Many a member has no idea about what lies in store for them on the ZP powers and functions, but are only hoping against hope that the Parsekar government would honour its promises made to the people on the eve of the ZP polls.
BJP’s strong contender for the post of Chairperson of the South Goa Zilla Panchayat Navnath Naik expressed confidence that the BJP-led government would devolve powers and functions to the Zilla Panchayats. “The government had given assurances on the devolution of powers. Even Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar had promised to give powers and functions to the ZPs as envisaged under the constitution”, Navnath said, while promising to take up with the BJP leadership on the issue.
Four-time ZP Chairperson Nelly Rodrigues said the newly-elected members are hoping that the BJP government would honour its promise to start the process of devolution of powers. “Many of us were opposed to the government’s decision to hold ZP election on party lines. But we finally contested on a party banner with the hope that the government would devolve powers and funds to the district Panchayat bodies”, Nelly said, while warning that the government will have to face the brunt of the people if they go back on the promise.
Many a newly elected Zilla Panchayat member echoed similar sentiments, saying they will all request the government to honour its promise by arming the ZP bodies with powers and functions.
When Herald contacted Panchayat Director Gurudas Pilarnekar after the oath taking ceremony, he said the government would take a call on the issue of devolution of powers. Asked whether any plans are in the offing to devolve powers and functions to the ZP bodies, Pilarnekar said ‘the government will take a decision on devolution of powers”.
Meanwhile, Pilarnekar said the post of South Goa ZP vice-chairperson is reserved for women this time. He said the process for holding the election for the two posts will be set in motion soon.
