The revocation of the stop-work order against a proposed construction project in Pomburpa-Olaulim by the Sarpanch (with support of most panch members), should not come as a surprise to Goans. Being now a regular attendee of Colva gram sabhas and also observing other village panchayats (Gram Sabhas), it is very clear to me that the many panchas in many village panchayats are in collusion at times with corrupt TCP officials to "allow illegal" constructions. Colva village for instance is at another level i.e. there are specific ex-panchas (though out of power) who are still the middle men of destruction/illegalities in the village, in partnership with specific outside individuals/real estate entities; for obvious benefits. The salaries of panch members are very low. While I propose a much higher salary and pensions for Panch members; I also propose that this comes along with a very strict monitoring of panch members with stiff penalties over violations. Of course, the panch members will have their political godfathers (MLAs/Ministers); in this case the only option is for the civil society/NGOs/villagers to keep a strict watch on their nefarious activities and use the judiciary to prosecute/jail the culprits.
