Loutolim locals oppose Cabral’s plan for ‘power tariff hike’

MARGAO: Villagers of Loutolim on Sunday collectively resolved to oppose the proposal of the Power Minister Nilesh Cabral to increase power tariff by 5 paise per unit that has been aimed at maintaining streetlights.

Cabral has written to all panchayats seeking NOC to increase the tariff as the government has decided to pay streetlight bills henceforth.

“We strongly oppose it. Government is trying to burden us further,” voiced J Gracias. After a discussion, the gram sabha collectively decided to oppose the move.

A resolution was also taken to oppose government plan to acquire land for housing projects. “Till date, the panchayat has not received any such proposal. If it comes, we will discuss it with the gram sabha members and, accordingly, a resolution will be taken,” it was stated.

The panchayat passed the proposed budget of Rs 4.26 crore for the financial year 2019-2020.  Valariano Fernandes demanded the panchayat to give photocopies of the proposed budget as it would help them understand it better. Sarpanch Filomena Fernandes assured to give them in the near future.

The panchayat secretary read the audit reports. The auditors have observed that the panchayat has not been serious in collecting arrears from the villagers.  They have also pointed out that the panchayat did not prepare the annual development plan that is required to be submitted to the ZP

office.

Nineteen names have been approved for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The gram sabha, that started at 10.45 am, ended within an hour and witnessed a thin attendance.