It is understood that the gram sabha in a couple of villages in the state was held via the internet. In Agassaim and Chodan-Madel, the members logged in to participate in the discussion. At these virtual meetings various support activities were explained via Powerpoint presentations.
Due to the pandemic it would be very difficult for the municipalities and panchayats to hold meetings wherein maintaining social distancing would be a problem. At the same time discussions by the local governing bodies have to carry on even during the pandemic and decisions on vital issues pertaining to the city or village need to be taken.
Since most of the activities have commenced after Unlock-5, grassroots democracy also needs to move on through virtual media. Civic bodies and village panchayats need to resort to the internet to have virtual meetings and gram sabhas in order to communicate with the members of the municipal council and panchayat as well as the members of the public.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
