PORVORIM: Opposition MLAs raised concerns on Wednesday, accusing the BJP-led government of weakening the Panchayat Raj system in the State. During a calling attention motion on the subject, the Fatorda MLA pointed out significant reductions in the budget amounts meant for local bodies.
Last year’s budget grant in aid to Village Panchayats in both districts was decreased from Rs 8 crore to Rs 5 crore, while the budget of Zilla Panchayats was reduced from Rs 16 crore to Rs 9.97 crore. Salaries for sarpanch, deputy sarpanch, and panch members were also cut from Rs 10 crore to Rs 7.48 crore. Grants to local bodies under the fifteenth finance commission witnessed a decrease from Rs 122 crore to Rs 67 crore, resulting in the total budget of Panchayats being reduced from Rs 289 crore to Rs 253 crore. Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira expressed concerns about people fearing interference from the State government in basic development matters.
In response to the allegations, Minister for Panchayati Raj Mauvin Godinho clarified that both the State and Central governments provide grants. He assured that p’yats have full powers to tender and undertake all works using various funds, including panchayat funds. Additionally, a Technical Cell has been established to expedite technical sanction orders, addressing delays caused by an overload of the PWD.
