OLD GOA
Calling the Revolutionary Goans Party’s (RGP) decision to withdraw support “unfortunate”, Azossim-Mandur Sarpanch Prashant Naik said an inquiry should have been held first to check the facts behind the grant of occupancy certificates.
Speaking to The Goan, Naik said all members of the ruling panel should have been brought together and asked questions about the certificates issued for the project.
“A proper inquiry should have been done on the issue and only then any decision should have been taken,” Naik said.
“But that did not happen. I got a call from the MLA on Sunday morning and he asked me questions on the issue of occupancy certificates which I answered. I also told him that the occupancy certificates were issued as per the Goa Panchayat Raj Act,” Naik stated. He added that later that evening, he got a call saying the RGP was withdrawing support to the panchayat, and a press conference followed.
“This was rather unfortunate and now people are looking at me as if I am the fall guy,” Naik said.
When asked when the occupancy certificates were issued, Naik said it was in May 2024.
“The panchayat received application for the grant of occupancy certificates on March 7, 2024 which was put before the fortnightly meeting on March 11 after which inspection was held on March 15,” Naik stated.
“After that on May 25, 2024 the panchayat issued occupancy certificates for 96 flats after following due procedure,” he added.
When asked how 96 certificates were issued on the same day, Naik said it was because they belonged to one phase of the project, which had 96 flats. “So, after completion of the said phase they got the completion certificate from the TCP and only then did they apply for the occupancy certificates with the panchayat,” Naik said. He also pointed out that the project got its licence in 2019, before he became sarpanch.
When asked whether any panch had objected to granting the certificates, Naik said two panchas, Francisco Po and Paulina Po, had abstained.
On another question, Naik said the three RGP-backed panchas who support him have not yet told him that they are withdrawing support.
Even if the three do withdraw, the sarpanch may still stay in office, as a no-confidence motion requires support from four panchas in the 7-member panchayat.
At present, there are three RGP-backed panchas and three from the opposition.
