MARGAO
The South Goa Zilla Panchayat meeting on Wednesday focused on the lack of powers, unclear protocols, and the absence of a pension scheme similar to that of MLAs for Zilla Panchayat members. Former Vice-Chairperson Kushali Velip even suggested that Zilla Panchayats should be dissolved if they do not have proper authority, responsibilities, and protocols.
A Zilla Panchayat member questioned why voters above 80 years old are not allowed to use the home voting facility. They urged the government to ask the State Election Commission to introduce this option for Zilla Panchayat elections as well.
At the meeting, chaired by Chairperson Sanjana Velip, Velim Zilla Panchayat member Julio Fernandes raised concerns over the lack of pensions for Zilla Panchayat members. He pointed out that, like MLAs, they are elected by thousands of voters across multiple villages but do not receive any benefits, including pensions.
The Chairperson reminded the members that the Zilla Panchayat had previously passed a resolution asking the government to introduce a pension scheme. However, Julio and other members insisted on passing another resolution to push the issue further.
Former Vice-Chairperson Kushali Velip also raised concerns about the authority and status of Zilla Panchayat members compared to Panchayat members, Sarpanchas, and MLAs. He noted that while these officials are formally invited to government programmes, Zilla Panchayat members are often ignored. “What is the purpose of Zilla Panchayats if they do not have proper authority and status? The government may have allocated funds, but there is still no clarity on our roles,” he said.
Despite these concerns, ZP member Suresh Kepemkar praised Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s government for providing funds to help with development in their constituencies.
Meanwhile, Navelim ZP member Cipru Cardozo highlighted issues at the dialysis centre in the Navelim Primary Health Centre (PHC). He complained that local patients struggle to get treatment as slots are mostly taken by patients from outside the village. “I am not against outsiders using the facility, but locals should not face difficulties in getting dialysis,” he said.
The condition of Borim bridge was also discussed. ZP member Deepak Borkar raised concerns over its poor maintenance, saying the road is full of potholes and needs urgent repairs. He urged the PWD to prioritise resurfacing the road.
Borkar also called for action against anti-social activities at the old Borim bridge site. He said that although the PWD dismantled the old bridge, the area is now being misused by anti-social elements. He urged both the PWD and the police to intervene.
