VASCO:
The preference for languages became apparent when the 77 newly elected panchas from Chicalim, Chicolna-Bogmalo, Quelossim, Cortalim, Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim, Velsao-Pale-Issorcim, Majorda-Utorda-Calata, Nagoa and Verna were asked to take their oath of office.
When the announcement was made inviting those panchas who wished to take their oath of office in Konkani, not a single panch came forward.
The panchas were then asked if any of them wanted to take their oath of office in Marathi, Bogmalo panch Laximan Kavlakar was the lone panch to do so. The remaining 76 panchas took their oath of office in English.
The newly-elected panchayat members were administered the oath of office by Deepak Vaingaonkar, Block Development Officer of Mormugao.
