MAPUSA
With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) coming into force following the announcement of the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) elections scheduled for December 20, all gram sabhas across Goa have been cancelled and will now be held only after December 22, when the code is expected to be lifted.
A gram sabha that was scheduled at Anjuna Village Panchayat on Sunday, November 30, was among the first to be called off in compliance with the MCC. Panchayat officials confirmed that the meeting will be rescheduled after the conclusion of the election process.
A senior official from the Directorate of Panchayats said the directive applies uniformly to all village panchayats.
“Once the Model Code of Conduct is enforced, no official gram sabha can be held, as such meetings involve government functionaries and decision-making that may influence voters. Several panchayats had their meetings planned over the next two Sundays, but all have now been deferred,” the official explained.
The official added that fresh dates for the gram sabhas will be announced after polling is completed.
“The intention is to ensure a fair and unbiased electoral atmosphere. Panchayats have been advised to communicate the cancellations to their residents and take up all pending matters after December 22,” the officer said.
Panchayat members in several villages said the sudden cancellation has pushed back discussions on key issues such as budget planning, development works, garbage management, and pre-season infrastructure preparedness.
A panchayat member from Bardez remarked, “This is a crucial period for planning next year’s works. But since elections take precedence, we will comply with the directive and reconvene as soon as legally permissible.”
The State Election Commission (SEC) announced the ZP poll schedule earlier this week, triggering the MCC across all 50 constituencies and all local bodies in Goa.
Voting will take place on December 20, followed by counting on December 22.
