MAPUSA: After the village kudds in Mumbai have gone out of fashion with Goans visiting the metropolis, the Calangute panchayat has decided to get more modern and will be purchasing a three-bedroom flat at Upper Parel, costing Rs 2 crore from Panchayat funds.
Speaking about the Calangute Bhavan, Calangute Deputy Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said, “We will be purchasing a flat in Mumbai costing Rs 2 crore from approved panchayat budget. The purpose of the flat is that, the panchayat pays cancer patients from Calangute going to Mumbai for treatment Rs 25,000, so instead of giving them Rs 25,000, we will accommodate them here.”
People who visit Mumbai along with the cancer patients have to stay elsewhere, usually a relative’s place or hotel since they cannot stay in the hospital with the patient. “We will accommodate that person in this flat with a minimum charge. We may also consider giving them those Rs 25,000,” Sequeira said.
The flat will also serve as an asset to the Panchayat since it will purchased in the name of Calangute Panchayat. “Minimum charges will be applied to any person accommodated here as we will hire a person for its maintenance. This flat will be only available to residents of Calangute village.”
