TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai called his ‘Sunday Dialogues’ interaction with the people and government officials a “sort of municipal ward sabha meant to infuse transparency in the administration’s functioning while ensuring community participation.”
Surrounded by a large audience at Agalli in Ward No 1 of the Fatorda constituency, Sardesai kicked off the event by honoring freedom fighter Tulshidas Malkarnekar and observing a minute of silence for those who died in the Nepal earthquake. He went on to stress the need for reforms in the functioning of local bodies, which could happen only with the people’s involvement.
Sardesai offered time-bound solutions to the grievances of several individuals and resident welfare associations in the midst of government officials. He lamented that although the programme was purely apolitical and meant to bring governance to every citizen, some government departments that were looked down upon as corrupt did not attend it despite being invited and having accepted the invitation well in advance.
He said that he would endeavour to bring out a white paper on the financial position of government departments with details of ward-wise works. The move would involve the citizens in deciding the priority of ward-wise development while understanding the financial position of the departments.
The ‘Sunday Dialogues’, Sardessai concluded, would culminate in the formation of voluntary city technical advisory groups. These groups would involve professionals – ward residents – who were keen to guide and participate in development of their neighbourhood.
The programme will continue until June 7, and will cover all seven wards of the Fatorda constituency.
