MARGAO
The Benaulim gram sabha on Sunday gave its nod to the budget estimates for the 2025-26 financial year by making a provision to boost sports in the village.
At the gram sabha meeting chaired by Sarpanch Xavier Pereira, the gram sabha members called for the promotion and encouragement of football in the village. In this connection, the sarpanch told the media that the panchayat would call a meeting of sports clubs and ex-players to discuss how to take the proposal forward.
The issue of house tax, trade licences, etc., came up for discussion on the budget estimates, where the Sarpanch replied, saying that the panchayat has sent notices for house tax and commercial taxes, besides rent, to effect revenue recoveries.
During the discussion on the construction of a fish market in the village, the Sarpanch pointed out that the Panchayat has no place of its own to build a fish market. “We had in the past approached some parties to provide land for the construction of a fish market, but in vain. We are still ready to acquire land measuring 1,000 square metres for the project,” he said.
The issue of Dando grounds, Benaulim, found a mention at the meeting, wherein members sought to know the plan for fencing, the construction of a pavilion, etc.
Gram sabha member Roque Fernandes sought to know from the chair whether the Panchayat had imposed fines on the Margao Municipal Council for dumping mixed waste in the village last year.
Gram sabha member Rudolf Baretto sought to know from the chair whether the Panchayat has written to the government to conduct a carrying capacity study before it could think of issuing construction licences for multi-housing projects.
