Team Goemkarponn
SANCOALE: In a fresh political development, six out of the eleven members of the Sancoale Panchayat have moved a no-confidence motion against Sarpanch Anusha Lamani and Deputy Sarpanch Derrick Valles, citing dissatisfaction over the functioning of the panchayat and decision-making processes.
The motion was signed by panch members Tulsidas Naik, Maria Azevedo, Nidhi Naik, Rohini Torskar, Valento Rodrigues and Jaisia Kadar, and submitted to the Mormugao Block Development Officer on Monday afternoon. The group has also expressed strong resentment against former Deputy Sarpanch Girish Pillai and Derrick Valles, accusing them of dominating the functioning of the panchayat.
Speaking on the development, panch member Tulsidas Naik said the members were not opposed to development but were unhappy with how the panchayat was being run. He alleged that the functioning was effectively controlled by Derrick Valles, with little to no involvement of other elected members. “There has been no proper discussion in meetings. In the last seven months, only four meetings were held, and even those were concluded within minutes if key members were absent. Important files are passed without discussion, and decisions are taken unilaterally,” Naik said.
He further pointed out that the panchayat, despite being one of the largest in the state, has been facing administrative gaps, including the absence of a full-time secretary. Naik also raised concerns over pending development works, particularly the long-delayed construction of a new panchayat ghar, despite availability of land and funds. “We have land of around 1,500 sq mtrs offered to us by a builder and nearly ₹14 crore, yet no progress has been made. We continue to function from a rented premises, leading to unnecessary expenditure of public funds,” he said.
Allegations of financial irregularities were also flagged, with Naik claiming that large sums are being withdrawn from the muster roll without proper approvals, while key civic issues like garbage management remain unresolved.
Another panch member, Valento Rodrigues, said several members were unaware of resolutions being passed. “We have even received calls from vigilance authorities regarding decisions taken without our knowledge. This is not political; we want transparency and proper functioning,” he said.
As per procedure, a special meeting is expected to be convened within 15 days to deliberate on the motion. If passed, the process to elect a new Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch will be undertaken on the same day.
