MARGAO: The Verna village panchayat was criticised by gram sabha members for its failure in carrying out the tenant verification drive amongst other complaints about the functioning of the panchayat.
Regarding the tenant verification drive, concerns were first raised about the security risk posed to children, women and senior citizens of the village with past incidents cited to show the gravity of the situation.
When the panchayat tried to attribute the delay in carrying out the drive to the lack of support from the police, the villagers pointed out that during their interaction with the police, the police had assured to provide all assistance required.
Villagers blamed the panchayat for not following up on the matter.
Questions were also raised about the presence of a large number of migrants in the village and if they were staying in legal premises situated in the village.
Allegations were also made about glaring discrepancies in an inspection report of the panchayat secretary about alleged encroachments and other illegalities on comunidade land. This inspection, locals said, had been done following a complaint lodged by the Verna comunidade.
