Team Herald
MARGAO: With the campaigning for the forthcoming panchayat elections heating up, and polling day fast approaching , NGOs and like-minded people under the banner of ‘Movement for People’s Panchayats’ have planned to intensify awareness of the Panchayati Raj Act amongst the villagers.
Social activist Abhijit Prabhudesai told Herald that their movement is still in progress, but will be accelerated in the coming days.
Keeping in mind the panchayat elections in the State, these NGOs , along with people interested in improving the quality of governance at the grassroots level, had started this movement so that the villagers will be able to choose their representative for the better functioning of the Panchayat Raj.
Members of the movement, who are in fact awareness coaches, state that this is a totally non-political movement, and the people in general, are showing more interest in learning about the Panchayati Raj Act.
“Recently we held an awareness programme in this regard at Orlim and have planned to conduct many such activities in other villages of Goa,” Prabhudesai said.
He further said that so far they had meetings in several villages including Chandor, Benaulim, Seraulim, Borim, Kundaim etc. Had a good response from the villagers of Surla and other nearby villages.
According to Prabhudesai, their objectives are to spread awareness of the Constitutional and Statutory powers of panchayats and gram sabhas.
Speaking to Herald, even locals, besides the social activists involved in the movement, said that this is the right time to create awareness so that the villagers can choose the right candidate, who will always consult and stand up for the rights of the people.
“Only those having real concern for the betterment of the village should stand for elections. Candidates need to be aware about the Panchayat Raj Act. They should not fall prey to any political leader at the time of
decision making,” Alwyn Colaco said. Ravi Borkar, a senior citizen, also said that contesting panchayat elections should not be
for the namesake or to take revenge.
“Every candidate should have basic knowledge about the rights of the people at panchayat level. The gram sabha is supreme and the panchas need to understand this so that they will be able to respect the
people’s voice and choice,” he added.
