Benaulim sarpanch abstains from gram sabha meeting

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-09-01
MARGAO - Around 150 villagers on Sunday gathered at the Benaulim sarpanch for the gram sabha but had to return back as the sarpanch, Ms Carmina Fernandes didn’t come for the same even as the secretary, Mr Alaudin Maniar and the BDO observer, Mr Custodio Faria were present at the proposed gram sabha meeting.
It is learnt that around 180 questions were posted for the gram sahha, which was notified around 15 days back. Speaking to the reporters, Mr Maniar who took over as the secretary only on August 22 said that the notice was issued prior to his appointment. He said that when he came to the panchayat, he observed that the panchayat was closed and that he had no idea about the meeting being postponed.
With regard to a complaint filed by 9 of the 11-panchayat members that he has not been attending the panchayat from August 27, he said that he was present at the panchayat on Wednesday and on following day he reported to the BDO for the audit of Cavelossim panchayat and was on two days leave, due to personal reasons. He said that prior to going on leave he sent the keys of the cupboard to the BDO, at 10 a.m. while the complaint was lodged in the evening.
When questioned if the villagers were obstructing his working, he said that he had made a representation to the BDO that he can’t perform his duties as he has not been given the full charge of the panchayat by the former secretary. It may be noted that Benaulim panchayat has had as many as four secretaries during the last three months.
Former sarpanch, Mr Benny Fernandes charged the BDO of misguiding and playing around with the sentiments of the villagers and pointed out that the village has not revived any of the government schemes.
While panch members, Mr Gilbert Fernandes and Minino de Bandar once again reiterated their support for the cause of the people and said that they are with the villagers.