Team Goemkarponn
RAIA: A clash has emerged within the Raia Village Panchayat, with Sarpanch Mario D’Souza accusing Panchayat Secretary Amrit Shakalkar of hindering key development activities in the village.
Speaking to the media on Friday, D’Souza claimed that the secretary has been raising unnecessary objections to various panchayat proposals since taking charge two months ago. He alleged that these interventions have delayed implementation of planned works. The sarpanch also drew attention to the non-payment of wages to daily wage women workers responsible for maintaining the village grounds, stating that they have gone unpaid for over three months.
In his defense, Secretary Amrit Shakalkar denied the allegations, calling them baseless. He clarified that all his actions are in accordance with the Goa Panchayat Raj Act and that queries on certain works were referred to the Salcete Block Development Office (BDO) for guidance. Regarding the delay in worker payments, Shakalkar pointed out that the sarpanch had been on leave, which affected the process.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions within the panchayat and highlights the need for better coordination to prevent disruption of public works.
