Elections to the local bodies A lot of interest of late is generated in the election to local bodies.Mr Parikar gift of monthly compensation has fuelled interests. for what they can get, rather than what they can contribute.Perhaps he imagined committed , educated people would join.If so his intentions have ben belied.It is an opportunity for those unemployed, marginally educated and who have never been in the forefront of dedicated social work or commitment , who make a beeline to offer themselves. Parikar was more interested to score a political mileage by offering them cash incentive , as a do gooddoer and succeeded to that limited objective.thus adding additional financial burden on the state. No one ever made that demand .. The lure for financial benefit, and popularity, recognition is so attractive, like being an the MLA , candidates do want to contest again and again and why not a la MLA 's? The political parties also want to jump in the fray either through surrogates or by supporting candidates expressing allegiance .The MLA'S too indirectly get involveled in supporting to test their clout and popularity and future prospects of continuity For all that we know that local bodies are hot beds of corruption of promotion of illegalities for personal gains.It is a fact that many of them over period have amassed disprortionate assets without known sources of professional or business income .They are not filing their returns as mandatory requirements and such candidates should be rightly debarred.The reservation of lady's ward, lady Sarpanch should be in cyclic order not a handle for MLA'S to get even with non supporters This exercise should also be extended to the Assembly.Not a singlrle women is considered for the post though there is only one lady and it snacks of mockery of the philosophy .Further reservation in any ward for OBC, ST, SC should be with respect to their strength therein.Presently it is arbitrary," intentionally to deprive a candidate not to their liking ,The contests are fierce in coastal belts, where hotels etc are great source of illegal gains. The distribution of goodies has now entered the environment..Certain bars .tea outlets are ropped in for free , limited distribution quota for the day..Others offer financial doles for certain households according to voting members .The malpractices associated with assembly elections aee finding their way too Withdrawals for a consideration are very much in vogue and sone do it purposely like participating in tenders.Local elections are taking a professional hue and for good reasons Could limitation of two terms be any answer not to make it as an opportunity for unemployed , steeped in corrupt practices of bribes. THE voters must vote for a change with track record of proven social passion
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
