THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a new controversy surrounding the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), former chairperson Sudhir Kandolkar has accused the current chairperson, Nutan Bicholkar, of changing the rules for obtaining a character certificate and thus allegedly harassing residents of Mapusa.
Kandolkar claimed that historically, since Goa's liberation, chairpersons would issue character certificates on the recommendation of local councillors.
However, Bicholkar has introduced a new requirement of a police clearance certificate (PCC) before issuing such certificates, a rule he argues is unnecessary and burdensome.
The dispute began when a resident from Ward 19, who is associated with Kandolkar, visited the municipal office to obtain a character certificate.
The applicant had Kandolkar’s endorsement as the local councillor and was accompanied by him to meet the chairperson.
However, Kandolkar claims Bicholkar insisted on the PCC and asked the applicant to obtain it before proceeding with the character certificate.
“There is no legal requirement for a police clearance certificate to obtain a character certificate. If there were, people would be going to the police officers directly for the certificate. This is clearly harassment of residents and reflects the chairperson’s indifferent attitude,” Kandolkar said.
In response, Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar defended her decision, stating that it follows an established procedure that has been in place for many years.
According to Bicholkar, the process requires applicants to submit certain documents, including a police clearance certificate, before a character certificate is issued.
“The process to obtain a character certificate is standard and has been followed for years. If all the required documents, including the PCC, are submitted, the certificate is issued. There is no intention to harass anyone,” Bicholkar clarified.
The disagreement highlights the ongoing tensions within the MMC and has raised questions about the transparency and efficiency of municipal procedures.
