PANAJI
In a move that could set a precedent for other local bodies, the Bicholim Municipal Council has approved a landmark resolution to rename two wards in its jurisdiction that carried caste-specific titles.
The decision was taken at a special meeting last week which was chaired by Vijay Kumar Natekar and where Chief Officer Nehal Talawanekar was present.
The locality in Ward No. 10, earlier known as Dhangarwado, will now be called Kulanwado and in Ward No. 3, the area previously called Harijanwado, has been renamed Rashtroli Nagar.
The council said the move aligns with government rules and also recommendations of the Human Rights Commission, which call for eliminating caste references in locality names.
The resolution will be forwarded to all concerned State government departments, the Election Commission, and other relevant authorities. Officials confirmed that signboards with the new name will be installed promptly as soon as they get the nod from the State government.
Councilors welcomed the decision, describing it as a step toward equality and modern civic identity. The renaming was discussed in detail before being unanimously approved at the special meeting.
The meeting also reviewed development projects across the city. Preparations for the upcoming municipal elections, expected in April, were also discussed. Some expenditures of the council were also cleared, and the annual budget for the next year was examined at length.
Deputy Chairperson Deepa Pal and councillors Kundan Phalari, Rajaram Gaonkar, Sudan Govekar, Nilesh Tople, Aniket Chanekar, Gunjan Korgaonkar, Deepa Shirgaonkar, Ranjana Wangankar, and Aparna Fogeri attended the meeting.
The council emphasized that the renaming reflects egalitarian values and a commitment to inclusive governance. The move is expected to set a precedent for other civic bodies in Goa.
