Locals seek Benaulim panchayat’s dissolution

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-09-02
MARGAO — The fate of the Benaulim panchayat is likely to be decided on September 8 as the Benaulim Residents and Consumer Forum has made a representation to the BDO demanding the de-solution of the panchayat.
The letter to the BDO demanded an immediate investigation and inquiry into the affairs of the panchayat alleging a total breakdown in the functioning of the panchayat.
The meeting is likely to be held on September 8 at 10 a.m even as the forum made a couple of representations to the deputy director of panchayat demanding an inquiry into the functioning of the panchayat. However no action was taken despite the directions to investigate into the matter in June.
Meanwhile, around 400 Benaulim villagers gathered outside the panchayat office on Monday morning to inquire about the gram sahba which failed to take off. However, neither the sarpanch, Ms Carmelina Fernandes nor the secretary, Mr Alaudin Maniar were present at the panchayat building.
The panchayat once again wore a look of a fortress as armed police in riot gear along with police from Colva police station, were present at the panchayat, while enforcements from Cuncolim police station and Maina Curtorim police station were also called in.
The villagers mostly women booed the Colva police after the police inspector, Mr Edwin Colaco tried to forcefully get the people out of the panchayat building even as the people waited for the sarpanch for almost three and half hours. Later a small public meeting was held at the panchayat hall to inform the people as to why the gram sabha failed to take off.