Latambarse Sarpanch Dr. Rama Gaonkar has voiced strong concern over the consistent exclusion of the local panchayat from official events held in the village. Addressing the media, Dr. Gaonkar described the sidelining of elected representatives as a serious breach of protocol and an affront to the principles of democratic governance at the grassroots level.
Dr. Gaonkar emphasized that involving panchayat members in official village programs is not merely ceremonial—it is a protocol-driven necessity. The panchayat, as the elected representative body of the people, plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the administration and the local community.
He pointed out that the presence of panchayat members helps:
Strengthen communication between citizens and authorities
Ensure that decisions are aligned with public interest
Uphold the dignity and institutional relevance of local governance
Calling the repeated exclusion “unjust,” Dr. Gaonkar urged the state government to intervene and issue clear directives mandating the inclusion of panchayat members in all official village events. Such steps, he said, are essential to preserve the credibility and authority of the panchayat system.
The Sarpanch also highlighted the broader issue of diminishing respect for local self-governance institutions. He stressed that the panchayat is a cornerstone of decentralized administration, and sidelining its role undermines the very spirit of participatory democracy.Dr Rama Gaonkar
In conclusion, Dr. Gaonkar reiterated the importance of respecting established norms and ensuring that grassroots democratic institutions are given their due place in public affairs. His appeal serves as a timely reminder of the need to reinforce the role of panchayats in shaping inclusive and transparent local governance.