PANAJI
The State government has warned that Village Panchayat Secretaries will face immediate suspension for delaying the delivery of benefits under the Mhaje Ghar Scheme. They have been directed to issue the required certificates, licences and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to beneficiaries immediately upon receiving approval from the competent authority.
Strict warning
In a circular issued by Director of Panchayats Dasharath Redkar, all panchayat Secretaries have been specifically instructed not to place certificates, Sanads or orders issued under the Mhaje Ghar Scheme before the respective Village Panchayat bodies for deliberation or approval.
“Non-compliance with these instructions will be viewed seriously and shall invite strict disciplinary action, including immediate suspension of the defaulting Village Panchayat Secretary,” Redkar stated.
Unnecessary delays
The directive follows the government’s observation that despite certificates, Sanads and orders being issued by Deputy Collectors, Additional Collectors or other competent authorities, beneficiaries were not receiving the corresponding services promptly. Panchayat Secretaries were reportedly placing such matters before Village Panchayat bodies for discussion, resulting in adverse decisions and unnecessary delays.
The issue was raised during the special outreach programme ‘Sarkar Tumchya Dari’, chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Welfare initiative
The circular states that while Section 113-A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, provides for placing government correspondence before Village Panchayats, the Mhaje Ghar Scheme is a special welfare initiative aimed at providing immediate relief to beneficiaries. Further deliberations at the panchayat level, therefore, defeat the scheme’s objective and cause hardship to the public.
Immediate services
Accordingly, Secretaries have been directed to act immediately on the certificates, Sanads or orders and provide the necessary benefits, including occupancy certificates, construction licences, NOCs for electricity and water connections, bifurcation of house numbers and other services under the scheme.
“Timely delivery of benefits under the Mhaje Ghar Scheme shall be strictly ensured without any delay or administrative hindrance,” the circular stated.
Secretaries have also been instructed to collect the requisite fees and supporting documents from applicants before processing the services.
