Team Herald
MARGAO: Salcete panchayat members have voiced strong dissatisfaction over a recent circular issued by the Directorate of Panchayats, which could lead to a reduction in their honorarium compared to the past two years. This development comes amidst ongoing delays in salary disbursement, adding to the financial strain faced by many elected representatives.
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The circular, signed by Director Siddhi Halarnkar, allocated a Grant-in-Aid of Rs 28.86 lakh for the salaries and allowances of sarpanchas, deputy sarpanchas, and other panchayat members from October 2024 to March 31, 2025, including arrears for September 2024. While the grant initially seemed like progress, the new honorarium structure outlined in the circular has raised alarm among members.
Panchayat member Gerson Gomes of the Chinchinim-Deussa Village Panchayat pointed out that the honorarium for panch members has remained at Rs 4,500 for at least two years. However, under the new circular, this amount is set to decrease by Rs 500 to Rs 4,000. Gomes also expressed concern that supplementary allowances, which could offset this reduction, are not guaranteed and may be further reduced or withheld entirely, threatening long-term financial stability.
Adding to the frustration, Gomes highlighted a discrepancy regarding a Rs 2,000 increment in the honorarium, which was reportedly approved by the Chief Minister earlier this year. The increment, meant to benefit panchayat members, was not reflected in the circular. Instead, the base honorarium has been reduced, leading many to suspect a clerical error or oversight. Gomes has called on sarpanchas to email the Directorate of Panchayats to demand an immediate review and rectification of the issue.
The situation has left many Salcete panchayat members feeling disheartened. “The reduction in salaries not only creates financial difficulties but also undermines the respect and recognition for our grassroots work,” said a deputy sarpanch, who wished to remain anonymous.
The Directorate of Panchayats, already under pressure to address pending salary disbursements, now faces mounting demands for clarity and fairness in the honorarium structure. Many panchayat members have called for immediate action to restore their salaries to previous levels and to reflect the promised increment.
