the goan I network
MARGAO
Saying that panchayats need independence, Aam Admi Party Delhi MLA Atishi Marlena has stressed on the need for the panchayats to exercise administrative control over the Primary Health Centres for quick attendance of public grievances.
The Goa desk in-charge of the Aam Aadmi Party along with members of the local unit of the party, visited Navelim Panchayat to understand the functioning of panchayats as institutions of grassroots democracy in the state.
Accompanied by AAP Convenor Elvis Gomes and other party members, Atishi was received by Navelim Sarpanch Bevinda Gonsalves and Dy Sarpanch Paulo Pereira both of whom briefed her about the various functions and the powers exercised by the Panchayat.
Atishi later told newsmen that AAP believes in ‘Swaraj’ which means the functioning of any system of governance should be based on the voice of the people.
Citing an example of the health centre located next to the Navelim panchayat, Atish said, “The health centre next door may have a doctor and nurses. But if they don’t turn up, will the people go to Panaji to find out with the Director of health services? Would it not have been better if the primary health centre was under the administrative control of the panchayat so that such grievances could be attended to? That is the importance which AAP would give the grassroots institutions”.
Meanwhile, AAP informed that the nomination papers of all the 21 candidates fielded by the party have been accepted by the returning officers.
