TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: The issue over the deletion of name of Panch Salvador Fernandes from the electoral roll dominated the gram sabha of Macazana Panchayat on Sunday.
The matter was raised by some villagers, demanding to know why Salvador’s name has been deleted from the electoral roll and is not being allowed to participate in the panchayat working and the gram sabha.
Sarpanch Thereza Almeida clarified that Salvador’s name has been deleted from village electoral roll by the election commission and the body had no role in the decision and as such he cannot participate in the gram sabha meetings.
Even as an agitated Salvador tried to disrupt the proceedings, the Sarpanch justified her stand producing relevant document from authorities concerned and also producing certificate issued by the additional returning officer to Salvador that he is a resident of Curtorim further proving that Salvador himself had withdrawn an application for ration card in Macazana for having a ration card in Curtorim.
Villagers raised the issue of irregular transport in the village particularly on Sundays by the private bus operators. Michael B Estebeiro, Diago Silveira and other villagers raised the problem demanding action. Sarpanch Almeida informed the gram sabha members that the body has taken up the matter with RTO and requested for cooperation from villagers.
stating that if need be to hold/organize rasta rako in support of the demand.
Other issues raised were in regard to the need to close the mouth of Khandi, which was proposed by Benedict Almeida and seconded by Jose D’Costa with the Chair promising action. The Sarpanch informed that the local MLA has promised to start the work of development of playground by end of October 2014 and to complete the same.
To the problem of blocking of road at Tari bhund, the sarpanch clarified that the matter was subjudice. Conceica B Fernandes raised the issue of a culvert on main road and at Zodd being narrow. Sarpanch also informed gram sabha members that all roads in the village would be attended while adding that she has no powers to take action on panch members absenting for gram sabha.
