Sarpanchas to petition Panchayat Minister
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Underlining the need to bring about Amendment to the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, Salcete Sarpanchas on Friday resolved to demand all powers and functions to the panchayat body laid down in the Constitution.
The sarpanchas discussed threadbare various provisions of the Panchayat Raj Act which need Amendment to keep pace with the changing times. They discussed financial powers of panchayat bodies and the provisions on mopping up revenue under the Act.
The sarpanchas also discussed section 94-A of the Goa Health Act, 1985 empowering the Primary Health Centres to issue NOCs in respect of water and electricity. They contended that this particular provision, whose objective was to help mundcars to get basic amenities, is now being misused and is abetting illegal constructions in the villages.
After much discussion, the sarpanchas resolved that the power to issue NOCs as far as water and power connections should rest with the panchayats.
After the meeting, Rachol Sarpanch Joseph Vaz told the media that the sarpanchas forum has resolved to submit a memorandum to the Panchayat Minister during his visit to Salcete for the taluka melawa later this month. “We discussed the financial and other powers envisaged under the Panchayati Raj Act for panchayat bodies. Sarpanchas also discussed the issue of gram sabha meetings,” he said.
Raia Sarpanch Xavier Fernandes pointed out that the sarpanchas have resolved to seek the views of the panchayat elected representatives before bringing about the Amendments to the Goa Panchayat Raj Act. “Today, we discussed and deliberated on several provisions in the Act, which needs an Amendment. We will also submit a detailed note to the government on the question of Amendments,” he added.
