Team Herald

PANJIM: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) on Thursday claimed that the BJP led-State government has not availed a single scheme introduced by the Central government for the upliftment and development of panchayats.

Addressing media persons, GFP Saligao MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar also accused Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho of trying to rule the panchayats through a backdoor entry by issuing powers to Secretary.

Salgaonkar said that Government, till now, has not been able to avail benefits under various central government schemes. “What is important here to note is that government has not even formed District Planning Committees, which act as special purpose vehicles to avail central government’s schemes,” he said.

He said that the central government gives the benefit for in various fields like agriculture extension, fisheries, minor irrigation, forest, khadi village, small scale industries, market and fares, rural housing, culverts and others.

“Eight BJP ruled States have availed more than 17 of these subjects. Few States like Kerala have taken benefits under all the 29 schemes. But in Goa, not a single scheme benefits are availed,” he said producing the required documents.

The former Minister further accused the Panchayat Minister of trying to intervene in the affairs of panchayat bodies, by way of issuing memorandums and circulars with directions and guidelines.

Salgaonkar said that Godinho has come out with memorandum empowering secretary to implement directions from the Director of Panchayat.

“If this memorandum is there, then why do you need panchayat body?” he questioned.

“We want the panchayats to function in a manner of local self governance. If this memorandum comes into action, secretaries will become more powerful,” the GFP leader added.

He further stated that the memorandum gives scope for more corruption and that gram sabhas would get by-passed.