A local speaks at the Curca gram sabha, which passed off peacefully, on Sunday.
Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz
OLD GOA
The Curca gram sabha, held after six months, passed off without any major incident though it saw heated discussion over the approval of budget by the panchayat authorities without sanction from the gram sabha.
The issue was raised by local Mithilesh Kuttikar who questioned why the budget estimates were not placed at the gram sabha.
When the panchayat authorities informed that the same has been passed at the fortnightly meeting, Kuttikar and others protested stating that the budget estimates have to be approved at the gram sabha.
He further targeted the sarpanch for failing to convene a gram sabha for discussion on the budget.
However, sarpanch Leena Naik pointed out that she took over only in March.
With the discussion getting prolonged over the issue, Dr Korgaonkar then suggested that a special gram sabha could be held only to discuss the budget which was agreed by the panchayat authorities as well as the locals.
Kuttikar also raised the issue of collection of garbage fees and demanded that the panchayat should not enforce it on the basis of house tax.
“There are several establishments like GMC quarters, defence, and others which come under the jurisdiction of Curca panchayat and garbage fees needs to be collected from these as well,” Kuttikar pointed out while resolving that a survey should be first conducted of all such establishments and only then garbage fees should be implemented.
The issue of the need to declare the Curca spring as a ASI heritage site was also raised by another local Manguesh Kuttikar.
Kuttikar pointed out that the 10th Century spring needs preservation and the best way to do it would be to get it declared as a ASI protected site.
The issue of erratic water supply in the village was also raised with the sarpanch Naik assuring that she would take up the issue with the authorities concerned to ensure the villagers get proper water supply.
Locals also raked up the issue of desilting of drains which needs to be done on urgent basis as the rains have arrived.
Meanwhile, sarpanch Naik has stated that she is willing to hold gram sabhas every month if the villagers extend the same cooperation.
Later, speaking to reporters, Naik said, “If the villagers cooperate and do not create chaos then I have no problem in holding gram sabhas.”
