Adv. Aires Rodrigues has served a legal notice over the failure of the Corporation of City of Panaji to constitute the Ward Committees as required by law.
In the notice served on the Chief Secretary, Secretary Urban Development, Director of Municipal Administration and the Commissioner of Corporation of City of Panaji, Adv. Rodrigues has drawn their attention that Section 41 of the City of Panaji Corporation Act 2002 mandates that there shall be constituted Wards Committees for the City of Panaji.
Pointing out that every provision of any law has to be enforced by the concerned authorities in toto as otherwise the Government would be acting in rank breach of law, Adv. Rodrigues in his notice has stated that for the last 18 years in rank violation of law this very vital provision in the CCP Act has not been implemented to the detriment of the now sagging City and its residents.
Stating that Public participation is a vital part of our democracy and it allows Citizens to get involved in how their communities are governed, Adv Rodrigues has further stated that the Ward Committees envisaged by law would act as a crucial link between Ward Corporators, the community and the CCP while allowing members of the public to rightly influence the city’s much needed planning in a manner which best addresses their needs.
Adv. Rodrigues has further stated that the Ward committees were planned to help improve communication between the CCP and the community besides playing an important role in being a link between the public needs and the CCP planning processes and that members who serve on these Ward committees would be well placed to ensure that resources are allocated to the most pressing needs in the Wards.
Adv. Rodrigues has also stated that the Ward committees would participate in determining core CCP processes such as Integrated Development Planning, CCP budgeting and its performance management besides helping . make sure that financial transfers from Central or State government are used for the purposes they are intended for while ensuring that the people of Panaji get the best services on all fronts.
Urging the authorities to take swift steps to ensure that the Ward committees as mandated in the CCP Act by law are appointed and notified in accordance with law, Adv. Rodrigues in his notice has stated that if no action is taken within 15 days he would be constrained in Public Interest to approach the High Court seeking appropriate directions in the matter.
