Team Goemkarponn
CORTALIM: Cortalim Zilla Panchayat (ZP) member Merciana Vas on Wednesday called upon women across Goa to step forward and take an active role in politics, while highlighting the developmental initiatives she has undertaken during her tenure.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating two new development projects in different parts of the Quelossim panchayat, Vas said she had completed around 35 projects worth ₹2.3 crore in just three years.
“I have completed around 35 different development works for the benefit of the people at an estimated cost of ₹2.3 crore,” said Vas. “Unfortunately, I got only a three-year term since I was elected in a by-election after my husband, Cortalim MLA Anton Vas, won the Assembly elections. I have the hunger and spirit to work for the people, and had I got more time, I would have cleared many more files and executed more works. In the future, if I get another opportunity, I will surely prove my worth. During these three years, I have already exhausted all the ZP funds allocated to me.”
Vas said she felt grateful to the people for electing her in the by-election and giving her an opportunity to serve. “I was given this golden chance to serve the people as ZP because the people placed their trust in me during the by-election. Perhaps they voted for me on the basis of the work done by my husband, Anton Vas, but I wanted to prove that I can function independently. I have taken up numerous works in every corner of my jurisdiction — even in the remotest pockets — and the people have seen my capacity to deliver development. I have done my best so far and will continue to do so in the future,” she added.
Listing some of her key works, Vas said she had recently inaugurated a retaining wall and railing project along a steep slope in Quelossim under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) funds. “This project has benefited the local residents immensely. Earlier, people used to slip and fall during the monsoons, but now the situation is much safer. Those who are genuinely interested in working for the people will always find a way to do so. I have utilised almost all available resources — including ZP funds, 15th Finance Commission funds, and ST funds — to execute these works,” Vas said.
She further added that her developmental efforts extended beyond infrastructure projects. “Besides these works, I have also provided benches, chairs, and even generators to religious institutions like temples. My approach has always been to ensure that every section of society benefits from the available schemes and funds,” she noted.
Encouraging women to enter public life, Vas said politics offers women an opportunity to serve society while building self-confidence. “Women are the backbone of every family and have a profound impact on society. I appeal to women to come forward and participate actively in mainstream politics. They can look at my example and understand that it is possible to work efficiently and independently. Through public service, women not only gain blessings from the people but also find a renewed sense of confidence and enthusiasm to lead strong and fulfilling lives,” she said.
Vas reiterated her commitment to the people of Cortalim and said she would continue contributing to their welfare.
“My intent to serve the people remains the same. My work speaks for itself, and I hope it inspires more women to come ahead and take up the responsibility of driving change,” she concluded.
