the goan I network
PONDA
The Dharbandora gramsabha on Sunday resolved to ‘call back’ secretary Gokuldas Kudalkar, who had been relieved on July 26 following his transfer order, praising him as a hard-working officer. Kudalkar is known for his administrative skills in this mining belt.
The gramsabha presided by Sarpanch Swati Tilve discussed about the issue of Kudalkar’s transfer and resolved to write to government to call him back. Deputy Sarpanch Vinayak alias Balaji Gauns, Secretary Vijay Naik and other panch members were present on the occasion.
“Panchayat had nothing to do with transfer. We have spoken to MLA (Deepak Pauskar) to get him back. We need him for at least two more years as he has played a major role in accumulating revenue for our panchayat,” Gauns said.
Kudalkar earlier served in Collem-Shigao panchayat as secretary, and helped the panchayat generate revenue by making life jackets mandatory for tourists visiting Dudhasagar. At the time, each life jackets was given to tourists for use at Rs 30.
He also helped Dharbandora panchayat sustain during the mining closure period by bringing octroi and revenue by other means, besides a proposal for a truck terminus submitted to the government.
“We have seen this secretary working for long hours for the betterment of our village. Hence we want him back,” locals stated adding that if the proposal for a truck terminus becomes a reality, then this panchayat will definitely get benefits, while also minimising pressure on Ponda city, where the transport trucks are presently stationed.
Sarpanch Swati Tilve told villagers that a resolution will be sent to the government to bring Kudalkar back to Dharbandora.
Villagers also complained of roadside vendors creating nuisance of open defecation and uncleanliness and demanded action. The panchayat assured to serve the vendors notices immediately.
Dy Sarpanch Gauns informed that around 250 toilets have been sanctioned by the government and work of around 60 toilets will start soon. “Let us see if we can give these toilets to those who have rented out rooms, so that open defecation doesn’t take place,” he said.
It was also resolved to request PWD to have a meeting with the panchayat before the land acquisition process for road widening at Pansule takes place. According to the villagers and panchayat body, the PWD is trying to make an inappropriate acquisition. “One side of the road it is 10 mts while the other is 30 mts. It should be proportionate,” Gauns stated.
