The shopkeepers need a written assurance from the panchayat that they will be given the same plot on the same place where they are presently located, after the new panchayat building is constructed. The panchayat simply cannot give such a written assurance."
Shashikant Gaonkar,
Sarpanch, Neturlim
......
New Neturlim panchayat ghar stuck in mire despite approval
Shopkeepers refuse to vacate premises
THE GOAN NETWORK
CURCHOREM
Government constructions are usually held up due to bureaucratic delays or for want of funds, but the Neturlim Panchayat Ghar in Sanguem is yet to get a new building despite government approval to the project.
This time, the shopkeepers are reluctant to move from their existing spaces.
The foundation stone for the re-construction of the panchayat ghar and community centre at Neturlim under the Deendayal Panchayat Raj Infrastructure Development Scheme was laid by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on August 20, 2015.
Those present at that function included WRD Minister Dayanand Mandrekar, Sakhali MLA and GSIDC chairman Dr Pramod Sawant and Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai.
A visit to the Neturlim Panchayat Ghar complex revealed that the structure was in bad shape and needed immediate attention.
Speaking to The Goan, Neturlim Sarpanch Shashikant Gaonkar said the work was delayed as a few shopkeepers in the existing Panchayat Ghar complex have set some conditions which cannot be fulfilled by the panchayat.
“As a result, the shop owners are not willing to vacate the building and this has led to a delay in the new construction work,” said Gaonkar.
“Necessary procedure for the project was done and the contractor has even received the work order, but a few shopkeepers are not ready to vacate the place.”
Asked to explain their refusal to vacate the old premises, Gaonkar replied, “The shopkeepers need a written assurance from the panchayat that they will be given the same plot on the same place where they are presently located, after the new panchayat building is constructed.”
“The panchayat simply cannot give such a written assurance,” explained the sarpanch.
When asked what is the way ahead, Gaonkar said the panchayat has taken steps to address the issue.
“The panchayat has already sent two notifications requesting shopkeepers to vacate their premises. I will request them one more time to vacate the place, failing which the contractor will start the work,” Gaonkar added.
