OLD GOA
The issue of passing a resolution on banning illegal gambling in Santa Cruz, saw heated exchanges at the Sunday gram sabha with a majority of those present voting against approving such a resolution.
The proposal for the same was put forth by former sarpanch Mariano Araujo who urged that the panchayat pass the resolution as it is in the interest of the public.
However, deputy sarpanch Domnic Pereira stated that the same doesn’t come under the purview of the panchayat and the issue should be taken up with appropriate authorities like the police.
But, Araujo said that he only needs a resolution so that the same could be forwarded to the concerned authorities.
However, the gram sabha members objected to the same and said that the issue should be taken up through proper channel.
“This issue should go through proper channel and not through the panchayat. The gram sabha is not the authority to decide on gambling,” said one village.
“If this issue is discussed at the gram sabha then in the future all such issues would also have to be taken up,” the villager pointed out.
After much discussion, the issue was put to vote where the majority of the villagers present at the gram sabha voted against passing the resolution against gambling.
Other issues that were discussed at the gram sabha included cattle impound, revised budget estimates for 2023, among others.
