The news report '3,228 demolitions stalled in DoP -p'yat deadlock ' (TGE, Dec 17) is an excellent study and analysis of the existing Panchayati Raj system in Goa, that has only fuelled more illegal constructions and controversies in the state, and rendered Panchayats toothless by the Directorate of Panchayats (DoPs ). With the prevailing existing system, little can be expected, unless CM Pramod Sawant acts promptly and decides to amend the existing Panchayati Raj Act 1994, so that there are no further contradictions and conflicts of interest in the powers delegated to Panchayats and DoPs.
