MAPUSA
Village panchayats across the State are set to face an unprecedented level of scrutiny after the Bombay High Court at Goa directed that panchayat offices be equipped with CCTV cameras and that all panchayat body meetings be video-recorded, a move expected to significantly enhance transparency and accountability in local self-governance.
The court-mandated changes will require panchayats not only to maintain video records of their meetings but also to accurately document objections raised by members in the official minutes, leaving little room for disputes over what transpired during deliberations.
The directive marks a major shift in the functioning of panchayats, where proceedings have traditionally been recorded only through written minutes prepared after meetings.
While most panchayats already video-record gram sabhas, recordings of panchayat body meetings have largely been absent.
Officials in the Directorate of Panchayats said they are awaiting a copy of the High Court order before issuing detailed instructions to village panchayats across the State.
“We have not received the High Court order so far. Once we get it, we will go through the details and accordingly issue a circular. At present, only gram sabhas are video-recorded by all panchayats,” a directorate official said.
The government's undertaking before the High Court goes beyond video-recording meetings. It also commits to installing CCTV systems in every panchayat office and making footage accessible to citizens through a prescribed procedure, potentially giving residents a new tool to monitor the functioning of their local bodies.
Several panchayat representatives acknowledged that the order would bring greater accountability to elected members and officials.
“Our panchayat office is already under CCTV surveillance. But since the High Court has directed us to video-record panchayat body meetings, we will have to comply with the directions,” said Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira.
Panchayat secretaries, who are often responsible for preparing minutes and maintaining official records, also see the move as likely to reduce controversies over meeting proceedings.
“With meetings coming under CCTV surveillance, secretaries will have to present thorough reports with no scope for manipulation. In a way, it is good for all secretaries,” said a secretary of a coastal panchayat.
The timing of the order assumes significance as the State government has recently directed village panchayats to hold meetings every seven days instead of once every 15 days.
The increased frequency of meetings, coupled with mandatory video recording, is expected to create a comprehensive digital trail of decisions taken by local bodies.
The High Court is scheduled to take up the matter again on August 4, when it is expected to review the government's compliance with the assurances given before the court.
