Sanquelim Council Takes Strict Action on Attendance
The Sanquelim Municipal Council made a decisive move on Thursday. All twelve members voted unanimously for a new rule. This rule targets attendance at national day celebrations.
Pay Cut for Missed Celebrations
The council resolution states a clear penalty. Any member who fails to attend three consecutive celebrations of national significance in a year will face a financial consequence. Their pay will be cut by one full month.
SMC chairperson Sidhi Prabhu Porob introduced this proposal. She wanted to set a strong precedent. Her goal is to ensure every council member participates in these important events.
Defining the Important Days
The municipal council has officially designated three key dates. These are Republic Day on January 26, Independence Day on August 15, and Goa Liberation Day on December 19. Attendance on these days is now mandatory under the new rule.
Inspiration from a Personal Story
Chairperson Porob shared what inspired her. The idea came from a conversation with her daughter, who is in Class XII. Her daughter's school had imposed a penalty for skipping the Liberation Day function.
"She and her friends skipped the Liberation Day function," Porob explained. "As a penalty, her higher secondary school did not allow them to celebrate a special day later. My daughter was in tears."
This incident made Porob reflect deeply. She explained to her daughter the importance of honoring historical events. It also highlighted a broader issue she observed.
"It kept me thinking," she said. "Not just students, but some council members too choose not to attend these events. With this decision, I want to set an example."
Unanimous Support and Exemptions
When Porob presented the proposal to the council, she faced no opposition. Every member supported the resolution. However, the rule includes provisions for reasonable exceptions.
An exemption will be granted for non-attendance in case of a genuine emergency. Any other valid reason for missing an event will also be considered. In such situations, the council member must provide a written explanation for their absence.
Other Council Discussions
The meeting also covered additional agenda items. Council members discussed installing a solar power system for the municipal building.
"By having a solar power system installed, we will be able to cut down on power expenses," Porob stated. This move aims to promote sustainability and reduce operational costs.
Another proposal involved levying a garbage tax on residents. This discussion focused on improving waste management and funding civic cleanliness initiatives. The council will review this proposal further in upcoming sessions.
