Bicholkar resigns after a year in office, says lack of support hindered council's development initiatives
MAPUSA
Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar has resigned from her position, citing obstructions that hindered the town's development over the past three and a half months.
Her resignation comes after completing a year in office, in line with a verbal understanding.
Addressing the media, Bicholkar claimed that she was not allowed to perform her duties effectively, facing multiple challenges that hampered the council’s progress. She also alleged that attempts were made to tarnish her image through personal attacks.
“For the last three and a half months, council work was stalled, and important projects were not moving forward. I have always worked in the best interest of Mapusa and its people. Since development works were not happening, I felt it was not right for me to continue in the chair,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Bicholkar stated that significant work was completed under her leadership. However, in recent months, she observed a lack of progress in certain areas, which ultimately led to her decision to step down.
When asked about allegations regarding staff recruitment and the transfer of shops to relatives, she dismissed them as baseless claims meant to mislead the public. She clarified that all decisions were taken as per the municipal act.
On staff recruitment, Bicholkar said the council had unanimously passed a resolution to hire staff on a contract basis. “Once a resolution is passed, the implementation is handled by the chief officer. The selection process was conducted on merit, and the recruitment panel included me, the chief officer, and the administrative officer,” she explained.
Regarding the transfer of shops, she clarified that it was a renewal of leases rather than new transfers. “This issue was deliberately raised to tarnish my image by spreading misinformation,” she added.
Reflecting on her tenure, Bicholkar highlighted key accomplishments, including resolving the long-pending sopo tender issue and implementing pay parking, which is expected to generate revenue for the council. She also credited her team for effective pre-monsoon works last year, ensuring there was no waterlogging in the Mapusa market.
She acknowledged challenges in garbage collection due to a lack of vehicles but noted that a hydraulic compactor was procured to address the issue. Another compactor and a JCB machine are expected soon. Additionally, more than 35 garbage collection points were beautified to improve the town’s appearance.
Bicholkar further announced that a new hearse van had been proposed while an existing one was repaired. A survey of public toilets was also conducted to improve sanitation facilities in the town.
