the goan I network
MARGAO
Accusing the government for its stoic silence on the question of devolution of powers, functions and funds to the Zilla Panchayats, agitated members of the South Goa Zilla Panchayat on Friday demanded that the body move the court with a contempt petition against the government for denying powers to the district panchayats as per the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
At a meeting of the Zilla Panchayat chaired by Chairperson Navnath Naik, members said the time has come for the district panchayat body to knock the doors for contempt and has asked the Chairperson to seek legal opinion whether the body can move the court. It was also resolved to seek legal opinion whether the body can file a contempt petition or can support the convenor of Goa PRIs Santan Rodrigues, who has disclosed plans to move the court with a petition. It was later decided to constitute a committee comprising of the Zilla Panchayat to pursue the matter.
The issue over the government’s failure to devolve power, functions and funds dominated Friday’s Zilla Panchayat meeting with members pointing out that resolutions adopted by the body for powers and functions have all remained on paper.
Facing flak from the members over his failure to pursue the matter with the government, Chairperson Navnath Naik explained that the government had constituted a panel headed by the Panchayats Secretary to visit the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, but added that the panel was later scrapped since it could not make any progress after the Assembly election.
The Chairperson also came under criticism from member Nelly Rodrigues on the question of the defunct District Planning Committee, as the member demanded to know why the ZP has shown no concern to set in motion the functioning of the statutory panel. A beleaguered Chairperson defended himself by pointing accusing fingers at the government for not placing funds and manpower at the disposal of the DPC to conduct the proceedings.
Agitated members, however, demanded to know from the Chairperson what steps he had taken to get the government devolve powers and functions since the Zilla Panchayat had not lost a single opportunity to pass resolutions at the bi-monthly meetings.
Zilla members in general were critical of the functioning of the Zilla Panchayat, pointing out that resolutions adopted by the body have only remained on paper, with the Zilla receiving no replies from any of the government departments.
Zilla members also asked the Chairperson to take up the question of protocol at the State and national day functions at the South Goa Collectorate, with members lamenting that the names of the Zilla members do not even find a mention in the address of the dignitaries.
