MARGAO: The Chinchinim gram sabha on Sunday witnessed uproar over the absence of panch members for the meeting, with members demanding to know from Sarpanch Antonio Sequeira the action that would be initiated against the panchas for their absence.
Sarpanch Sequeira tried to cool down the tempers by informing them that there is no provision in the Goa Panchayat Raj Act to initiate action against a panchayat member remaining absent for a gram sabha meeting. Members, however, were adamant and a resolution was taken that a panchayat member who is unable to attend gram sabha should inform the sarpanch in advance in writing, giving reasons.
Gram sabha member also questioned how the panchayat secretary had issued occupancy certificate to a bungalow when the construction was not completed. The sarpanch informed the gram sabha members that there are strict instructions given by him to the secretary that no occupancy certificate should be issued without inspecting the premises. He further informed that no occupancy for any premises shall be issued in the future without the secretary inspecting the building to ascertain its status.
A gram sabha member pointed to the problem of a clogged drain in the market area, resulting in flooding during rains, even as the sarpanch promised to work out a solution after discussing the matter with the Church Fabrica.
