Team Herald
PANJIM: In an interesting development, the Mapusa Block Development officer, defying High Court orders, has withdrawn police protection to Calangute Village Panchayat for removing illegal hawkers.
In a letter dated October 7, 2016, Mapusa BDO K S Pangam says the panchayat has not followed procedures.
“In a letter the village panchayt secretary had submitted that panchayat had carried out all the procedures laid down under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act 1994. However, during scrutiny it is noticed that there are some discrepancies in the above clarification submitted by the VP and this office is in process of obtaining required further clarification from the secretary,” the BDO said in a letter to the Police Inspector, Calangute, copy of which is in possession of Herald.
The letter further said that pending clarification the letter dated October 5, requesting protection to Calangute panchayat for removing illegal hawkers stands withdrawn.
Calangute acting sarpanch Joseph Sequeira criticised the BDO’s decision saying it is against democracy. “Since we were to begin the clearance drive from October 17, we had asked for protection to clear the illegal hawkers like chaiwalaas, ice cream carts, biryani stalls etc and not for personal benefit,” Sequeira said.
Accusing the BDO of supporting illegal businesses in Calangute, he said, “The letter is in contempt of the High Court order, which has asked all panchayats to remove illegal hawkers.”
To a query, Sequeira said, “When I went to question the BDO he asked us to serve notices on each individual. How is it possible, they are all on the move and the BDO expects us to serve notice and wait seven days for removal?” Sequeira said he will move the court to get it reversed.
