Over two months after resignations from top posts, the influential gram panchayats of Navelim and Rumdamol Davorlim in Salcete remain without a Sarpanch, sparking heightened concerns over stalled governance and blocked development.
In Navelim, Sarpanch Minguel Cardozo had stepped; yet key processes have halted amid confusion and mounting public frustration.
A gram sabha scheduled for May 12 was abruptly postponed after members protested Cardozo’s absence and demanded access to the panchayat’s asset book—a request rejected by the secretary.
Allegations also surfaced accusing the secretary of falsifying meeting minutes related to a controversial school construction permit.
Despite legal mandates requiring a by election within 60 days of vacancy, the Director of Panchayats, Siddhi Halarnkar, on July 3, issued an unexplained corrigendum indefinitely postponing the Sarpanch election—even though less than a month remained before the statutory deadline.
A group of residents had expressed deep dismay at the lack of clarity surrounding the decision and warned of further administrative logjams.
Meanwhile, in Rumdamol Davorlim, the resignation of Sarpanch Mubeena Fanibandh left the panchayat leaderless for nearly 60 days. Panchayat members have yet to receive formal notification from the Directorate on proceeding with the election for both Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch roles.
Adding to the administrative chaos, a recent Block Development Officer (BDO) order disqualifying four panchayat members has thrown statutory functioning into doubt, casting a shadow over decisions and day-to-day conduct of the panchayat.