MARGAO: The Curtorim gram sabha called to discuss discuss on several important issues including the draft agricultural policy was adjourned as most panch members including the Sarpanch refrained from attending the meeting.
Villagers were in for a total shock to witness only two panch members including deputy sarpanch remained present while the others were nowhere to be seen. Interestingly, the deputy sarpanch made it clear that nothing has been informed to her to conduct the gram sabha.
On the other hand, several villagers, including Zilla Panchayat member Michelle Rebello expressed anger and charged the panchayat body for taking the villagers for granted. Villagers have even alleged that the local political leader was controlling the panchayat body resulting in chaos.
J Santano Rodrigues, a villager said that they are in total shock to witness two panch members and secretary and all other panch members remaining absent.
“We don’t know the exact cause of adjourning the gram sabha when the panchayat had already issued the notice informing about the meeting. Villagers had several issues to be discussed including draft agriculture policy”, he stated.
He further alleged that the panchayat body has even failed in conducting meetings of village development committees on time, besides meetings of other committees formed by the panchayat.
Expressing frustration ZP Michelle Rebello said that at least Sarpanch should have remained present when called for the gram sabha.
“Giving charge to Deputy Sarpanch and when questioned by deputy sarpanch washing her hands stating she was not informed about conducting the gram sabha is like taking villagers for granted,” she stated.
Former ZP member Moreno Rebello alleged “Excuse given to villagers is that notices were not served to the panch members and no meeting was held of the executive body pertaining to the gram sabha. It is like no respect and dignity to the villagers who had come to discuss several important issues,, he stated.
