PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the impasse at the Chimbel Village Panchayat over the alleged delayed issuance of income certificates, and issued notices to the Directorate of Panchayats and the VP Secretary.
Acting on media reports highlighting public protests at the panchayat office, the Commission sought an explanation over the alleged breakdown in issuing the certificates to residents.
Acting Chairperson Desmond D’Costa and Member Pramod Kamat also noted that the issue had affected residents seeking access to welfare schemes, educational admissions, and government subsidies for which income certificates are mandatory.
“The matter prima facie raises concerns of violation of human rights,” the Commission observed while taking cognisance of the issue. The matter has been fixed for further proceedings on June 2.
The residents of Chimbel on Tuesday had gathered at the village panchayat office protesting delays and alleged that the process is repeatedly held up due to the pending signature of the Sarpanch.
They also alleged that the delay is causing inconvenience as income certificates are required for various official and educational purposes.
