With the monsoon just round the corner and the impending panchayat elections, it is learnt that several panchayats in Salcete are yet to carry out pre-monsoon works over fear of not getting the payment if the election code comes into force.
It must be said that while the panchayat election is an important constitutional exercise, carrying out pre-monsoon works is also of vital importance as it mitigates the problems faced by the citizens during the rainy season.
It is pertinent to note that the panchayats elections have been delayed since the process of notifying reservation in the panchayat wards is still underway and the fresh poll dates have not been announced.
This will put further uncertainty over carrying out the pre-monsoon works within the jurisdiction of the various panchayats.
Given the importance of the pre-monsoon works as it concerns the safety of the citizens, it would be desirable to keep all activities related to pre-monsoon works out of the ambit of the model code of conduct for the ensuing panchayat elections so that funds for carrying out the works can be released well in advance.
