Team Herald
MARGAO: Financial stress is mounting for panchayat members across the state as the government has failed to release their honorarium for the past five months. The delay has left them struggling to meet expenses, particularly during the festive season.
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The last honorarium disbursement occurred in July, covering payments for the initial months of 2024. Panchayat members are entitled to a monthly remuneration of Rs 4,500, while sarpanchas receive Rs 6,000.
“Grassroots governance is being severely neglected by these delays. It’s been five months since we last received payments, and this has dampened our Christmas spirit,” said Joseph Vaz, Rachol sarpanch and general secretary of the All Goa Panchayat Democratic Forum. He criticised the government for ignoring the needs of panchayats and their representatives.
“Grassroots governance is being severely neglected by these delays. It’s been five months since we last received payments, and this has dampened our Christmas spirit,” said Joseph Vaz, Rachol sarpanch and general secretary of the All Goa Panchayat Democratic Forum. He criticised the government for ignoring the needs of panchayats and their representatives.
Despite Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho’s assurance of a revision in honorarium, no progress has been made. Sources reveal that the proposal to increase the honorarium by Rs 2,000 per member is pending approval from the Finance Department.
A recent meeting of sarpanchas with deputy director of panchayats, Prasidh Naik, at the Margao office yielded no resolution. Naik promised to follow up with higher authorities, but members remain sceptical.
“Our constituents expect us to deliver, but financial constraints hinder us. Unlike legislators, we lack privileges, and timely payments would ease these challenges,” said Varca sarpanch Salesiana Fernandes.
Cavelossim sarpanch Dixon Vaz expressed frustration over recurring delays. “We receive our honorarium every six months, and even then, there are backlogs. Despite assurances in July, no further payments have been made,” he said.
Joseph Vaz echoed these concerns. “No salary for six months and no arrears from the proposed increase have been paid. This government makes empty promises. Local bodies are fed up, and Block Development Officers (BDOs) are indifferent. Development at the panchayat level is at a standstill,” he lamented.
The delays have disheartened members, particularly those from smaller panchayats. For many, the festive season has been overshadowed by financial uncertainty. Members are urging the government to prioritise timely payments and fulfil its commitment to revise the honorarium.
