Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service & circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ph:2252660 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grassroots democracy: Glimpses of how it works-II ------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Joaquim Fernandes
Undaunted by the lack of response to her complaints, Ms Fatima Fernandes, the Opposition member from the Pilerne-Marra Panchayat (Bardez) who has alleged harassment by the village sarpanch and the secretary, continues to protest to the authorities.
When contacted, the panchayats director, Mr P M Borkar said that Ms Fernandes' complaints were not very serious. "These are minor problems. There is a new block development officer for Bardez now. Hopefully, he will improve matters." But the previous BDO, Mr D Morajkar has taken cognisance of Ms Fernandes' complaint against the secretary and faulted him for not adhering to rules with regard to issue of incomplete meeting agenda.
Replying to the panchayat directorate's letter, the Bardez BDO on January 15, 2003, submits that "All VP secretaries of this block were directed to specify in details the agenda of meeting for the information of the VP members. However, except the secretaries of VP Soccoro and Penha-da-Franca, no other secretary are giving details of the agenda for discussion despite circular issued by your directorate and also by this office."
Referring specifically to the Pilerne secretary, the BDO states that "VP secretary is reluctant to comply and obey the direction of this office and your directorate and he has submitted that it is not possible to give all details of proposals of agenda items as it will run into pages and meetings are held fortnightly."
"In view of the above, action is proposed against VP secretary Pilerne-Marra and other VP secretaries who are reluctant to give details of proposals of agenda items in spite of written directives from your office as per provision of Section 113/A of Panchayati Raj Act."
While the panchayats director said that action must be taken by the BDO himself, the BDO Mr Morajkar refuted that outright. "As the appointing and disciplinary authority, it is the director who has to initiate action," said Mr Morajkar.
In the meantime, Ms Fernandes has apparently lost the backing of her only supporter among the Panch members, Mr Sandip Bandodkar. "Maybe he is now siding the sarpanch to get his work done," says Ms Fernandes.
When asked how the interests of a lone Opposition member in the panchayat can be protected, Mr Borkar states: "We can stop their grants. But then the village will be the loser. We must remember that the panchayat is a local body operating by majority vote. So the resolutions of the majority will be carried. It is within their power, which is given to them under the 73rd amendment. We cannot interfere. We expect them to do all-round development without any discrimination. But we can step in if there is a fraud."
But Ms Fernandes and Mr Bandodkar have alleged a fraud. They claim that the steps for immersion of Ganesh idols were already constructed; yet the panchayat floated a tender for the construction of the steps. "She has to substantiate the fraud," Mr Borkar said.
When contacted, the Pilerne-Marra Sarpanch, Mr Ramakant Malik, claimed everything is official. "All paperwork is there," he said. Regarding Ms Fernandes' claims of harassment, Mr Malik said that the sarpanch cannot do anything without the panchayat body decision.
"Even if the panchayat body is wrong, we can be pulled up in the gram sabha. This has not happened, neither have I received a single memo from the authorities regarding our functioning," he said. And with such facile arguments he rubbished all Ms Fernandes' claims as "false allegations".
So can things be improved? The panchayats director states thus: "Things can only be improved by education and training. Panchayat members should not bring petty politics in the development of the village. In taking revenge against one Panch member, you are actually taking revenge on the people. I will ask the deputy director to attend their meetings. Only issuing memo to the secretary will not help, here the sarpanch is the one responsible." ------------------------------------------------ The Navhind Times 7/7/03 page 1 ------------------------------------------------
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