the goan I network
MARGAO
Benaulim Sarpanch Ezlina Fernandes assured the gram sabha members that the resolutions adopted at the extra-ordinary gram sabha on Sunday will be placed before the panchayat body meeting for discussion and action.
Replying to the host of resolutions adopted by the gram sabha, the Sarpanch assured that the gram sabha resolutions will be placed before the forthcoming meeting of the panchayat body.
The Sarpanch made the assurance after gram sabha members pointed out that the panchayat should make known its stand on the resolution, with a plea to initiate action as per the resolutions.
Earlier, gram sabha member Jose Fernandes of Benaulimcho Ulo explained to gram sabha members the very purpose of the meeting and the movement launched by the villagers. He pointed out that the Indian Constitution has no provision allowing outsiders to encroach and displace the local populace from their traditional occupation and business.
He also explained how one migrant named Vasu had issued threats to kill locals if they dare stop his taxi and other activities, saying the villagers have now vowed to secure and protect the village for posterity.
After a senior citizen explained that migrants staying in her house have obtained a ration card, Aadhar card and an election card based on a lease agreement, Jose cautioned the villagers to insert a clause that the agreement cannot be misused for purposes other than stay.
Gram sabha members further demanded to know how migrants staying in rented premises can run taxis, fearing they would be treated as strangers in their own land if the locals do not rise and stop the encroachments by migrants in their traditional occupation, including taxi business and fishing.
Members further feared that tourists will skip Benaulim if the menace of migrants is not tackled with a heavy hand.
Former Sarpanch Royla Fernandes pointed out that issue of migrants encroaching into the business of locals was discussed threadbare during the formulation of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan and questioned the chair whether the panchayat had acted on the demand of the VDC last December.
