For any allegation contained in the Grievance not redressed through the Grievance Redressal Mechanism of the Gram Panchayat, an Aggrieved Person can approach the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is a high powered quasi-judicial body functioning at the State level who can redress the Grievances by conducting a special or general inquiry about any allegations that the staff and officers and the members including the Panchayat President and the staff and officers of the Institutions have committed maladministration or corruption in carrying out their duties.
In Goa, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Branch both are overloaded with cases and their efficiency can drown and dilute the most watertight cases. Those who have approached the Lokayuta haven’t had any success.
Melvyn Fernandes had filed a case against an illegal construction in Arpora. The Arpora Panchayat had issued a demolition order in 2014 against an illegal structure but the Deputy Collector had issued a temporary stay order. The Panchayat was also a respondent in the matter. “After 4 years matter is still pending before the deputy collector. The Sarpanch later issued a NOC for commercial electricity and water connection for the structure. I filed a case in the Lokaykuta against the Sarpanch in 2016 but the case is still going on.”, informed Melvyn.
Such cases of illegal construction and collusion with the Panchayat officials must be acted upon swiftly to discourage other offences. Unfortunately, the snail’s pace of cases pending before the Deputy Director and the Lokayuta are encouraging more people to construct structures illegally in orchard, communidade and low lying areas.
When will Goa have real Panchayat Reforms?
