PANAJI: Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has called on the state government to remove hurdles in implementing the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, citing delays in empowering panchayats to prepare development plans.
In a press note issued yesterday on National Panchayati Raj Day, the group said that although the amendment came into force on April 24, 1993, granting constitutional status to panchayats, its full implementation in Goa remains incomplete.
GBA noted that the Director of Panchayats has directed village panchayats to prepare annual development plans under Section 238 of the Goa Panchayati Raj Act. However, they said, the process has been slow, particularly as it is being undertaken for the first time and requires data inputs from multiple government departments.
The organisation urged all departments to share the necessary data with panchayats to ensure the timely preparation of these plans.
It also stressed the need for devolution of powers to local bodies in line with the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, including the transfer of functions, funds, and functionaries across 29 subjects to strengthen grassroots governance.
Claiming that Goa remains the only state where such devolution has not been fully carried out, GBA called for legislative changes in line with constitutional provisions to facilitate effective planning by local bodies.
