when new resolutions are been passed and old resolutions are either forgotten or reiterated. All depends on sincerity of the elected leaders and effectiveness of GS. GS provides a platform to the people to meet at a common venue to debate, discuss and solve the developmental issues of their village. They can also get their elected representatives to be answerable. But for GS to be effective, people should associate themselves with this grassroots institution. They should feel that they are a part of the system, and they should willingly come out and participate in GS. They should not find themselves redundant and irrelevant. Inculcation of such participation can happen if people themselves suggest measures to reform this grassroots institution.
A survey was conducted to understand what reforms people would want in functioning of GS in Goa to make it more effective and responsible. Some of the reforms suggested are discussed below. An important reform suggested was the need to increase participation of youth and women in GS. This is necessary to get new line of thought and to have different perspective. Women form half of the population of the village. They get affected if there is paucity of water supply, health facilities or lack of primary education. In fact women are in better position to opine on what are the basic requirements of the family and therefore of the village. Similarly, youth within the age group of 18-30 normally have the feeling that village politics is meant for the experienced elders of the village. They are more engrossed in their studies or are busy looking out for employment. But since youth and women form sizable portion of GS members they should not limit their role only to voting once in five years. They should come out in larger numbers and make their presence and opinions felt at GS.
Another reform suggested was that the attendance at GS should be made compulsory for all the voters of the Panchayat. Since every member of the village is affected by the decisions of the Panchayat, every member should compulsorily attend GS. But this measure does not seem to be practical. Any democratic set up expects voluntary participation from its citizens and not an imposed one. At the most the Panchayat can pursue stronger initiative to mobilize people and convince them to attend in large numbers, but compulsory attendance can question the whole edifice of democratic setup.
There was consensus among the respondents that Gram Politics should be sacrosanct from any kind of political interference from state or centre. Party politics should also be kept at bay as it only divides people at grassroots and impedes decision making. This suggestion is very good but this is possible when the Panchayat representatives contest elections without any support from political party or its funds. The interference of the local member of the legislative assembly (MLA) also should be minimal.
Most of the respondents felt that there was a dire need for more discipline in the functioning of GS. GS should be held as per the schedule and should not be suspended or cancelled on flimsy grounds. Developmental issues of the village should be given priority and there should be decorum and peace maintained in the GS. People should refrain from taking their personal issues/ revenge in the GS. All the respondents unanimously felt that there can be a positive change at Panchayat level if their elected representatives (Panchas) understand their duties, and if they work towards it with commitment and sincerity. The Panchas should do their homework before coming for the GS meeting. They should have first hand information on all the issues related to their Panchayat. They should stop beating round the bush, and should not give vague answers. They should be present for all GS meeting unless it is unavoidable to remain absent. The criticism by the people should be taken positively and worked upon. Respondents also suggested right to recall to make the representatives responsible. Some respondents lamented that since there was no ‘NOTA’ option in the recent Panchayat elections, their right to choose was infringed as they had to choose the best among the ‘worst’. The respondents unanimously agreed that the decisions taken in GS should be binding on the Panchayat, and there should be time bound implementation of the resolutions adopted. Panchayat should be people oriented and discussions should be held in democratic fashion without pressurising the people. People’s opinions and views should be heard and respected. Equal opportunities should be given to all the speakers in GS. This can go a long way in strengthening Gram Sabha. Then only there can be reciprocal responses from the people. When people realize that Gram Sabha is to promote their good, they will want to attend it in large numbers and participate with interest.
The respondents suggested measures to mobilise people towards participation in GS. Awareness should be created in people about the significance of GS and to their village in general. The minutes of the GS meeting should be published, specifically the important decisions taken, so that the people can remain informed. Panchayat authorities should see to it that the resolutions adopted are acted upon so that people develop faith in the functioning of the GS. There should be regular calling of Gram Sabha. It should not be conducted in ‘hurry’, and ‘hassle up’ or ‘goof’ up with all issues. Government observers should be regular, sincere and non-bias. They must visit Panchayat regularly and scrutinize the work undertaken by the Panchayat.. The most important is the unity among the people.
(The author is Associate Professor of Political
Science, Govt College of Arts, Science & Commerce,
Khandola, Marcela).
