MAPUSA
Former Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Sandip Falari has come forward to defend current Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar against allegations of procedural misconduct in the recent recruitment of six staff members.
Falari argued that the lack of confirmation of council meeting minutes does not constitute a violation, challenging the calls for Bicholkar’s disqualification.
According to Falari, the council’s decision to recruit the staff was made in the presence of Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar, who attended the meeting where the resolution was passed.
“There is nothing explicit in the Municipal Act requiring that the minutes be confirmed before implementing a council decision,” Falari stated, emphasizing that the resolution was proposed and agreed upon by the council, making it valid.
Falari, who is well versed with Municipal Act, pointed out that the council often approves development projects from departments such as the Water Resources Department (WRD), Public Works Department (PWD) or under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme, without waiting for formal confirmation of meeting minutes.
He described this practice as a standard formality, adding that in this case, the hiring decision was taken unanimously by the council.
He further noted that Chief Officer Shetkar, responsible for implementing council decisions, was present during the meeting where the resolution was approved, reinforcing that the process was above board.
Falari’s remarks add complexity to the ongoing debate around Bicholkar’s actions, as the Director of Urban Development considers a petition filed by concerned citizen Atmaram Gadekar, who claims the recruitment was illegal and calls for Bicholkar’s disqualification.
With differing opinions on procedural requirements, the matter has stirred discussions within the council and among local residents.
