Team Herald
MARGAO: The villagers of Sao Jose De Areal are not sure whether they will get an opportunity to attend the gram sabha and deliberate on their village issues, as the panchayat yet again failed to call for a gram sabha, despite directions from the Block Development Officer (BDO).
Hence, several villagers have expressed anger against the Village Panchayat and accused it of not having any concerns regarding people’s issues.
As per the villagers, this is not the first time that a panchayat has failed to call for a gram sabha. Earlier, too, they failed in doing so for a very long time.
It is pertinent to note that Nimisha S Fal Dessai, BDO had directed several village panchayats of Salcete including Sao Jose De Areal to hold the gram sabha as they failed to convey the same in the month of January.
However, Sao Jose De Areal has yet again failed to hold the meeting on February 26.
“Failing to call for a gram sabha clearly indicates that the panchayat body and the elected members have zero concern for the village,” said Freddy Travaso, a local villager.
He further charged that they are not for the village and the panchayat body is denying the villagers their rights to discuss on the issues pertaining to the betterment of the village.
Secretary of the VP, Mario Viegas did not respond to the phone calls by O Heraldo when it tried to contact him for his reactions. Meanwhile, after dislodging the Joyce Dias, panch members have elected Linda Fernandes as their new Sarpanch.
