MAPUSA
Gram sabhas were held in at least eight panchayats in Bardez on February 26, based on the circular issued by the Directorate of Panchayats when the model code of conduct was in force.
However, none of the gram sabha proceedings were video recorded last Sunday as panchayats were not officially informed of the direction.
Calangute Deputy Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said that last Sunday’s gram sabha was not recorded as the panchayat had not received any instruction from the government.
“I have read on newspapers about the plan of the government to video record gram sabha meetings, but so far we have not received any such circular,” Sequeira informed.
According to Pomburpa-Olaulim Sarpanch Vinay Chopdekar, a circular was received in the panchayat office.
He, however, said the Pomburpa-Olaulim gram sabha held on February 26 was not video recorded for want of clarity on the decision.
“I feel the government should identify an independent agency to video record all the gram sabhas in the State. Otherwise for every gram sabha, we will have to rush to the BDO to seek financial approval for recording. It will be sheer waste of time and energy,” Chopdekar opined.
The government in December last year had amended the Goa Panchayats Gram Sabha rules to make it mandatory to video record all gram sabha proceedings.
The video recording is to be kept with the village panchayat, which will be called for by the department as and when required.
The decision was taken by the State government with an aim of having “smooth and fair functioning” of the proceedings.
Most of the sarpanchas holding gram sabhas on March 5 too were not aware of the new amended rule.
“We have not received any directions on video recording from the government. The BDO has only sent us instructions to hold the gram
sabha,” said Guirim Sarpanch Fondu Naik.
Similarly, Tivim Sarpanch Shivdas Kambli said that there was no proposal to video record the gram sabha on Sunday.
When contacted, Director of Panchayats Gurudas Pilarnkar said all panchayats have to video record gram sabha proceedings, as it has been made mandatory by the government.
“There’s no question of taking action against
defaulting panchayats. If panchayats have not started implementing the rule, they have to start doing it,” Pilarnkar said.
