MARGAO, FEB 15
Colva Panchayat member Calvert Gonsalves has urged Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat to discharge Udhay Prabhudessai of his duties as Block Development Officer II of Salcete taluka for various sins of omission and commission.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday accompanied by Colva Deputy Sarpanch Anthony Mama Fernandes, Calvert alleged that the BDO has been allegedly harassing the common man for small matter like minor repairs, but have been prompt in issuing directions to the panchayat body for issuance of occupancy certificates to mega building projects.
“Prabhudessai is allegedly harassing the common man into submission even for small matters like minor repairs of old houses of which the plinth is not being altered”, Gonsalves claimed, adding even the contractors are not spared by the BDO by keeping their bills pending and by conducting inspections sans the presence of technical person.
On the other hand, the panch member alleged that the BDO had issued directions to the panchayat body to issue occupancy certificate to three building projects despite glaring discrepancies such as approach roads, setbacks, no proper parking area, no rain water drain networks et al.
When contacted, BDO Prabhudessai said that if Calvert or any person is aggrieved by his order directing the panchayat to issue occupancy certificate to the builders, they can very well challenge the orders in the higher forum.
Refuting allegations made against him by the Colva panch, the BDO said that he has every right to inspect any work constructed by the contractors.
“As the BDO, I have every right to inspect the slab drainage works as each slab costs Rs 600”, he said, and denied that he is harassing the common man on the repair of old houses.
