*GDCM demands devolution of powers to panchayats, ZPs*** HERALD REPORTER GDCM demands devolution of powers to panchayats, ZPs HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 1 In a bid to press for devolution of powers to panchayats and Zilla Panchayats, the Goa Democratic Decentralisation Movement (GDCM) on Thursday submitted a memorandum of demands to Minister of Panchayat and Chief Secretary. The memorandum signed by Secretary Soter D’Souza was submitted to government authorities after staging a protest at Junta House today. They have demanded delimitation of village panchayat wards, Zilla Panchayat constituencies and that preparation of Zilla Panchayat and village panchayat voters list be entrusted to Goa Election Commission and not Directorate of Panchayats. A ten-year perspective district plans and village plans which include spatial planning should be carried out through the district planning committees and not by Town and Country Planning department, says the memorandum. Also, all line-departments of the government entrusted with development activities in village panchayat jurisdiction must be brought under the Zilla Panchayat. Their demand also include Rural Development Agency must be brought under the Zilla Panchayat and strict implementation of gram sabha decision. Other demands include prescribe rules for supervisory committee of gram sabha in all village panchayats, appoint vigilance committees of gram sabha in all village panchayats, provide for strict implementation of gram sabha decisions, provide for a neutral ombudsman or panchayat grievance commission of no less than district court judge for setting disputes of Zilla and village panchayat, secretary of panchayat. Ensure increased accountability and transparency in the Zilla Panchayat administration, scrap the recent Goa Panchayat Raj Act, Bill 2009 and demand to stop approval for construction of multi-dwelling apartments of more than eight flats and swimming pools in village panchayat areas.
-- -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. Miguel Braganza, S1 Gracinda Apts, Rajvaddo, Mhapsa 403507 Goa Ph 9822982676 [email protected] -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
