----------------------------------------------------------------- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- GOACAN promotes Citizens Audit and Panchayat Accountability Day --------------------------------------------------------------- GOACAN as part of its ongoing Voter Awareness Drive GRAMSABHA ZAGRUT ZA calls upon voters to keep a close watch on the elections of the Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch of Village Panchayats to be held on Saturday 19th May 2007. As there is no direct election to the post of Sarpanch & Deputy Sarpanch the voters have to be dependent on their ward members choice for these important posts in the village. In view of this GOACAN calls on voters to discuss and debate with their respective ward members the reasons and basis for their choice. In may be noted that many Village Panchayats have faced a lot of instability with regards the posts of Sarpanchs & Deputy Sarpanchs due to interference by MLA's of the constituency and even functionaries of political parties. This trend has severely affected the independence of the village with regards its experience of development and democracy, making it a victim of the egos, ambitions as well as the corrupt practices of politicians at the state level. GOACAN appeals to all elected Panchayat members to volunteer to take upon themselves the responsibility of a minimum of two functions of the Village Panchayat as specified in Goa Panchayati Raj Act so that there is a wholesome involvement in the planning and decision making process in the village. Volunteering to take on at least two "portfolios" will herald in a spirit of team work on the one hand and improve networking with various Government Departments on the other. GOACAN also appeals to voters in the various villages to take keen interest in the activities of the Panchayat so that the Annual Budget and Development Plan is prepared with citizens participation, the Gram Sabhas are held on time, fortnightly panchayat meetings are held regularly and the various Committees are set up at the earliest. To promote transparency, accountability and good governance at the village level, GOACAN calls upon voters, to observe 5th May as "Panchayat Accountability Day" every year for the next five years and introduce the culture of a "Citizens Audit" so as to make democracy work in Goa. --------------------------------------------------------------------- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --------------------------------------------------------------------- promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa --------------------------------------------------------------------- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ----------------------------------------------------------------------
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