Panaji (Goa): Hours after various panchayat bodies elected their Sarpanch, State Panchayati Raj Minister Mauvin Godinho said State government will amend the legislation to stop the frequent toppling games in these bodies.

“I don’t like musical chairs as far as Panchayat’s are concerned. Previously we have seen how Sarpanchas are changed within six months time. I can understand half term given to any member, I can understand changing of Sarpanch in two years but music chair game in every six months will not be permitted as we want stability which is important tool for development,” Godinho said.

The elections for sarpanch post of 174 bodies was held yesterday.

Godinho said “if it necessitates, the government will bring an amendment in Panchayati raj act where in once a Sarpanch is elected, then definitely the tenure will not be less than one year, but whether it should be one or two years will be decided after taking all stake holders into confidence.”

The minister said such a tweak in legislation is required to bring in stability in these bodies. “I want stability in the Panchayat. Ultimately, everyone cannot become Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch, I understand that it pains but we must learn to cooperate with the one who gets elected as the first citizen of the village,” he said.

“Most of the schemes are not reaching to the people. Why is that Panchayat bodies want to wait for the people to come to the Panchayat? Why can’t Panchayat hold fair for creating awareness on government schemes in their respective villages? I propose to have such small type of scheme fair in the villages in days to come. I also appeal to the Panchayat bodies to come forward and suggest practical chances in the panchayati raj act,” he said.