rejection of proposals on flimsy grounds irk Chimbel locals

MERCES, JULY 25
Opposing the practice of the Chimbel panchayat to place gram sabha proposals at the panchayat meeting and not allowing these to be discussed at the gram sabha, the villagers demanded that proposals from the public should be discussed at the gram sabha itself, failing which the purpose of holding the meeting gets defeated.
Initiating the discussion, Paul Fernandes cited the rejection of his proposal by the panchayat body on flimsy grounds which states that he has made allegations and used abusive language.
He sought to know, where, in his entire proposal, he has made allegations or used abusive language and questioned whether the panchayat has a right to reject public proposals.
Continuing with the subject, Govind Shirodkar opined that proposals are meant to be discussed at the gram sabha where the villagers can adopt necessary resolutions.
He then lambasted the practice adopted by the panchayat of discussing the proposal at the body meeting and refusing to allow some proposals to be discussed at the gram sabha, and stated that such practice tramples on the fundamental rights of the villagers.
Replying to the queries, Sarpanch Chandrakant Kunkolkar informed that the public proposals are placed at the panchayat meeting so that the members can discuss the same and decide which proposals can be allowed to be taken up for discussion at the gram sabha.
However, another villager Tukaram Kunkolkar felt that it is a wrong practice on the part of the panchayat, which takes away a villager’s right in a panchayat set up. “If such practice continues, the very purpose of holding a gram sabha will be defeated,” he added.
Earlier, a heated discussion ensued between Tukaram Kunkolkar and the Sarpanch Chandrakant over the pending proposals of the previous gram sabha as Tukaram sought to know whether these proposals will be accommodated at this meeting.
When the sarpanch agreed to take up the proposals, Tukaram demanded for an assurance from the Sarpanch that if any proposal still remains pending he would adjourn the meeting for the next Sunday. However, Sarpanch Chandrakant refused to accede to the demand but assured that all the proposals would be accommodated.
Later, Sarpanch Chandrakant outlined the development works that have been completed in the village and also the development works that would be undertaken in the near future, which was well received by the villagers who, in turn, assured the sarpanch that they would always back him in the positive development of the village.
The issue of the need of a village school was also discussed at length with the villagers demanding that the panchayat should initiate the process of setting up a residential school for ST students and urge the State government to fund the same.
As the earlier gram sabhas had witnessed abrupt end due to unruly behaviour by the public, Old Goa PI Francis Corte personally remained present for the meeting to ensure smooth functioning of the gram sabha.
He also saw to it that nobody spoke out of turn and only with the permission of the Sarpanch Chandrakant, which was primarily responsible for a peaceful gram sabha.