An effective and very vigilant Opposition is a necessary integral part to provide checks and balances in the working of any elected body. A very sturdy and vibrant but constructive opposition is fundamental for the success of any democracy, and situation of no Opposition or a decimated one could be precarious. Without an effective Opposition any elected body tends to become dictatorial, arrogant and unaccountable.
Now at the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), virtually with no opposition, the onus falls on the citizens of Panaji to be vigilant and ensure quality control in all the works being executed, to ensure total Transparency and Zero Tolerance to Corruption as the mantra if we are to firmly halt the further decay of Goa’s capital city. In all fairness Rohit Monserrate, who has taken over as Mayor of Panaji just under a fortnight ago, must be given some time to get the hang of it and understand the intricacies of the Chair. If the young Rohit Monserrate is properly molded and rightly guided he may taste success in transforming our City. To strike a balance it would have been nice if the Deputy Mayor’s post was given to a lady. The fourth time Corporator Diksha Mainkar would have been an appropriate deserving choice. But it was not to be, despite there being 12 women in the house of 30 Corporators. Rohit Monserrate has a huge task at hand which includes bringing to justice those involved in the over decade old infamous alleged multi-crore Panaji market scam. The CCP Act is almost two decades old and is long overdue due to be brought in tune with the times, with all the necessary bylaws also in place. Interestingly in the entire 204 pages of the Act there is no mention of the word ‘Corporator’ and refers to the elected representatives as ‘Councillor’. So it would be wrong for the CCP to be using the word Corporator unless this is done by an amendment to the Act. In terms of the CCP Act all the powers are vested with the Commissioner and we are fortunate to currently have Sanjit Rodrigues in the post who is well versed with the trials and tribulations of the City. But with Sanjit now elevated to the IAS cadre his transfer out of Goa could come at any moment. If genuine progress is to be made to stop the stagnation and decay of our once beautiful City, it is vital that the CCP has a structure and leadership reflecting the dynamic selfless drive needed with integrity, transparency and the rule of law with full accountability for every paisa spent from the coffers. Let us always remember that “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” and that “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. The desperate optimist deep within us may yet hope that Rohit Monserrate will be different from the old political versions before him! Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com
