CANACONA
Loliem-Polem Sarpanch Nisha Chari has been criticised for questioning the validity of a resolution passed by over 200 members against the Film City at the Gram Sabha on Sunday.
A video of Chari’s statement was circulated on social media, prompting sharp reactions from people.
“I attended the Gram Sabha of our village, and I have heard a comment of our sarpanch, where she says the Loliem-Polem Gram Sabha on Sunday was attended by only 200 members,” said Meena R Warik of Maxem.
“The attendance may be 20 or 200, but she proceeded with the meeting with whoever were present and so, the meeting is valid and quorum becomes immaterial,” said Warik.
“Secondly, the sarpanch has accepted the agenda of the meeting, and in that agenda, applications regarding ‘Film City’ received from members were registered and accepted for discussion. Besides, one of the panchas has called for a discussion on the issue of Film City.”
“Under such circumstances, if the sarpanch is not aware about these things, she should learn and understand these rules and regulations, otherwise she should resign and go.”
Dattaprasad Prabhu Gaonkar also questioned the rationale behind the sarpanch’s claim and linked it to the Loliem Comunidade meeting on October 15 which unanimously decided to allow 250 acres of its land for the Film City.
“If we go by the sarpanch’s logic, then even the Loliem Comunidade resolution should be questioned as the meeting was attended by only 40 members/components. Loliem Comunidade certainly has more than 40 components/members,” said Prabhu Gaonkar.
Reacting to the Sarpanch’s statement, Loliem resident and a leading activist Dennis Fernandes said the sarpanch was well aware that the issue was on the agenda.
“Maybe, her statement was under pressure which was seen and felt by members during the Gram Sabha,” said Fernandes.
Incidentally, some even disputed the numbers present at the Gram Sabha.
Some members who attended the Sunday Gram Sabha claimed 400 people were present in the meeting hall, while panchayat staff obtained signatures of only around 200 attendees and suspected that it may have been done to show low attendance.
