'Govt wings interfering in functioning of Gram Sabhas in Goa'

Even after 20 years since the constitutional amendment in this regard, the Village Panchayats in Goa continue to be reeling under the unjust and unconstitutional control of the local MLAs and the executive machinery, the CSJP said in its message on the eve of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary.

"Projects are forcibly hoisted in villages by paying scant respect to the decisions of Gram Sabhas, thereby destroying the environment, culture and livelihood of the local inhabitants," a CSJP release said.

The CSJP would again like to remind the state government about its failure in giving necessary powers, finances and functionaries to Zilla and Village Panchayats as was agreed in an MoU between the union minister for Panchayati Raj and chief minister of Goa in 2006.

"As Goa grapples with several problems like environmental degradation, corruption, dacoities, loss of traditional livelihoods and societal peace, the Council would like to remind the government that it is only by putting into practice the ideals of the Mahatma that our villages would experience the lasting fruits of independence," the release added.