The time has come to amend the law to end the musical-chair game of power in Goa’s Village Panchayats. Although Village Panchayats are the foundation of rural self-governance, many are increasingly becoming centres of political power struggles rather than institutions dedicated to public service. Political manoeuvring for the post of Sarpanch, factionalism among Panch members, no-confidence motions and frequent leadership changes have undermined administrative stability. A position meant to serve the public is increasingly being used to fulfil the political ambitions of a few. Under Goa’s existing Panchayati Raj system, the Sarpanch is elected from among the Panch members and depends on their numerical strength and political equations. Consequently, political calculations often take precedence over development, with factionalism triggering attempts to replace the Sarpanch. The Goa Government should consider adopting Maharashtra’s system of direct election of Sarpanches. In 2022, Maharashtra amended the Maharashtra Village Panchayats Act, 1959, to provide for their direct election by voters, giving Sarpanches a mandate from the entire village electorate rather than a handful of Panch members. Goa could introduce a similar provision through amendments to the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994. Direct elections could reduce factionalism, internal power struggles and frequent leadership changes, allowing Sarpanches greater stability to focus on village development. They would also be accountable to the entire electorate and morally obliged to fulfil their election promises. Changes in political equations among Panch members would not automatically result in a change of Sarpanch.
However, direct elections alone are not a solution. Clear legal safeguards must prevent conflicts between the directly elected Sarpanch and Panch members. The Sarpanch’s powers must be clearly defined, Gram Sabha resolutions given due importance, financial transactions subjected to scrutiny, and effective accountability mechanisms established to address misconduct. Otherwise, one form of power struggle could simply be replaced by another. Village Panchayats must serve the people, not the personal ambitions of political leaders. The Goa Government should study Maharashtra’s experience and introduce suitable amendments to the Act, ensuring that the Sarpanch’s position rests on the confidence of the people rather than the political convenience of fellow Panch members. As a practical step, all future Gram Sabhas should pass resolutions demanding direct elections of Sarpanches and urge the State Government to amend the law. Such resolutions would reflect the collective will of the people and strengthen the demand for reform. Ultimately, if the musical-chair game continues in Village Panchayats, the chair of development will remain vacant.Umakant Shetye, Khandola
