Bhushan Prabhugaokar, Sarpanch, VP Loliem is the man under scanner over the project. The sarpanch first debarred a discussion on the proposed IIT at Bhagwati Plateau, despite the gram sabha members expressing keen desire for the same. He stood firm amid strong pressure and disallowed any debate on IIT plans saying there is no communication from any source. To make matters worse, two villagers brought a stay on the special gram sabha meeting slated for September 24 to discuss the issue.
With pressure mounting from within the panchayat and also the villagers, Prabhugaokar who is at crossroads, appears to be in the dark over IIT plans. The Goan caught up with him to get a firsthand view of how his panchayat is positioned on this issue.
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Q: Why was there a stay on the special gram sabha called to discuss the proposed IIT? Prabhugaokar: Some members pointed out that the requisite notice period of four days was not met, and hence I could not proceed with the gram sabha.
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Q: Why wasn't a further date fixed to postpone the meeting and hold it at a later date? Prabhugaokar: I was not sure if the panchayat can call for a gram sabha to discuss government plans of such a magnitude. I have sought the views of the Director of Panchayat in this regard. .
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Q: Why were the people not consulted or taken into confidence when the initial proposal was floated?
Prabhugaokar: I am totally in the dark over the plans of IIT. The government did not communicate with me on the issue. On the contrary, I had written to the South Goa Collector seeking details of the proposed project, a reply for which was just received, saying as of now nothing has been finalised and that the panchayat will be informed accordingly.
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Q: Do panchayat members support the IIT project in Loliem? Is there a clear majority in favour of the project?
Prabhugaokar: (After initial hesitancy), Yes, the panchayat is in favour of the project. Although it is not an unanimous ‘yes’, the majority are for it.
Q: The people in the village have raised a banner of revolt and are strongly opposing the project. In this scenario, does the panchayat feel that the IIT will be in the interest of the village?
Prabhugaokar: For now, nothing is clear. Everything is ‘in the air’. Once we get the plans on the table we will be able to examine the pros and cons and debate accordingly.
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Q: Don’t you think there is lack of transparency? Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has gone on record in May 2016 that his government will hand over 12 lakh sqmts land at Loliem to IIT for setting up a permanent campus.
Prabhugaokar: I reiterate that the panchayat has not been taken into confidence, and whatever decision is taken is at the government level. Till now, I have no clue of what’s going to come.
