Team Herald
PANJIM: Facing criticism from various quarters, including panchayat bodies and the opposition Congress, the State government on Wednesday withdrew the controversial circular asking that all files of multi-dwelling unit constructions be routed to the government through Block Development Officers (BDOs).
The Opposition as well as the panchayats claimed that the circular was bypassing panchayats rights on issuing construction licences and occupancy certificates in the State.
Addressing the media at the Secretariat, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho declared that the circular has been withdrawn as the government puts in place a proper waste management mechanism and the Director of Panchayats (DoP) puts in place a technical team to look into the matter.
“We are giving panchayats a second chance to get more serious on the garbage issue. The circular was brought in with a single point agenda of asking panchayats to put their act together in dealing with the garbage issue,” he said.
The DoP had issued a circular asking all panchayat secretaries to route the applications seeking construction licences or occupancy certificates for the projects having more than four dwelling units – multi-dwelling residential projects or commercial projects having 200 square metres and more built-up area to the government through block development officers (BDOs).
Asked whether the government had bowed down to the wishes of the critics, he said, the departments aim was to discipline the panchayats on garbage management. “It is not that government has bowed down to anyone on the issue. I can only say the purpose of the circular has been served as the panchayats are now aware what the government can do if they do not fall in line,” he said.
When asked what would be their next step if panchayats do not fall in line, he replied, “There are other ways to deal with it. Amendment of Panchayat Raj Act is another way we can deal with the matter.”
