VASCO
The Sancoale gram sabha on Sunday witnessed heated exchanges and chaos as locals raised a series of serious allegations concerning garbage collection, mega projects, licences issued by the panchayat and the overall financial management of the local body.
Several villagers demanded immediate corrective measures, greater transparency and accountability, while also urging the newly elected panchayat body to protect the interests of Sancoale and ensure that every legitimate source of revenue is tapped.
One of the major issues raised during the meeting was the alleged irregularities in garbage collection and the implementation of garbage taxes. Locals questioned the manner in which garbage-related activities were being handled and demanded that a proper and transparent system be introduced. They maintained that residents should not be burdened with taxes without ensuring an efficient garbage collection mechanism and accountability in the utilisation of the funds collected.
The gram sabha also witnessed strong opposition to licences allegedly granted without following the prescribed procedure. Villagers demanded that such licences be reviewed and, wherever violations are established, necessary action be initiated to revoke them. They said the panchayat must ensure that permissions are issued strictly according to rules and that no individual or institution is allowed to benefit at the cost of the village.
Development-related concerns also dominated the proceedings, with locals demanding speedy construction and completion of the new Panchayat Ghar. They said Sancoale, being one of the rapidly developing areas, requires a proper administrative facility capable of serving its growing population. The proposal to divide Sancoale panchayat into two separate panchayats also came under criticism, with villagers opposing any move that could affect the unity and administrative interests of the area.
Another major concern was revenue recovery. Locals pointed out that educational and industrial institutions and other establishments operating in Sancoale owe substantial amounts to the panchayat in the form of rent and other dues. They demanded that the panchayat identify outstanding amounts running into several crores and take firm steps to recover the money. The villagers argued that such revenue could be utilised for improving infrastructure and providing better civic amenities.
Dy Sarpanch Tulshidas Naik said the newly elected panchayat body was committed to working with greater transparency and accountability. He said the body would examine the issues raised by villagers, take steps to plug loopholes and prevent any scope for scams or financial irregularities. Naik stressed that the panchayat would focus on strengthening its revenue base, recovering outstanding dues and ensuring that public money was utilised strictly for the benefit of Sancoale.
Naik also assured to look into the growing public demand for a more accountable panchayat, with villagers making it clear that development must go hand in hand with transparency, financial discipline and strict adherence to procedure.
