NT Reporter
Margao
Twenty-three of 30 panchayats in Salcete taluka have failed to utilise their 15th Finance Commission grants, making it the only taluka in Goa with such a high proportion of unspent allocations.
Records further show that Loutolim panchayat failed to utilise both its 14th and 15th Finance Commission grants. According to LAQ responses, it received Rs 72.57 lakh under the 14th Finance Commission and Rs 95.63 lakh under the 15th.
When contacted, several sarpanches pointed to a tedious approval process and lack of support from the Block Development Office (BDO) as key reasons. They said proposals often remain pending for months due to bureaucratic delays.
Rachol sarpanch Joseph Vaz said, “These grants are vital for weaker panchayats. But the process is slow and tedious. Proposals are sent to the BDO, yet they often remain pending. The technical cell also takes time, causing delays until the grants are
left unused.”
A woman sarpanch said that they don’t know if the delays are intentional. “Projects that meet local needs are on hold for months. During our visits to BDO, we are often told that there is a staff shortage. The government must speed up file clearance, as these grants are time-bound and crucial for rural development,” she said.
Seven panchayats—Chinchinim-Deussua, Velim, Guirdolim, Curtorim, Orlim, Davorlim-Dicarpale, and Assolna—did, however, manage to use their grants for local projects. Statewide, 46 of Goa’s 191 panchayats, including the 23 in Salcete, have not utilised their allocations.
BDO Salcete Nimisha Phaldesai said, “We are in the process of clearing the files related to proposals submitted under the 15th Finance Commission grants.”
