Panaji (Goa): The Minister for Panchayat Mauvin Godinho on Wednesday declared May 13 to be observed as ‘Swacch Village Abhiyan’, a cleanliness drive for clean and green Goa.

“Swachh Village Abhiyan is an initiative by Directorate of Panachayat to initiate patriotism and cleanliness awareness among villagers. This will not only mark surface cleanliness but also clean minds,” Godinho said.

He said that the places for tree plantation will be identified and planning for neat and green Goa.

The Minister was speaking during a motivational conference called ahead of State panchayat elections, scheduled to take place onJune 11. Total 186 panchayats with 1522 wards would be going for polls.

Godinho said that panchayat being one of the important grassroots bodies of the government, it is important on part of its members to be united and provide stable governance at the village level.

“A strong Panchayat needs to be stable. Good Governance is foul cry if the Panchayat changes Sarpanch twice or thrice in a year. This also embodies high intolerance of people. This not only harms the administration, but also restricts the development of our own village,” he commented.

“More than 60 percent of the state’s area is covered by the villages. It is the responsibility of the village administrator to keep the peace and sanctity alive among villagers. One ought to have a like and attitude for service of the people,” he added.

Team TNV