MARGAO
The gram sabha of the Loutolim village panchayat has demanded that the panchayat issue identity cards to the migrants staying in the village.
The gram sabha members have also called for the convening of an extra ordinary gram sabha on October 29 to discuss the new bridge/road proposed at the missing link passing through the village.
At the gram sabha chaired by Sarpanch Joana Fernandes, the issue of tenant verification exercise took the centrestage with the influx of migrants into the village.
The members demanded that the panchayat issue identity cards to the migrants staying in the village which would help the locals to identify those who are legally staying in the village.
Member Chiquito later told the media that the members insisted on a tenant verification exercise with the village witnessing a half murder over a month ago and a lady involving in extortion.
He said the gram sabha members led by Sairaj Naik also raised the issue of imposing taxes on the industrial units operating in the Verna Industrial Estate falling into the jurisdiction of the Loutolim panchayat.
Sairaj pointed that assessing units and imposing taxes falls in the domain of the local panchayat body, pointing out that the villagers have been insisting on imposing taxes on the industrial units since 2017.
The gram sabha also discussed the draft agricultural policy with members making a host of suggestions to the policy with a plea to the panchayat body to forward the suggestions to the government for incorporation into the policy.
The gram sabha also decided to levy tax amounting to Rs 10,000 on the ship building units in the village. Sources said the fees were fixed around 15-20 years ago and the last gram sabha had decided to effect a hike to Rs 10,000. The sarpanch informed that the panchayat is in the process of implementing the resolution, saying letters have already been sent to the units for payment of the fees.
Gram sabha members were informed of the reply received from the Water Resources Department stating that it is not possible to provide 24x7 water supply to the village. The gram sabha member, however, insisted that the panchayat again write to the WRD to supply water as per the needs and requirements of the villagers.
