The Zilla Panchayat election in Goa has become a waste of taxpayers’ money, as it brings little benefit to the people of each constituency. Hardly any development work is taken up, and the polls are treated mainly as a test of political party strength before the Assembly elections. Once elected, most representatives rarely return to the village or panchayat office. They only appear during election time to ask for votes. With no proper funds for development, they are unable to meet even the basic needs of the area. In my village, Chandor, we still need benches near the Three Kings Circle junction, where the ros omelette stall is located. These benches would give locals, especially senior citizens, a place to sit and talk in the evenings. We also urgently need repairs to the bus stop shelter next to St Joseph Educational Institute. The structure has deep cracks in the pillars and walls and is unsafe for children and the public waiting for transport. During the last election, former MLA C. Dias claimed he would guide the elected BJP woman representative in carrying out the required work. But she has never been seen again in Chandor. The ZP election date also falls during Goa’s busy festival and tourist season. Why can’t it be shifted to mid-January, after the New Year?
