VASCO
Chicalim witnessed tense moments on Thursday morning after stalls set up by Self Help Groups (SHGs) ahead of Diwali festival to sell homemade products were removed by the Chicalim Panchayat for not having a Panchayat NOC.
The incident created chaos after stall owners were surprised to see Panchayat Secretary Amrit Sakhalkar arrive at the spot and asking the SHGs to clear the stalls set along the highway. The Vasco police also rushed to the site to prevent law and order situation.
Former Chicalim Sarpanch Seby Pereira and Congress leader Capt Viriato Fernandes visited the site to persuade the panchayat secretary to allow the stalls to function ahead of Diwali festival, especially since the SHGs had earlier written to the panchayat for permission.
Chicalim Panchayat Secretary Amrit Sakhalkar said he had advised the SHGs not to set up stalls before obtaining the Panchayat NOC.
"They have inwarded a letter and also met me but I had told them that I will place the file before the panchayat body meeting on Friday and we can then take a call. But the SHGs have already erected a pandal and set up stalls without any intimation or permission,” said Sakhalkar.
“Secondly, the Navy has also objected to the pandal because the area is on the road leading to their premises. Besides, people are also questioning us and asking us how stalls have been set up along the busy road and who will be responsible for any accidents?”
“I have requested them to clear the area as of now and they can set up the stalls again if the panchayat gives them permission when their request is placed for a body meeting," said Sankhwalkar.
Speaking to reporters, former Sarpanch Seby Periera said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had taken the initiative towards Swayampurna Mitra and Swayampurna Goa to help SHGs, but the reality was different with SHGs being asked to close stalls.
"The SHGs had written to the panchayat and suddenly we have the secretary and the police at site to clear the stalls after they have been set up. The SHGs have spent the money and got products ready and now who will pay for their losses,” said Pereira.
“The Navy cannot object to the activity because this area is the setback for the highway and we don't know why the panchayat is now going against these SHGs.”
Capt Viriato Fernandes said they had requested the secretary to allow them to function temporarily and they can give them formal approval after the panchayat body meeting.
“The people have already invested in the pandal and making the products and it is not right to keep them waiting till the last moment because people will go to other places. They must be allowed on humanitarian grounds," said Capt Fernandes.
The incident created chaos after stall owners were surprised to see Panchayat Secretary Amrit Sakhalkar arrive at the spot and asking the SHGs to clear the stalls set along the highway. The Vasco police also rushed to the site to prevent law and order situation.
Former Chicalim Sarpanch Seby Pereira and Congress leader Capt Viriato Fernandes visited the site to persuade the panchayat secretary to allow the stalls to function ahead of Diwali festival, especially since the SHGs had earlier written to the panchayat for permission.
Chicalim Panchayat Secretary Amrit Sakhalkar said he had advised the SHGs not to set up stalls before obtaining the Panchayat NOC.
"They have inwarded a letter and also met me but I had told them that I will place the file before the panchayat body meeting on Friday and we can then take a call. But the SHGs have already erected a pandal and set up stalls without any intimation or permission,” said Sakhalkar.
“Secondly, the Navy has also objected to the pandal because the area is on the road leading to their premises. Besides, people are also questioning us and asking us how stalls have been set up along the busy road and who will be responsible for any accidents?”
“I have requested them to clear the area as of now and they can set up the stalls again if the panchayat gives them permission when their request is placed for a body meeting," said Sankhwalkar.
Speaking to reporters, former Sarpanch Seby Periera said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had taken the initiative towards Swayampurna Mitra and Swayampurna Goa to help SHGs, but the reality was different with SHGs being asked to close stalls.
"The SHGs had written to the panchayat and suddenly we have the secretary and the police at site to clear the stalls after they have been set up. The SHGs have spent the money and got products ready and now who will pay for their losses,” said Pereira.
“The Navy cannot object to the activity because this area is the setback for the highway and we don't know why the panchayat is now going against these SHGs.”
Capt Viriato Fernandes said they had requested the secretary to allow them to function temporarily and they can give them formal approval after the panchayat body meeting.
“The people have already invested in the pandal and making the products and it is not right to keep them waiting till the last moment because people will go to other places. They must be allowed on humanitarian grounds," said Capt Fernandes.
