Although COVID-19 cases have not come under control yet, still we notice people overlooking the basic Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) such as wearing of face masks and maintaining social distance.
In practice, the village panchayats have been entrusted with the powers to enforce these norms and issue fines on the concerned defaulters. However, the panchayats often fail to deal with this important matter.
In the Village Panchayat of Adpai-Durbhat jurisdiction in Ponda Taluka, the situation in this regard has worsened to a great extent.
Residents, especially the youth have been noticed moving without a face mask. Migrant labourers employed at the construction sites also add to this list. Some wear mask only for name’s sake and is often found in a misplaced condition. Even at the local shops and tea stalls, social distancing is not being followed. Such a state of affairs is likely to give rise to COVID-19 cases thereby turning it dangerous to one and all.
It was the need of the hour for the elected representatives at the Village Panchayat of Adpai-Durbhat to monitor the existing situation and initiate appropriate action against the defaulters.
In case fines were levied from time to time, the much needed discipline would have been imbibed among public at large. In this regard, North Goa Traffic Police needs to be complimented for having fined 10,000 persons in September 2021 in North Goa for non-wearing of mask.
In case, this village panchayat had fined the defaulters, it would have earned revenue in meeting some of its expenses. But no positive action has been noticed in this serious matter. The Directorate of Panchayats as a competent authority should take a note of this important matter and issue a fresh circular to all village panchayats in the State for assuring strict enforcement of SOPs pertaining to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The panchayats failing to initiate action against the defaulters should not be spared at any instance, but taken to task without any discrimination. Of course, discipline in this important matter must be imbibed at all costs.
