Panch accused of demanding haftas
MARGAO, MAY 30
Uproar marked the gram sabha meeting of Sirlim-Dramapur Panchayat body on Sunday after members alleged that a Panch member was allegedly demanding haftas from road side vendors.
In fact, the issue dominated the meeting held on Sunday, forcing the Sarpanch to assure the gram sabha member that he would call the vendors, the panch member and the complainant for verification at the panchayat body.
The issue was raised by gram sabha member Wilson Viegas who said that a particular member had demanded haftas from road side coconut and fruit vendors on the stretch of the NH-17 passing through Sirlim and Dramapur.
The allegation created noisy scenes at the meeting panchayat even as Wilson cited two witnesses in support of his allegation and agitated members questioning the Sarpanch for his comment on the issue.
The panch member later firmly denied that he has ever demanded any hafta from the road side vendors. In fact, he had asked one of the vendors to stop the illegal activity on the road side in the presence of a gram sabha as the activity has been prohibited by the Director of Panchayats.
The Sarpanch Seby Mendes later told newsmen that he has called both the parties at the Panchayat for verification and inquiry into the complaint.
The gram sabha member also discussed development projects, including construction of drains at the meeting.
Wilson demanded that the Sarpanch take up the issue seriously so that the erring panch member is disqualified.
