MARGAO
Discussion on the budget estimates of the Velim panchayat for the financial year 2024-25 had to be adjourned for want of the Panchayat Secretary.
In fact, the gram sabha meeting chaired by Sarpanch Veena Cardozo saw agitated members demanding the presence of the Panchayat Secretary. Pointing out that Panchayat Secretary has skipped the fourth gram sabha meeting of the panchayat, members called for postponement of the discussion on the budget estimates and demanded the presence of the secretary at the budget meeting.
Meanwhile, the Velim gram sabha discussed a host of issues including inclusion of traditional communities, comprising of traditional fishermen, toddy tappers, besides the Scheduled Tribes whose houses are located on the banks of the rivers.
Raising the point at the meeting, gram sabha member Vinay Tari pointed out that thought the Act has come into force over a decade ago, the traditional communities are still not given relief till date.
Former Sarpanch Savio D’Silva said the gram sabha made a strong case for the inclusion of the traditional communities, including fishermen, toddy tappers and the ST communities inhabiting the river banks.
Sarpanch Veena later told the media that it has been decided to conduct a survey to include the traditional communities and to submit the report to the government for necessary action.
The gram sabha also demanded to de-notify the Major District Road (MDR) shown on the Google passing through Cumbeabhatt-Baradi.
