The Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), a prominent civil society group, has made a strong appeal to the state government. It wants village panchayats and municipal councils to finally get the power to prepare their own development plans. This right is guaranteed under the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Indian Constitution.
Formal Request to the Chief Secretary
The group has written a formal letter to the Chief Secretary of Goa. In it, they stressed the need for genuine public participation from local residents in the planning process. The GBA is urging the state administration to speed up the implementation of these long-standing constitutional provisions. These laws clearly state that local governing bodies are responsible for creating plans for their area's development.
The GBA has also sought an official appointment with the Chief Secretary. The purpose is to understand what concrete steps various government departments have taken after a recent crucial amendment to the Goa Panchayati Raj Act.
Correcting a Legal Error Through Amendment
The journey to empower local bodies has involved correcting a legislative error. The original Goa Panchayati Raj Act of 1994 was amended in October 2025. This change finally granted planning powers to local bodies, a result of sustained advocacy by the GBA.
Sabina Martins, the convenor of GBA, explained the specifics. An earlier mistake in the law used the word "special" instead of the correct term "planning." This critical error was rectified through an amendment passed by the Goa Legislative Assembly on March 26, 2025.
The legislative process was completed when the amendment received the Governor's assent on August 19, 2025. It was officially notified and became active on October 24, 2025.
The State's Duty to Empower Local Governance
Martins emphasized the significance of the corrected law. She stated that it now clearly makes it the duty of the state government to ensure that local bodies actually prepare their development plans. This move is seen as vital for decentralizing power and making planning more democratic and responsive to local needs.
The GBA's push highlights a continued focus on grassroots democracy and community-led development in Goa. The group's efforts are centered on turning constitutional promises into practical reality for the state's villages and municipalities.
