The discussion came up when councillors raised the issue of the chairperson’s name figuring on the invitation card of a bank’s branch office, which was recently inaugurated by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, despite objection from the councillors.
Fernandes claimed that she was not aware in which building the branch office was supposed to come up. Reacting strongly, Councillor Pushkal Sawant asked Fernandes to resign from the post if she was unaware of what was happening in Curchorem.
“I have served a notice to the bank and a reply has been sought within 15 days,” informed Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes, when Councillor Rocha Pereira and Sawant asked him if the newly opened bank premises had been sealed for not obtaining a trade license.
Pereira then suggested that the council should be dissolved and administrator may be appointed, as resolutions passed during the council meetings are not being implemented seriously, which is embarrassing for the council before the public.
He also accused Curchorem MLA Cabral and Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes for failing to implement the council resolutions.
Pereira also demanded to evict the shopkeepers from the SUDA market for default in paying rent, but Baburao Dessai urged the council to give them some relaxation as market is down due to mining ban.
Councillor Anand Prabhu Dessai alleged that all the files with necessary papers of developmental works in his ward are missing. He said the file along with approval and tender notices were handed over to the council’s jr engineer.
The council passed a resolution to initiate action against a person from Pontemol-Curchorem, who had circulated a letter alleging that the councillors are involved in corruption and are demanding money from the public for their genuine work.
After the meeting, Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes told the media that the eviction proceedings will be initiated against the shopkeepers from SUDA market who have sublet their shops and for not paying the rent. He said a special meeting will be convened soon to check sanitary charges imposed on hotels and restaurants in the jurisdiction of the council.
