Sancoale Panchayat has recently been in the news for two main reasons: 1) Approving eco-destructive real estate projects without concern, and 2) alleged involvement in large-scale corruption.
The panchayat is clearly protected by Goa’s senior ministers, including the Panchayat Minister, which explains why the state government has not taken any action, such as conducting audits or investigations into the corruption allegations.
There are many similar cases of corrupt panchayats that continue to operate with the support of local villagers, allowing even more harmful development to go ahead. It is crucial that the priority now be to dismiss or legally punish these corrupt panchayats through the judiciary. This would go a long way in protecting Goa’s precious land, environment, and identity.
