OLD GOA
The Santa Cruz gram sabha on Sunday was once again cut short after two groups clashed, prompting sarpanch Jennifer Oliveira to stop the meeting, saying the situation was getting out of control.
The groups first disagreed over an increase in house tax, but tensions rose when some members argued over the high transfer fee for house tax.
One group questioned the high amount charged as a transfer fee, while the other supported sarpanch Oliveira when she informed them that the hike was decided in the previous term, not the current one.
As arguments between both groups continued, sarpanch Oliveira abruptly ended the gram sabha, leaving members disappointed.
Later, speaking to reporters, sarpanch Oliveira said that she had to end the gram sabha as there were chances of things going out of control and fights taking place.
“I wanted to prevent fights between the members due to which I ended the gram sabha,” she added.
When asked about the repeated abrupt endings of gram sabhas in the past, sarpanch Oliveira blamed a certain section of the members, saying they only come to argue.
On why the police were not called despite such incidents becoming common, Oliveira said that the police were notified of the gram sabha.
Meanwhile, some gram sabha members complained that their proposals were not discussed.
Elsa Fernandes said she was not allowed to speak at the gram sabha as the sarpanch informed her that members had raised objections against her speaking.
“When I asked that the same be noted in the minutes, it was refused,” Fernandes stated.
Another member, Mariano Araujo, also said that some of his proposals were not taken up at the gram sabha.
