Subhash Faldesai says he fully sympathises with demands of ZPs for powers, funds and functions
TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: At a time when MLAs sound sceptical in sharing their powers with local self government bodies, Bharatiya Janata Party Sanguem MLA Subhash Faldesai on Monday publicly batted for the devolution of powers, funds and functions to the Zilla Panchayats in the state.
A former ZP member, Subhash even went to the extent of advising South Goa Zilla Panchayat to slowly and steadily “expand” its territory to force the government to concede powers to the district Panchayat bodies. “I do not say violate the territorial boundaries, but you can certainly expand your self into territories beyond the drawing line. You know risk always pays. The ZP administration may not like the advise as they have to go by government norms, but still they too can consider expansion of the well established territorial boundaries”, Faldesai advised South Goa Zilla Chairperson Nelly Rodrigues and members at the Zilla Panchayat office on Monday on the occasion of the launch of schemes by the Zilla Panchayat body.
Fully sympathising with the demands of the Zilla Panchayats for powers, funds and functions, Faldessai recalled how he as a Zilla member along with his colleagues was treated by the then government by denying the ZP’s basic powers and rights envisaged under the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution. “I am of the firm opinion that arming the ZPs with more powers will help the government to take development to the interiors of the villages. The MLAs have to play various roles and I am of the firm opinion that ZP members can take the development to the village interiors”, he said, adding that he never looses a single opportunity to raise the ZP demands both within and outside the Assembly.
The Sanguem MLA made his observations after South Goa ZP Chairperson Nelly Rodrigues made a strong case for powers, funds and functions to the ZP body. “Our current term will end 10 months from now. We have not received the promised funds from the CM. You are one MLA who can push the ZP wheels forward”, she said. The MLA launched various schemes including vocational training in masala making, tailoring, beautician courses, jute bag making, besides distributing note books, sports items and plastic bags.
