lRichest panchayat to protest if full-time secy not appointed within a fortnight lMLA Lobo says a secretary will be appointed shortly
TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CALANGUTE: With Calangute Panchayat functioning without a full-fledged panchayat secretary since December 2013, the Calangute Panchayat has decided to protest along with residents outside the Directorate of Panchayats (DoP) if a full-time secretary is not appointed to the panchayat within 15 days.
“Calangute panchayat is considered the richest panchayat in the State and yet, we have been without a full-fledged panchayat secretary since December 2013 for reasons best known to the DoP. Time and again, we have requested a full-time panchayat secretary in view of hardships to our residents, establishments and to ensure the smooth functioning of the panchayat affairs. Unfortunately, all our efforts have been to no avail,” Calangute Deputy Sarpanch Vinayak Salgaonkar told Herald.
Salgaonkar, however, admitted that the part-time panchayat secretary deputed at the Calangute panchayat office was an efficient officer.
“Though we have a good panchayat secretary, Eknath Talkar, who is holding additional charge, there is little that he can do to serve residents of Calangute. Talkar has to be present at his designated panchayat to perform his duties there too.”
“The decision not to appoint a full-time panchayat secretary to Calangute is virtual harassment towards the local body. In fact, former speaker and ex-MLA Tomazinho Cardozo had designated two full-time panchayat secretaries at Calangute,” Salgaonkar added.
Left with no option, Salgaonkar said the panchayat is now forced “to take a drastic step as work at the Panchayat office is seriously hampered for want of a full-time panchayat secretary.”
“Residents have to frequently visit the panchayat office even for minor works, which are being held up due to the non-availability of a panchayat secretary. Considering the hardship to our residents, we along with the residents have decided to protest in front of the DoP office if a full-time panchayat secretary is not sent to the Calangute panchayat within 15 days,” said Salgaonkar.
When contacted, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo admitted to a delay in the appointment of a full-time panchayat secretary.
“The appointment of a full-time panchayat secretary for Calangute panchayat was delayed due to new appointments and the recent Election Code of Conduct. With new appointments being finalised and election process having ended, Calangute Panchayat will get a full-time panchayat secretary very soon,” assured Lobo.
