MAPUSA
The much-vaunted ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swayampurna Goem’ initiative appears to be a hollow slogan, as government officials failed to attend a crucial meeting called by the Village Development Committee (VDC) of Siolim-Marna panchayat.
The meeting, aimed at addressing local issues, saw the presence of only a junior engineer from the Public Works Department (PWD) roads division, while officials from various other departments, including PWD water, electricity, Water Resources Department (WRD), and health were conspicuously absent.
The Swayampurna Mitra of the area, Prakash Redkar had taken the initiative to invite these officials.
The meeting was intended to discuss vital issues such as power, water, roads, and health services.
Local resident Amrut Agarwadekar criticized the absence of officials, stating that the Panchayat Raj system needs to be strengthened to address public grievances.
"If government officials are not sensitive to the general public, the Swayampurna Goem initiative will be a farce, achieving nothing," Agarwadekar remarked.
Convenor of the VDC, Joaquim Barros expressed disappointment over the officials' absence.
"We put in significant effort to organize this meeting. Villagers came to discuss basic issues, but it seems the officials don’t care about the common people," said Barros, who has been proactive in addressing village issues at the gram sabha.
The special meeting was called by Siolim-Marna Sarpanch and VDC Chairman, Sandesh Hadfadkar, specifically to discuss the public's hardships regarding roads, water, health, and electricity.
The villagers voiced strong objections to the lack of accountability displayed by the government officials, questioning the Swayampurna Mitra about the officials' negligent approach.
The villagers demanded accountability and called for action against the absent officials.
Later, the lone PWD engineer present was subjected to intense questioning regarding the poor condition of roads in Siolim, including potholes, lack of footpaths, improper drainage and inadequate signage.
The controversial widening of the main road and illegal signboards along the route to the bridge were also scrutinized.
The PWD official struggled to address most of the issues raised but assured that the villagers' suggestions and requests would be communicated to higher authorities.
However, this assurance did little to assuage the frustration and disappointment of the villagers, who remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the Swayampurna Goem initiative.
