PERNEM: The Mandrem villagers have demanded that the local panchayat take a written assurance from the promoter of Mahashira Star project that he would give fifty percent of the jobs in his establishment to the locals.

Attending the gram sabha on Sunday, the locals raised suspicion that the Mahashira Star was a villa project and not hotel project; that once the villas are ready, the promoter would sell the same. Therefore, the villagers fear that the promise of the promoter that he would employ the locals in 50 per cent of jobs was not genuine.

Assuaging the fears and suspicions of the villagers, the panchayat members informed that the villas are a part of the hotel project. “The hotel project will be taken up in phases and the hotel file is still under process,” said a panch.

Refusing to accept the explanation of the panchayat, the locals pointed out that in 2008, the promoter promised to provide training to the local youth and employ them accordingly, but till date no training has been provided to any youth in the village.

The gram sabha also discussed issues relating to water scarcity, irregular transport, increase in salons and parlours, sale of unhygienic fruits and vegetables.

In this regard, the gram sabha passed resolutions directing the panchayat to write to the PWD to look into the water problem of the village; and to the Transport Department to ensure regular transport in the village.

Another important issue discussed at the meeting was fewer train halts at Malpe railway station. Villagers complained that not all trains halt at the railway station, as such, tourists who arrive by train have to travel all the way to Thivim and back to Pernem. Besides, the number of trains seats allotted for Malpe railway station is only 10, due to which locals are forced to travel to Thivim to purchase tickets.

Therefore, a resolution was passed directing the panchayaat to write to the railway authorities requesting them to halt more trains at Malpe station and increase the number of seats as well.