MARGAO
The Aquem Baixo village Panchayat is back in the news again as Sarpanch, Pradeep Acharya, and Deputy Sarpanch, Natasha Dias have proceeded on leave, which has left the panchayat without a sarpanch or a deputy sarpanch to attend to public grievances.
Left with no option, the panchayat secretary has sent a report to the Salcete Block Development Officer for necessary action.
First, it was the Deputy Sarpanch Natasha Dias who submitted her leave application to the Sarpanch on July 1, saying she will be proceeding on leave from July 1-21. In her leave application, the Deputy Sarpanch stated that she would be obliged if the Sarpanch and the Secretary conduct all the site inspections in her absence in Ward No VII.
What came as a big surprise to the Panchayat members in particular and the citizens, in general, was the application made by Sarpanch Pradeep Acharya on July 4 to proceed on leave from July 5 for a period of 15 days. The Sarpanch stated that he was going on leave on personal grounds and was travelling outstation.
In the leave application, the Sarpanch transferred his financial powers to the Deputy Sarpanch during his leave period of 15 days despite the fact that the Deputy Sarpanch had already proceeded on leave for 20 days, beginning from July 1.
Incidentally, the Aquem Baixo Panchayat was in the news recently when Sarpanch Pradeep Acharya proceeded on leave for two months from April 22 after transferring the financial powers to Deputy Sarpanch during his leave period.
Given the situation, the panchayat members have decided to call on the Salcete Block Development Office to ensure that the panchayat administration does not come to a halt in the absence of both the Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch. Sources informed that the BDO may forward the report sent by the Aquem Baixo Panchayat Secretary to the Panchayat Director for action.
