Team Herald
MAPUSA: Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte has objected to the recent government notification empowering Block Development Officers (BDOs) to take decision on the disqualification petitions against the panchas.
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Khaunte said he is examining the notification and if required, would take legal course to quash it.
MLA feared that such notification can be used as ammunition by the government to target panchas, who are against it.
Referring to the two-day long Assembly session which will be held next week, Khaunte said:”It was expected from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to hold a longer session, as this is the last one for the current tenure”.
“There are some amendments and notifications which are issued during last few weeks. In one of the notifications, the BDO has been given powers to take up decision on disqualification of panchas. There is every possibility that these powers could be misused as of late, the interference of BDOs in the panchayat matters have been evident”, Khaunte said.
The MLA said discussions on such notifications should be taken in the Assembly otherwise “democracy will be in peril.”
Khaunte said he has moved two breach of privilege motions during the two-day session, which should be considered by the Speaker.
