MARGAO
The gram sabha of Sao Jose de Areal panchayat finally had its gram sabha after a year and a month.
Chaired by sarpanch Joycee Dias, the gram sabha, however, was later adjourned to the next Sunday after the meeting, coming as it does after a year, consumed a lot of time in the discussion and confirmation of the minutes of the last meeting.
The gram sabha members questioned the sarpanch over her decision to restrict the time of the members from speaking at the meeting. The sarpanch, however, said the time restriction was suggested to ensure that issues are discussed and decided within a time frame.
Members also raised the issue of the panchayat for not making the announcements of the gram sabha scheduled on Sunday. Even as the sarpanch and the secretary sought to push the buck on each other, the gram sabha demanded an apology from them for the lapse.
Gram sabha member Freddy Travasso informed that the members have decided to demand the lodging of an FIR against the previous body for utilizing around Rs 1.70 lakh of panchayat funds for cleaning drains. He said the demand to file the FIR was raised after members pointed out that no such work was taken up in their wards.
