the goan I network
MAPUSA
With complete disregard to the COVID-19 protocol, the Tivim sarpanch has gone out of her way to issue permission to sell door-to-door fish to a vendor.
Tivim Sarpanch Sunita Salgaonkar has issued a NOC (a copy of which is with The Goan) to Shekar Hanumant Karbhari to supply fish and groceries in the village.
“Village panchayat Tivim has no objection to issue permission to supply door-to-door fish, fruits vegetables within the jurisdiction of the village panchayat during the lockdown period,” the NOC read.
The permission to do business has been issued subject to several other conditions listed in the NOC which was issued on April 15.
Incidentally, the vendor who was issued permission to supply door-to-door was found sitting and selling fish at a particular spot in the village.
When confronted by a local, the vendor promptly flashed out the panchayat NOC to defend his action.
When the local brought to his attention that the permission was to sell door-to-door and not from one spot, the vendor quietly walked away but went and squatted a little further and continued to do his business carefree.
Block Development Officer Anil Dhumaskar informed that panchayats cannot issue permission to sell fish or groceries, especially during the lockdown period.
“During the lockdown, it’s only the collectors who can issue permission for certain activities. The Directorate of Panchayats has not issued any such orders to panchayats to issue NOCs to sell fish or groceries,” Dhumaskar said.
Sources informed that despite the lockdown, the sarpanch recently called a meeting of the panchayat members.
A concerned villager informed that at least seven to eight fish and vegetable vendors sit along the roadside opposite the Tivim football ground daily in the evenings.
“A large crowd gathers around the vendors completely ignoring social distancing norm during the coronavirus crisis,” the villager said.
