the goan I network
MAPUSA
Raking up the issue, Nilesh slammed the panchayat members for shutting their eyes to the poor condition of the structure housing the government school at Gudem-Siolim.
"The government shala (school) is in such a pitiable condition that it could cause grave risk to kids who attend the school. Do you want some kids to die to take action," a worried Nilesh questioned the panchayat members at a packed gram sabha.
He further said the drains around the government school and Gudem village were not repaired for the last 25 years.
The concerned local said the panchayat had taken resolutions to repair the school and the drains in the past but nothing came out of it. "If you cannot fulfill your word despite taking resolutions in the gram sabha, then why hold the gram sabha at all?" an aggrieved Nilesh asked. He was supported by other villagers.
Backing the angry local, Fatima Fernandes informed that under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, government provides ample of funds to take up issues concerning the upkeep of schools. "Why don't the panchayat follow up and repair the government school on urgent basis? Do you want some children to die?" Fernandes asked.
Trying to assuage the villagers, the local ward member said he will take up the matter with the local MLA, who is a minister, to resolve the issue of the school building on priority.
Sarpanch, Fermeena Fernandes also promised to follow up on resolutions taken at the gram sabha in future.
Raising questions on illegal shops that have come up on government land in the village, a local, Ashok Vernekar blamed the panchayat for granting NOCs to the shops.
He alleged that most of the illegal shops have got electricity and water connections and the panchayat was turning a blind eye to the illegalities.
Rejecting the allegation, Sarpanch Fernandes said the panchayat has not given NOC to any of the illegal shops.
"If you have not given NOCs, then demolish all the illegal shops," said Amrut Agarwadekar, another local.
The secretary said the panchayat has not issued any NOC for electricity connection to the shops.
