Solar power generation, farmers’ clubs mooted

the goan I networkrMARGAOr rThat’s not all. In a bid to ensure large attendance at the gram sabha meeting, it has been decided to hold gram sabhas in the wards, ahead of the mandatory gram sabhas in an attempt to evoke public participation in the village development. rAfter the meeting, sarpanch Basil Fernandes told The Goan that the panchayat has formulated a draft five-year plan with inputs from the villagers on Sunday. He said the plan envisaged generation of solar power, not to just to illuminate streetlights, but also to sell excess power to the government. rThe plan also contains a proposal to upgrade and digitise the existing library, with a provision for free internet facility and printouts at no cost for village students. rIn a bid to give a boost for agriculture, the plan has proposed to set up farmers’ clubs in the village to involve the local farmers in agricultural production. For senior citizens, the draft has planned to set up a jogger’s park and recreation facility in the village. r“These are the focal points in the village plan which will be submitted to the Salcete BDO for approval. The plan has also mooted indoor games and upgradation of the gymnasium, besides development activities such as roads, drainages, etc,” he said, adding that the plan has also envisaged collection of data on bio-diversity. rAsked to elaborate on the concept of ward gram sabhas, Basil pointed out the concept was discussed in view of the poor response for gram sabha meetings. r“The panchayats are mandated to have four meetings in a year, but over the years, we have been witnessing the poor response for gram sabhas. We have now decided to have ward-wise gram sabhas before the actual meeting to involve the people in the decision-making process,” Basil added.