the goan I network
MARGAO
In a representation to the government, Goa PRI Convenor J Santan Rodrigues pointed out that most of the powers have been devolved to the panchayat bodies
only on paper, adding that no attempt has been made so far at harmonization of state laws with the Panchayat Raj Act.
“Effectiveness of this 73rd Amendment would largely depend upon crucial factors like the pressure from below, political will and attitude of bureaucracy. There are about 1,520 elected members of village panchayats and 50 Zilla Panchayat members in Goa. Together we can facilitate an effective democratic decentralization in local governance,” he added.
He said the government has not only failed in devolving powers to the panchayats, but has gradually withdrawn powers to benefit vested interests in the government.
“The IInd Finance Commission has made suitable recommendations for devolution of funds. Today, the panchayats are starved of funds and are unable to do even bare minimum to mitigate the hardships faced by the villagers much less even to pay the salaries of its staff,” he said.
“The Zilla Panchayat office has one Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the rank of Class-I civil services officer, one chief accounts officer (CAO) of the rank of joint of accounts, one accountant, one executive engineer, one assistant engineer. It is strange that even for minor works proposals are sent to PWD for technical sanction. It is not understood as to why the E.E. in ZP Office could not be given the Technical powers of Executive Engineer in the PWD. Govt needs to examine this issue as the present process is only time-consuming resulting in delay in carrying out works,” Santan said
He has demanded setting up of a separate Panchayat Tribunal for speedy disposal of cases.
