MARGAO
As the government has directed the South Goa Zilla Panchayat to return the unutilised administrative grant amounting to a whopping Rs 24 crore, the district panchayat on Tuesday resolved to ask the government to explore the possibility of permitting it to utilise funds for development works.
The Zilla Panchayat members have also demanded that the government sanction funds under the tribal welfare for utilization in the constituencies.
At the meeting chaired by Chairperson Suvarna Tendulkar on Tuesday, the issue of returning the administrative grants took centre stage after Chief Executive Officer Manuel Barretto briefed the members on the government's decision.
The CEO informed the members that grants have been lying unutilized and hence the amount needs to be now refunded back as per the latest government decision.
Members, however, pointed out that the funds have been lying unutilized because the ZP had drawn up plans to build a Zilla Panchayat in South Goa. The CEO, however, said the government has pointed out that it would fund the construction of the panchayat once the ZP identifies and acquire the land.
After much discussion, the members adopted a resolution to seek permission from the government to use the grant for development works. The resolution will be forwarded to the government.
Meanwhile, ZP members led by Anita Thorat and Cipru Cardozo drew the attention of the chairperson that contractors have been delaying in commencing the tendered projects. Members demanded that the Zilla Panchayat should send a warning to all contractors to execute the works within the time frame or face blacklisting.
Members also demanded that the government release additional development grants to the body since the new GSR rates are likely to come into force soon. The chairperson pointed out the South Goa ZP has received additional grants of Rs 7.5 crore.
Members also demanded that the government release the payments for the works undertaken under the 15th Finance Commission. They pointed out that unless the payments are released, the ZP will not be able to utilize the funds and hence will not be eligible to receive fresh grants.
