TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The Goa Government is in violation of the Constitution of India by not constituting the Third State Finance Commission and not preparing the District Development Plans, the Council for Social Justice and Peace, has said.
It also called on the government to prevent the hijacking of this democratic platform by opportunistic forces such as local politicians, political parties and vested interests.
Accusing Panchayat Minister Laxmikant Parsekar of not taking genuine interest in the health of village panchayats, the CSJP said that the government needs to regularly monitor that panchayats function as mandated by the Constitution.
“The Goa Government is in violation of the Constitution of India by not constituting the Third State Finance Commission which is articulated under article 243-I of the Constitution as well as not preparing the District Development Plans ensured under article 243 ZD,” the CSJP said.
“The Government needs to ensure that accountability and transparency in self-governance is guaranteed through a well defined mechanism which must be monitored regularly,” the CSJP said.
The council also took offence to the panchayat minister Laxmikant Parsekar’s statements that the reason why more powers are not given to panchayats is that they are being hijacked.
“The mere excuse that rival groups hijack meetings cannot become a reason to deny the constitutional powers to the Gram Sabhas,” the CSJP said.
“The Panchayat Minister should first ensure that justice is done to the citizens by ensuring the compliance of what is laid down in the Goa Panchayat Raj Act and Rules before blaming the gram sabhas,” the council said in a statement adding that for the last 20 years, the State Government has not conducted any orientation or training program to empower the gram sabha members.
