Lazy B.D.O? The Gram Sabha for the month of july is already due but the Betalbatim Gram Sabha for April has not yet been convened. Who is to be held responsible for this negligence? Of course, the Salcette Block Development Officer who according to section 5 sub-section 4 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 is duty bound to convene the Gram Sabha in the following month if the meeting was not convened within the specified month. The B.D.O. sat tight for the month of May and June and has now created a peculiar situation through his neglect of duty. Now that the Gram Sabha for the month of july is also due on any sunday, is it possible that 2 Gram Sabhas will be held in the same month? The Salcette Block Development Officer is in dereliction of duty and is liable for action. Will the Dy. Director of Panchayat (South) now do her duty by show-causing the B.D.O.? This negligence is just one of the many cases of negligence by officers of the Directorate of Panchayats which has encouraged wide spread corruption and disorder in the village panchayat administration. The ordinary citizen is made to run from pillar to post to ensure that their rights are protected. Are the officers not paid by the public to do their duty? The Betalbatim Gram Sabha members must demand action against the B.D.O. and Dy. Director of Panchayats for dereliction of duty. Soter D'Souza Socorro
