Cortalim Sarpanch Senia Pereira and other panch members while addressing the media at Cortalim Panchayat. Captured by : Vikram Nayak
VASCO
Stating that the State government had waived off Rs 16 lakh as penalty for the market project, Cortalim Sarpanch Senia Pereira also insisted that no vendor has been favoured in the new market and auction of shops would take place as per procedures.
"When the market was being constructed, the then panchayat did not take Sanad and to make matters worse, the project was taken to court for lack of Sanad. The project got delayed and we finally got the matter cleared by the courts,” said Pereira at a news conference in Cortalim.
“Secondly, the penalty for non-possession of Sanad and conversion fees went up to Rs 16 lakh, but thankfully the government in coordination with Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha waived off the penalty and the panchayat did not have to pay anything."
Pereira also insisted that auction of shops at the Cortalim Market complex would be done strictly as per procedures and guidelines of the market policy set by the government.
“Allegations by some opposition panch members that an auction notice was published and that allotment of shops was shortlisted are baseless. Opposition panch members should not mislead people.”
Pereira said the rules and regulations for auction are drafted as per the government’s market policy applicable for market complex across the State.
“This policy states that there should be two committees. One is the authority committee comprising the MLA, BDO, panchayat secretary, sarpanch, dy sarpanch and two coopted members, including convenor of VDC, to decide on allocation of shops.”
“The second committee is the maintenance committee to maintain the market project and this committee comprises the health officer, PWD and power department officials," said Pereira.
“Announcements will be made in churches, temples, mosques and also on a vehicle across Cortalim prior to auction of shops and Sopos. Local Cortalim vendors will be given preference, followed by Quelossim and neighbourhood villages since the market is in Cortalim.”
The sarpanch said special meeting will be convened for panch members to explain about the market policy and procedure for auction.
“People can also approach me or the panchayat for information on auction of shops in the complex,” said Pereira.
To another query, Pereira said the Cortalim Panchayat did not have any written information regarding the shifting of Cortalim village jurisdiction to the new proposed police station at Zuarinagar and hence, she could not comment on the issue.
