Turmoil in Sao Jose de Areal gram sabha

Margao: Chaos marked the proceedings of the gram sabha of Sao Jose de Areal on Sunday with gram sabha members and the panchayat body locked in a standoff. With both sides unrelenting, sarpanch Linda Fernandes concluded the meeting, further antagonising the gram sabha members.
The problem began at the outset of the meeting with gram sabha members questioning the sarpanch over the issue of “rejecting” a number of proposals. They demanded that all the proposals be discussed at the gram sabha.
Gram sabha members also questioned the sarpanch over the budget approval in the last meeting that was adjourned. With the panchayat maintaining that the budget was passed after a discussion, gram sabha members disputed the stand.
As the standoff persisted, no issues could be taken up for a meaningful discussion. The sarpanch announced the conclusion of the meeting, leaving the gram sabha members livid. The villagers have now decided to approach the block development officer with their grievances. “We want all the issues of the villagers discussed at the gram sabha, which the panchayat is not willing to do,” Freddy Travasso, a gram sabha member, said.