PORVORIM: Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho assured Members in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday that the government will take strict action against erring panchayat secretaries and place them under suspension. He further announced that biometric attendance will be made mandatory for panchayat secretaries.
In response to a starred question tabled by Mayem MLA Premenda Shet regarding the lethargic working of panchayat secretaries, the Minister acknowledged the punctuality issues and irregularities by some secretaries, causing hardships to the common man.
Godinho admitted that many panchayat secretaries are not punctual and often leave the office, citing inspections as excuses. He also noted that some secretaries are involved in illegal activities.
The Minister mentioned that he had already issued a suspension order to one panchayat secretary for defying the Director of Panchayats’ orders, stating, “Give me a free hand to act against erring secretaries. After that, don’t come to me to defend them when they are transferred or suspended.”
Mayem MLA Premenda Shet expressed concerns about panchayat secretaries misusing their powers and advocated for their dismissal from service. However, the Minister informed him that complaints have been received against 14 secretaries for harassment or misconduct.
Additionally, the Minister assured Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai that he would initiate an inquiry into a false site inspection report submitted by the panchayat secretary of Arpora-Nagoa village panchayat.
Similar assurances were given to Velim MLA Cruz Silva, who demanded the suspension of the panchayat secretary of Sao Jose De Areal panchayat.
