Stalled audit process takes centrestage at Azossim gram sabha

Panaji: A long delay in completing the audit of accounts of the Azossim-Mandur panchayat since 2018-2019, slow pace of laying pipeline along Pilar-Old Goa road and criticism about biodiversity management committee’s (BMC) functioning raised some dust at the recent gram sabha.

At the meeting chaired by sarpanch Prashant Naik, the members alleged that disbursal of development funds to the panchayat may be affected, as the erstwhile secretary is not cooperating in the audit process.

The non-auditing is posing a hurdle to the present body. A member, Ramrao Wagh, who raised the matter, demanded that strict action be initiated against the secretary and that directorate of panchayats be informed about his lethargic attitude. Penal action, even revoking his promotions, should be taken up, members said.

Another member, Feliciano Fernandes said that a proposal (under Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee scheme) had been pending for a year and half. When will the farmers be able to cultivate their fields, he asked.

Regarding the BMC, the members said that if the committee was not functioning, it should be dissolved and a new one formed.

The slow pace of digging to lay a new pipeline from Azossim to Pilar and the dangerous condition of the badly dug up road due to the rain was flagged by members.

The destruction of green areas due to multi-dwelling projects, drying up of Azossim spring, illegal constructions and poor hygiene at a local balwadi were some of the other issues discussed at the meeting.