PRESS RELEASE The Centre for Panchayat Raj condemns the brutal attack on Gram Sabha activist Mr. C.S. Barretto of Assagao village and demands a thorough inquiry from the government to nail the culprits involved in such criminal acts. The attack on Mr. Barretto only goes to prove the growing criminalisation in the Village Panchayats with the active support from the government authorities that are turning a blind eye to repeated complaints about irregularities and illegaties from the public. The government authorities have more than once been proved involved in subverting village democracy whether it be in the conduct of no-confidence motions or the elections to the vacant posts of Sarpanch and Dy. Sarpanch in the Village Panchayats. The government authorities have not initiated any steps to ensure that elected representatives declare their private assets before taking charge of public office. Widespread corruption and commission raj has been allowed to flourish with the active collaboration of the government authorities. This is then used by the very government as an excuse not to devolve the due opowers and responsibilities to the local bodies. CPR has been demanding that adequate measures for ensuring transparency and accountability are put in place by empowering the Gram Sabhas to bring the criminal activities in the villages under control.
Soter D'Souza Director Centre For Panchayati Raj - Peaceful Society Kundaim, Goa
