Goa Government to Empower Zilla Panchayat Members with Enhanced Authority
In a significant move aimed at strengthening grassroots governance, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho announced that the Goa government will grant more powers to Zilla Panchayat (ZP) members. This initiative is designed to enable them to implement development projects more efficiently and better utilize allocated funds.
Announcement Made at Foundation Training Programme
Godinho made this announcement while addressing newly elected ZP members during a foundation training programme organized by the Goa Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (Gipard) on Thursday. Although he did not provide specific details on the nature or extent of these enhanced powers, the statement signals a shift towards decentralizing authority and empowering local representatives.
Minister Emphasizes Service Beyond Constituents
During his address, Godinho highlighted that the role of a ZP member extends beyond serving only those who elected them. "Your commitment is vital to boosting work at the grassroots level," he said, urging members to also consider the needs of their critics. He encouraged them to adopt innovative and out-of-the-box ideas while planning and executing projects for their constituencies, emphasizing creativity in rural development efforts.
Training Focuses on Roles and Responsibilities
The training programme provided fresh insights into rural development strategies and clearly outlined the roles and duties of ZP members in accordance with the Goa Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. This legislative framework governs the functioning of panchayats in the state, and the training aimed to equip new members with the knowledge necessary to navigate their responsibilities effectively.
Members Voice Concerns Over Administrative Hurdles
Despite the positive announcement, some ZP members expressed frustration over administrative challenges that have delayed their work. They reported that even one month after their election, they have been unable to commence their duties due to various bureaucratic obstacles. This underscores the need for the promised enhanced powers to be implemented swiftly to overcome such hurdles and facilitate smoother governance at the local level.
The move to empower Zilla Panchayat members aligns with broader efforts to enhance rural development and ensure that local bodies have the autonomy to address community-specific needs. As the government works on finalizing the details, stakeholders await further clarity on how these new powers will be operationalized to benefit Goa's rural areas.
