TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
PORVORIM: Aldona Panch Vallabh Polle has lodged a police complaint against Panchayat Secretary Cliffton Azavedo, accusing him of refusing to grant ‘no objection certificates’ for electrical connections for LIG applicants even though the panchayat has adopted resolutions to the effect.
The panchayat secretary has, however, defended his position and stated that Polle wanted NOCs for electrical connections to unauthorized structures.
In his complaint, Polle told Mapusa Police that the incident had taken place during the fortnightly panchayat meeting on November 15.
“It was pointed out by me as panch member to issue the NOCs for electricity connections to those LIG applicants, as these resolutions were already passed by the panchayat body in its previous fortnightly meeting. The secretary is showing partiality and is biased. He also threatened me with dire consequences if I speak in the meeting, which is totally against his duties,” stated Polle.
The complaint copy has also been sent to the Director of Panchayat and Block Development Office.
When contacted, Panchayat Secretary Azavedo stated that as per Panchayat Raj Act ‘No Objection Certificates’ for electricity connections can only be issued for the authorized structures.
“The panchayat had issued house numbers to unauthorized structures and Panch Polle had asked me to issue NOCs for electrical connections for those unauthorized structures, which I refused flatly,” stated Azavedo.
“When I was called by the Block Development Officer Mapusa, I told the officer that I am ready to issue NOCs for electrical connections to unauthorized structures provided BDO gives me in writing to do so,” stated Azavedo.
Azavedo has refuted the allegations that he had threatened Panch Polle of dire consequences. “I am doing my duty as per the law and not interested in hampering the development of the village. A disqualification petition against Panch Polle is pending before the Director of Panchayat,” said Azavedo.
