VASCO
Participants from several villages across the State participated in a public awareness programme on Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas conducted by the Chicalim Bio-Crusaders on Saturday.The half-day programme on ‘Make Your Voice Heard - Assert Your Rights’ at Chicalim Panchayat Hall with GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins as the resource person received a response from participants hailing from Chicalim, Dabolim, Chicolna, Cortalim, Zuarinagar, Margao, Verna, Cansaulim, Mapusa, Bethoda, Shiroda, Siolim, Guirdolim and St Jose de Areal.
Topics such as ‘Panchayats-Engines of development at the grassroots’, ‘Strengthening democracy at the Village Panchayat level’ and ‘Why and How to become a panch in a village Panchayat’ were discussed and delved upon.
Speaking at the event, Roland Martins explained the role of the Gram Sabha and how the Gram Sabha is the catalyst of the village development activity. He explained and emphasised that for the good and effective growth of the village democracy, it is important for every villager to participate in the Gram Sabhas.
Participants were given a thorough knowledge of the functioning of the Panchayat, the role of Gram Sabhas, the role of various committees and the duties and responsibilities of these committee members.
In his welcome address, Convenor of Chicalim Bio-Crusaders Cyril Fernandes explained the need for such a programme, so that villagers are in the right frame of mind to elect good and effective Panchayat representatives in the respective villages at the forthcoming panchayat elections.
The function was inaugurated by Chief Guest Antonietta Figueiredo e Fernandes, ex-Panch of Chicalim Panchayat, while Cynthia Lima Leitao e Miranda, Ankita Satardekar and Fr Michael Fernandes were guest of honours.
Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Antonietta Figueiredo e Fernandes impressed upon the participants to look at the positives of being active gram Sabhas members.
Chicalim Sarpanch Sebastiao Fernandes was thanked for offering his support to Chicalim Bio-Crusaders.
