Venita Coelho, a glamorous script writer was removed from the gram sabha of
the Moira panchayat ostensibly for publishing an article in the media
accusing the panchayat of hiring rowdies and goondas for the gram sabha held
earlier in July 2008. Vithaldas Hegde and Nilesh Khandeparkar spoke to Moira
sarpanch Adv Raghuvir Bagkar and Venita Coelha respectively, to get the real
story.
We will not reply in same coin: Coelho
Q. Can you briefly describe the incident that day at the Gram Sabha?
Ans: At the Moira gram sabha that day, I stood up for voicing the need to
have a proper perspective of the 20 year development plan under the Regional
Plan 2021. I have written extensively on many such issues in a local English
daily. I told them that if they had any, problems with the articles, they
were free to contact the Editor of that daily. It was at this time some four
or five rowdy characters got up and started shouting that I should be thrown
out of the gram sabha.
I told them that I was on the electoral rolls and if they so wanted, they
can produce the electoral roll to examine it. But these rowdies surrounded
me demanding that I be thrown out of the gram sabha. The police were
present, and surprisingly, the cops grabbed me and pushed me into the
police jeep. I was then brought to the police station.
Q. Do you possess an Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC)?
Ans: My name is present on the electoral roll. Moira is a part of the Aldona
constituency. My name is in Part 8, serial number 809.
Q. But do you have an EPIC?
Ans: No. I don't possess an EPIC. However, the rules of conducting a Gram
Sabha permit me to speak.
Q. What was the agenda of the gram sabha all about?
Ans: The Moira panchayat had received a notice pertaining to the formulation
of the 20 year development plan in accordance with the recommendations of
the Task Force engaged in the formulation of Regional Plan 2021.
The Moira Action Committee, on its part, has been in touch with the members
of the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GM) and has spoken to eminent people on the Task
Force. We even sent a letter to the Moira panchayat highlighting the
opportunity to formulate a 20 year development plan for Moira keeping in
mind aspects such as agriculture, employment opportunities, etc.
There are many prominent personalities like noted architect Gerard
D'Cunha -- hailing from Moira -- who can be roped in for preparation of such
a plan. On our part, we sent an outline of the development plan for Moira.
We said, please, let us have a good plan for Moira village. For instance,
the village of Chandor has formulated an excellent development plan. But the
Moira panchayat ignored all that.
Q. Did the gram sabha have any inkling about the possibility of your raising
this issue, which may have prompted the alleged four rowdy characters to
resort to that step?
Ans:-Yes. 100%. For the last three gram sabhas, the Moira Action Committee
has intervened and has raised pertinent questions relating to these
projects. That's a reason why they did not want me to speak at the gram
sabha.
Q. Any idea what is their idea of a 20 year development plan for Moira?
Ans: Their view of the 20 year development plan does not address the concept
of planning at all -- particularly issues such as agriculture, jobs, etc,
none of these issues are there in their plans.
Q. Since when have you been associated with the GBA?
Ans: From the very beginning, since the inception of the GBA.
Q. Any idea whether a resolution was passed endorsing their version of the
20 year development plan at that gram sabha?
Ans: I don't know. I have applied for the minutes of the gram sabha under
the Right to Information(RTI) Act.
Q: What is your future course of action?
Ans: The Moira Action Committee does not comprise of gonads. Hence, there is
no question of replying back in the same coin. We are concerned about Moira.
Ten days from now, the Moira Action Committee has planned a rally at Moira.
A workshop will also be held at the same time in Moira where residents of
surrounding villages will also be invited.
Q. Since when have you been in GAO?
Ans: I have now permanently shifted to GAo. Earlier; I used to work for ten
days in Mamba while the balance 20 days in a month were spent in GAO.
(ENDS)
==============================================================================
The above article appeared in the November 3, 2008 edition of the Gomantak
Times, Goa and was transcribed from:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukextras/3003478057/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukextras/3004314440/sizes/l/
