Unable to address agenda items, MMC chief adjourns meeting to Nov 8
MAPUSA
A regular meeting of the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) took an unexpected turn on Wednesday, as Councillors confronted Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar over alleged procedural lapses in recruiting staff.
Unable to address even a single agenda item, Bicholkar adjourned the meeting, rescheduling it for November 8.
The Councillors, including Prakash Bhivshet, Shashank Narvekar, Tarak Arolkar, and Shubangi Vaigankar, voiced concerns over the recruitment of six new workers, accusing the chairperson of failing to adhere to municipal act guidelines.
They argued that without confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting and approval from the Director of Municipal Administration (DMA), the recruitment was unauthorised.
Bhivshet criticised the move as “illegal,” noting that although the council had previously resolved to hire new staff, they were not legally authorised to do so without DMA approval. “This is an illegal act,” he asserted, urging the council to address these concerns before proceeding with the meeting agenda.
Councillor Shashank Narvekar supported the claims, adding that bypassing the Municipal Act raised serious legal issues. Former chairperson Sudhir Kandolkar emphasised the need for procedural adherence and suggested that Bicholkar acknowledge any mistakes and move forward.
Councillor Tarak Arolkar echoed the objections, claiming there were discrepancies in the minutes of the previous meeting.
“The recruitment of workers was carried out bypassing mandatory processes, making it illegal,” Arolkar argued.
Defending her actions, Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar argued that the recruitment was essential for the municipal council’s operations.
“The municipal council was in need of additional workers,” Bicholkar stated, adding that procedural lapses had been overlooked in the past.
Tensions flared once more when the council discussed the renewal of leases for shops in the municipal market.
Bhivshet again voiced objections, arguing that renewing leases was outside the council’s legal purview.
MMC Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar, however, maintained that lease renewals were crucial to the council’s interests.
“If necessary, we can start fresh by clearing the municipal market,” Shetkar remarked.
The MMC meeting remains adjourned until November 8, when Councillors are expected to revisit the unresolved agenda items.
Actions taken in public interest: Chairperson Bicholkar
MAPUSA: Chairperson of the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), Nutan Bicholkar, affirmed on Wednesday that her recent actions were made in the best interests of the civic body and the community at large.
Bicholkar emphasised her commitment to resolving issues in the town within the scope of her authority.
“This council belongs to all councillors, and whatever they desire will take place. I’m not here permanently; I have done my best within my powers,” Bicholkar told The Goan, responding to criticism that she had exceeded her authority.
The meeting saw Bicholkar fielding numerous questions from councillors over alleged procedural lapses in confirming the minutes of the previous council meeting.
Some councillors accused her of bypassing their input in pushing forward council decisions.
Declining to comment on suggestions that she was being targeted, Bicholkar chose not to engage further in the controversy. She maintained that her focus remains on working collaboratively with the council for the town’s improvement.
