the goan I network
QUEPEM
The controversy over the compound gates installed at the New Educational Institute at Curchorem has further intensified with residents around the school on Wednesday demanding the immediate demolition of gates.
They have threatened to stage a dharna if the Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) fails to act on their demands.
The residents, under the banner of ‘Bepquegal Residents Front’, submitted a memorandum to the CCMC, which was received by CCMC Deputy Chairperson and Ward Councillor Piedade Diniz.
The residents emphasized that they were objecting to the installation of gates for a long time as the road had been used by their ancestors even before the existence of the school and that, it was the old police station during Portuguese era.
The memorandum also stated that the school is on government-leased property, where states that only one-third area is to be used for construction and the rest to be kept open to the public.
The memorandum also refers to the permission given by CCMC on March 16, 2016, to the school for installation of gates, which they failed to install and hence, the permission has lapsed and the school management had not taken any fresh permission to install the gates.
One resident, William Fernandes, said they had given a written complaint to the Curchorem police one day prior to the illegal installation of gates by the school management and had demanded a stop work order from CCMC.
“But although the stop-work order was issued at 11.30 am, the Quepem mamlatdar, Dharbandora deputy collector, deputy superintendent of police and a police team intentionally allowed the school management in the illegal activities, instead of stopping the work as per the order and our complaint,” said Fernandes.
Another resident said they would stand with the school management when it comes to security of students, but insisted that blocking the traditional access on the pretext of security was not acceptable.
The residents condemned the action of the school management in bringing some outsiders in the school premises and also denounced the abusive language by some parents to residents in presence of the police, mamlatdar and DySP.
Lydia Barretto said the school management had sent messages to parents instructing them to use the East Gate to enter and West Gate towards Bhagyatdar to exit for smooth traffic flow.
“This means if the
school management permits vehicular traffic through their compound, why restrict residents from using the same. This attitude of the management is condemnable and is causing enmity among the peace-loving community,” said Barretto.
‘Students security vital, but school should also consider local sentiments’
QUEPEM: Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) Deputy Chairperson Piedade Diniz has assured to take both parties into confidence while handling this sensitive issue to work out an amicable solution.
“Security of students is prime, but the school management must also consider the sentiments of residents.”
“I had earlier proposed pedestrian access during school hours, unrestricted access after school hours and security at the gate at all times to monitor any unlawful activity,” said Diniz, who is also the local councillor of the area.
