PANJIM: In the wake of several panchayats imposing lockdowns in their jurisdictions to curtail the spread of COVID-19, the Director of Panchayats has issued an order restraining the local bodies from taking such decisions.
An order issued by the Director of Panchayats states, “It is seen from newspaper reports and from communication received from some of the village panchayats in the State of Goa that out of fear of spread of COVID-19 some of the village panchayats had issued orders of lockdown for areas within their jurisdiction.”
This, the director says, has caused inconvenience to the villagers as neither could they transact any business nor move out of their houses.
The order has not gone well with the panchayats as they feel their powers are being taken away. Aquem-Baixo panch Siddesh Bhagat said the order is draconian and needs to be withdrawn urgently. “What is the use of panchayats if they are not allowed to work independently when it comes to the interest of its villagers?” he asked.
He said the government is not thinking about the people. He added that when people demanded lockdowns the government did not take any decision and now they are also asking panchayats not to take such decision.
