THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
A delegation of ‘Together For Mapusa’ (TFM) on Monday met Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and urged him to table the proposed Draft Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during the forthcoming session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.
The delegation submitted a copy of the draft Bill to Alemao, highlighting the need for greater transparency, accountability and public participation in the functioning of municipal bodies across the State.
The delegation comprised TFM Vice-President Vijay Bhike, General Secretary Jitesh Kamat, Secretary Sushant Pawaskar and Yogesh Kelkar. Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa was also present during the meeting.
According to TFM, the proposed amendments seek to strengthen the system of Ward Sabhas and Nagar Sabhas and provide citizens with a greater role in decisions concerning their respective areas.
The organisation said institutionalising these forums would help make municipal administration more transparent and accountable, while ensuring that issues affecting residents are discussed with greater public participation.
The delegation also informed Alemao that the Draft Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Bill had earlier been submitted on March 6, 2026, to the Secretary of the Urban Development Department and the Directorate of Municipal Administration. It sought consideration of the proposed reforms by authorities concerned.
During the meeting, Alemao expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s decision to curtail the duration of the Assembly session. He said the shortened session limits the opportunity for legislators to raise important public issues and deliberate on proposed legislative reforms.
Alemao assured the delegation that he would raise the issue concerning the proposed municipal amendments during the forthcoming Assembly session.
