MARGAO: In a significant decision by the Directorate of Panchayat, former Cavelossim sarpanch Dionizio Dias, former Deputy sarpanch Felicia Fernandes and former panch Lumena Rodrigues, have been barred from contesting the panchayat elections for the next three years.
Additional Director of Panchayat Sangeeta S Naik has pronounced the above order recently.
The Additional Director of Panchayat stated that it has been ascertained that the then Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch, and the concerned ward member, against whom the present petition lies, were involved in the misuse and abuse of powers.
Upon the petition filed by Oswald Fernandes, a resident of Curtorim, Lokayukta with vide order dated September 15, 2020 had directed the ACB to inquire into illegal allotment of house numbers and the panchayat turning a blind eye to illegal use of khazan land and alleged paddy fields in the village.
The ACB, pursuant to these directions, conducted investigation and prepared a report and forwarded the same to the Directorate of Panchayats for necessary action.
The above mentioned petitioner in 2022 addressed to the Chief Secretary brought it to the notice of the authorities that action needs to be taken by the Directorate of Panchayats with respect to the mis-use of powers and persistent remiss of duties by the panchayat members in terms of illegal use of salt pans, khazan land and illegal allotment of house numbers to the structures in the khazan land.
It the order by directorate of panchayat it has been stated that upon perusal of the enquiry report dated September 2, 2021 by the ACB, it is seen that there were allegations levelled against all above trio that they have actively cooperated in the grant of illegal house numbers in khazan land and salt pans in Cavelossim.
“The petition dated April, 21 2022 addressed to the Chief Secretary which was marked to the Director of Panchayats on April 27, 2022 is partly allowed. The issue referred to this authority by the Director of panchayats vide order dated May 11, 2022 by which the additional director of panchayat-II, Margao was directed to initiate action against the respondents is accordingly disposed off,”stated in the order.
Further, stated that in the present case, the respondents are not presently occupying the office of Sarpanch/Deputy Sarpanch/member of the panchayat and as such cannot be removed from the office.
