MARGAO: A group of concerned citizens in Varca has raised objections, alleging that the Varca village panchayat has neglected vital issues in favour of selective development of a few wards within the village.
Filastro Cardozo, speaking to O Heraldo, expressed frustration that the panchayat had not given him the opportunity to address village-related issues during the recent gram sabha meeting. He explained that he had submitted a letter detailing nearly 17 important points, hoping that all the issues would be discussed and resolved during the gram sabha session. However, the panchayat chose to deliberate on only a few of them.
“All the issues outlined in the letter were of significant importance, and it was the responsibility of the panchayat to allocate more time for their discussion. Some of these issues included the revival of the Varca village panchayat library, village development projects through various government departments, digitalisation of panchayat records, execution of projects under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by local hotels, and ongoing and proposed initiatives,” Cardozo noted.
He raised concerns about the lack of accountability in the approval process, as well as pending dispute cases in the court. Cardozo and other citizens are urging the panchayat to focus on comprehensive development, give equal weight to all issues, and work across all wards rather than selectively.
Similarly, Damodar Bandokar expressed disappointment over the apparent lack of implementation of resolutions made during gram sabha meetings. He alleged that discussions seemed to yield little result, with files for various construction projects being approved despite objections.
Responding to these allegations, Salisiana Fernandes refuted the claims and stated that the panchayat is committed to the overall development of the village. She clarified that Filastro Cardozo was asked to present only a few points due to time constraints and assured that the remaining issues from his letter would be addressed in the next meeting.
Regarding the issue of slabs, she explained that it pertained to the previous panchayat body, and the current one has resolved to maintain records in the near future. Fernandes added that the panchayat had decided not to approach commercial establishments for CSR funds due to allegations made by villagers when such works were attempted.
She also refuted allegations of selective ward-based development, stating that the panchayat is fully committed to the overall development of the village, without discrimination.
