PANAJI
The State government has appointed administrators to run six municipal councils as their current terms come to an end, setting the stage for elections to eleven civic bodies likely in May.
According to an official order, administrators will take charge of Bicholim, Curchorem-Cacora, Canacona, and Pernem from April 1, Cuncolim from April 6, and Valpoi from April 9.
In Bicholim, Akshay Potekar, director (admin) at the DGP’s office, will serve as administrator. Sagar Gaude, managing director of the Goa Education Development Corporation (GEDC), has been appointed to Curchorem-Cacora. Canacona will be overseen by Shankar Gaonkar, member-secretary of Kala Academy, while Assistant Commissioner (Excise) Shrikant Pednekar will manage Pernem.
South Goa Zilla Panchayat CEO Vikas Kamble will head Cuncolim, while Raju Dessai, Forest Settlement Officer, will oversee Valpoi. Officials said the appointments are routine, ensuring continuity of civic functioning until new councils are elected. The administrators will handle day-to-day responsibilities including sanitation, infrastructure, and revenue collection.
Meanwhile, in a separate notice, the Goa State Election Commission, which will conduct the civic elections has initiated the process of delimitation of wards for the upcoming municipal polls.
Under Sections 9 and 10 of the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968, the Commission has begun division of municipal areas into wards for eleven councils: Pernem, Valpoi, Bicholim, Mapusa, Mormugao, Margao, Cuncolim, Quepem, Canacona, Curchorem-Cacora, and Sanguem.
Deputy Collectors of the concerned talukas have been appointed as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), with Mamlatdars designated as Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs).
Draft ward divisions have been placed in municipal offices and Mamlatdar offices from March 31 to April 7, excluding public holidays, for public scrutiny. Suggestions, corrections, and objections may be submitted to the respective EROs before 5 pm on April 7.
The twin moves -- appointment of administrators and initiation of ward delimitation -- underscore that the machinery is gearing up for municipal elections expected in May.
