MARGAO
The South Goa Comunidades Forum has strongly condemns the proposed amendments to the Code of Comunidades and promised to explore all options to protect the autonomy and independence of the age-old bodies.
“We are disappointed with Government’s proposal to amend the Code of Comunidades (Legislative Diploma no. 2070 dated 16/04/1961) during the ongoing session of the Legislative Assembly. Comunidades are autonomous and private bodies under the tutelage of the Government only for administrative purposes. Amending the Comunidade law without consulting Comunidades will be the most undemocratic and condemnable act of the Government”, stated Forum President Franky Monteiro
He pointed out that the Comunidade Convention convened under Art. 652 of the Code is still in session, and has not concluded its proceedings. Amending the Code in these circumstances amounts to making a mockery of the statutory importance of the Art. 652 Convention, he said.
He added: “One of the proposed amendments give the Government the draconian power to take control of an "inconvenient" Comunidade by suspending the duly elected Managing Committee on flimsy grounds and appointing its officer to manage the affairs”.
Saying the South Goa Communidade’s Forum is a registered body under the Societies Registration Act, Franky said the body endeavour to represent the interests of members of Comunidades of South Goa in particular and to influence policies and legislation pertaining to Comunidades in Goa in general. It also acts as a watchdog on the Office of Administrator of Comunidades, South Zone, he added.
