With elections for new managing committees failing to take place across 30 comunidade bodies in South Goa, the government has initiated proceedings to declare these institutions as ‘Comunidade in Default’—a move that could result in the loss of administrative control by stakeholders for the next three years.
The South Goa Administrator of Comunidades, Abhijeet Nikam, has issued individual notices to all 30 affected comunidades, asking them to explain why they should not be declared defaulters. The notices cite a lack of quorum during the scheduled election period from December 8, 2024, to January 19, 2025, as the reason for the failed electoral process. This failure was officially recorded by the Presiding Officers appointed by the district Collector.
Once a comunidade is declared in default under Article 181-A(1) of the Code of comunidade, its name will be notified in the government gazette. The implications are far-reaching, as the law empowers the state to appoint government officials—typically mamlatdars or joint mamlatdars—as custodians to manage the affairs of the defunct comunidade for the remainder of the 2025–2027 triennium.
Of the 30 bodies facing this situation, the majority—20—are located in Salcete taluka. Six others are in Mormugao, while the remaining four are spread across Quepem, Sanguem, and Odar. Collectively, these represent a third of all 90 comunidade bodies under the jurisdiction of the South Goa Administrator.
The issued notices give stakeholders until June 24 to submit their objections or representations in writing. Those seeking to present their case in person have been called for a hearing on July 1 at 11:30 am before the Administrator. If no response is received or stakeholders fail to appear, decisions will be taken ex parte, as per the warnings contained in the notices.
While the deadline looms, comunidade stakeholders remain deeply concerned about the prospect of custodians being appointed to replace the elected committees. As per amendments made to Article 181-A, the appointment of such custodians is automatic once the declaration of default is confirmed—subject only to the outcome of appeals under clause (4) of the same article.
The powers of the appointed custodian are sweeping. Under clause (5), the custodian assumes all the roles and responsibilities typically performed by a managing committee, ranging from day-to-day administration to financial decisions and legal representation.
This has raised alarm among comunidade members, who see the move as a direct threat to the autonomy of these traditional institutions. “A comunidade is not just a legal entity—it is a cultural and historical institution rooted in community ownership. Having an outsider govern it, even temporarily, could undermine that spirit,” said a stakeholder from a Salcete-based comunidade.
To make matters more uncertain, the only route to challenge the custodian’s decisions is through an appeal to the same Administrator who initiated the default process. While this option exists under the law, stakeholders worry it offers little relief once the state machinery takes over.
Elections had been due for all comunidades in South Goa as part of the regular three-year electoral cycle, mandated under Article 47 of the Code. However, many failed to achieve the quorum necessary for the proceedings to be valid. Under the code, a quorum is essential for the formation of the new managing committee. The reasons for the poor turnout remain a matter of speculation, with some citing apathy, internal disputes, or confusion over procedural requirements.
Meanwhile, the notices issued by Administrator Nikam are seen as a formal step before invoking stronger enforcement mechanisms. “This is a crucial moment. Once the government steps in, it becomes very difficult for the comunidade to regain its autonomy during the same term,” said a former committee member from Mormugao.
As the June 24 deadline approaches, all eyes are now on the responses from the affected comunidades. While some stakeholders are preparing written objections, others are scrambling to organise legal representation before the July hearing.
With nearly one-third of South Goa’s comunidades at risk of state takeover, the coming weeks could prove decisive for the future of these once-autonomous village institutions.