MARGAO
Gram sabha members of the Sao Jose de Areal Panchayat on Sunday demanded that the panchayat should not effect more than 20 per cent hike in the house tax rates.
Gram sabha members also demanded that the panchayat should not allow multi-dwelling units in the village when the village does not receive regular water supply.
At the gram sabha meeting chaired by Sarpanch Carmeena Fernandes, gram sabha members resolved to effect hike of 20 per cent in the house tax rates, saying a steep hike would affect the villagers.
Gram sabha member Freddy Travasso pointed out that the panchayat cannot increase the house tax rates just because the government has sent the rates, saying a 20 per cent hike would serve the purpose. After much discussion on the budget estimates for the financial year 2025-26, the gram sabha adopted a resolution in support of 20 per cent hike in the house tax rates.
The gram sabha further demanded strict action by the panchayat against the scrapyards located in the village. Gram sabha member Freddy Travasso pointed out that scrapyards in the industrial estate are on the rise, demanding action by the panchayat body.
He pointed out that the Goa State Pollution Control Board has sent a letter to the panchayat for inspection of the scrapyards in the village. “In the past, the GSPCB had in its report had stated that the waste discharged in the village emanates from the scrapyards. We have told the panchayat to initiate strict action,” he said.
Freddy also made an appeal to the gram sabha members to call the police whenever they find vehicles transporting scrap. “The police had recently come to the village to inquire into stolen railway items. Villagers should maintain vigil on vehicles transporting scrap,” he said.
The gram sabha also requested the panchayat to compile the list of proposals that were received by the body under Section 17-2 of the TCP Act.
