the goan I network
MARGAO
Exactly 20 days after the scheme was launched with much fanfare by Chief Officer Sidhivinayak Naik, Margao Municipal Council’s much-publicized garbage sentinel scheme has been virtually lying in the dumps for want of clarify on legal issues.
MMC Chairperson, Babita Prabhudesai, during whose absence the scheme was launched on July 3, has now mooted revival of the scheme after taking into account the legal aspects, including the provisions of the Goa Non-biodegradable Garbage Control Act, 1996.
Sources in the know informed that the chairperson has suggested to the CO to work out the scheme in conformity with the provisions of the Goa Non-biodegradable Garbage Control Act.
The MMC chairperson’s suggestions assumes significance against the backdrop of the fact that while the civic body has resolved to levy a fine of Rs 5,000 on all violators, with a provision that the sentinels will take a prize money of Rs 1000, the Goa Non-biodegradable Garbage Control Act prescribes a detailed fine structure for both residential and commercial establishments.
The Act has prescribed fines for the first offence, second offence and the third offence for both residential and commercial establishments, a provision which was virtually ignored by the civic body.
That’s not all. While the scheme was launched without seeking the registrations of the garbage sentinels with the civic body, Chairperson Babita has now suggested to the Chief Officer to work out a system wherein the sentinels are compulsorily registered.
“I am of the firm opinion that the sentinels should be registered with the civic body before they take the pictures so that the scheme is not misused and the very purpose is defeated,” Babita asserted.
When contacted, the MMC chairperson confirmed that she has mooted some suggestions to the Chief Officer, being the municipal administrative head, to ensure that the sentinel scheme conforms to the existing laws and rules in place.
“Instead of awarding Rs 1,000 as prize money, I have suggested the sentinel can take away one fifth of the fine amount. The fine amount should be worked out by the CO after taking into account the prevailing laws and rules in force,” she added.
MMC’s garbage sentinel scheme was launched by the Chief Officer on July 3 with much fanfare, raising eyebrows amongst senior government officials since the scheme was launched without any notification and the prescribed penalty not conforming to the rules and laws in force.
