PANJIM: A circular issued by the Directorate of Panchayats is being seen as an attempt to curb the powers of local bodies in executing projects under their funds.
In January this year, the government had decided to withdraw the circular regarding moratorium on occupancy and construction licences after panchayats around Goa had raised concerns when the circular was passed in December last.
As per the new circular all works to be executed by panchayats have to be cleared by the Director.
Sarpanchas, speaking to Herald said that earlier works amounting up to Rs 5 lakh were cleared and approved by the Block Development Officers and above Rs 5 lakh would go to the Director only for administrative approval.
Colva sarpanch Antonio Leo Fernandes said the government is out to finish grassroots governance. “They want everything in their control and out to finish local bodies,” Fernandes said. He said the panchayats are meeting after August 15 to oppose the move and if need be will challenge the circular.
“With this new circular, files of any amount will go to director for approval, which is directly trampling on the powers of panchayats,” Parra sarpanch Delilah Lobo said.
Another sarpanch said, “Earlier the project files used to take six to seven months but now it will take years.”
Carmona sarpanch Allwyn George questioned the government’s motive behind the circular. “They want to finish the panchayats by keeping panchayats busy running with files from pillar to post and no works will be done,” he said.
George said that under the 14th Finance Commission, Carmona panchayat has funds, but for the last three years the files have not been cleared. “The amount of delays in unimaginable,” he said, demanding that clearance of files must be time-bound.
Instead of decreasing the process, they are adding making it more and more tedious, said another sarpanch.
“The circular seems to be totally against Panchayati Raj. Instead of simplifying the procedure it is being made more cumbersome,” Candolim sarpanch Balise Fernandes said.
He said the sarpanchas of Calangute and nearby constituencies will come together to oppose this move of the government. “The government has no funds for projects but at least with our funds we can get the works done and that too is being denied now with this extensive procedure,” he said.
The circular issued on July 31 says, “In order to streamline the procedure of tendering and execution of various works to be taken up under the jurisdiction of this Directorate, the BDO will mark the proposal to the JE/EORE, who in turn would scrutinize the proposal, prepare the detailed estimate along with feasibility report and forward through the BDO to the EE.”
