The panchayats in Goa are so obsessed with their own agenda and interests that they are prepared to go against the directives of the Panchayati Raj Act. Else, there was no tenable reason for 11 panchayats including Taleigao, Merces, St Cruz and Chimbel not holding their gram sabhas in April which is mandatory according to the PR Act.

The Act stipulates that every panchayat should hold a gram sabha meeting on any Sunday of January, April, July and October. Though the block development officers have pulled them up and directed the panchayat secretaries to hold gram sabhas in May, this is an indicator of their lack of commitment to the people’s empowerment. The indifference to gram sabha negates the basic principle and spirit behind the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution. Without a direct dialogue with the ordinary people, panchayats would cease to represent the aspirations and needs of the residents they represent. The panchayats have turned an appendage of the state-level political system; their officials prefer to take calls from their political masters and use their time and energy to serve their interests. Even if gram sabhas are held often they are mired in controversies and witness fight between the warring factions of village leaders owing allegiance to various political leaders. Their outward concern for the people and disapproval of mega projects is simply a façade. They often indulge in such actions only to serve the interests of their political bosses. Often it is argued that panchayats are effective instruments for the participation of people in framing policies and projects in public interest. But this is a misnomer. With several panchayats unwilling to hold gram sabha who could the people approach with their views?