MARGAO: Panchayat Minister Rajendra Arlekar has assured to give more power, rights and funds to the zilla panchayats. At a meeting with ZP members, Arlekar stated that he is working out how to hand over rural departments like RDA, primary health centre, primary education and anganwadis to the ZPs. He also promised to increase the development fund from Rs 6.25 crore to Rs 10 crore, which will be disbursed by December end.
“My department will work out schemes in which every ZP will get funds for development works. Issues like development and upgrading of the ZP offices, appointment of assistant and executive engineers will be resolved,” said Arlekar, who also assured to strengthen the District Planning Committees and make them more active. He added that he would hold meetings regularly to take stock of the development and progress.
Meanwhile, the panchayats of Salcete have expressed displeasure at not being invited for the meet. The Goa Panchayati Raj Forum (PRF), which has been working towards empowering the panchayats, handed over a memorandum of demands to Arlekar. PRF convenor Santan Fernandes stated, “The 30 panchayats of Salcete are larger stakeholders and need more attention. Panchayats still pay salaries and repair electrical fixtures from the village development funds. Development committees are formed as an open and shut exercise. Administrative issues like full-time BDOs and panchayat secretaries and demarcation of the jurisdiction of the ZP and the panchayat also need a patient hearing.”
