MAPUSA
The State government cancelled the transfer order of the secretary of Siolim-Marna village panchayat, bringing much relief and cheer among the villagers who had demanded reversing of the order.
Director of Panchayats Siddhi Halarnakar issued a three-line order cancelling the transfer of Smitha Parab, secretary of Siolim-Marna panchayat.
“On administrative grounds and in public interest, the transfer order issued on May 18 stands cancelled with immediate effect,” Halarnakar said in her order issued on Monday.
During the Sunday’s (May 21) gram sabha meeting, the villagers of Siolim-Marna expressed unhappiness with the sudden decision of transferring the secretary in less than three months.
Over 100 villagers had also signed an appeal during the gram sabha requesting the DoP to revoke the order of transferring the secretary and reinstate her as a full-fledged secretary of Siolim-Marna panchayat.
“It’s victory for the people of Siolim-Marna. The villagers were very happy with the performance of the secretary who is very efficient and helpful to the public. We thank the government for retaining her at the service of the people of the village,” said Abhay Shirodkar, Sarpanch of the village.
“The government has taken a good and wise decision. The people wanted the secretary as she had struck a chord with the villagers with her outstanding work. The earlier secretary (gram sevak) had messed up a lot of things in the panchayat. This secretary had put things in order in a short span of time,” said Sandeep Hadfadkar, a panchayat member.
Several villagers also expressed happiness over the government order.
According to Convenor of the VDC Joachim Barros, when people unite for a good cause, miracles happen, immaterial how powerful a politician might be.
“Full credit to the media. The pen that took the message to the people put pressure on the DoP, and the corrupt were put to shame by bringing it to the notice of the people the wrongdoings of those in power. That revoked the transfer order. Thank you very much,” said Barros, who had taken the initiative to write the appeal to the DoP which was signed by over 100 villagers.
Local resident and active member in the village panchayat Gregory D’Souza said it was a victory for the people and the VDC which had witnessed how the previous secretary had messed up with the Fourteenth Finance Commission procedures and purchased items at inflated rates.
“The public is not ready to accept incompetent secretaries who will mess up things. The DoP should not take the public for granted. We need good governance and transparency that will reduce corruption in our panchayats,” D’Souza said.
