31 Jul 2023  |   06:43am IST

Santa Cruz gram sabha plays a ‘gamble’; defeats resolution to ban illegal gambling

Former sarpanch, who moved the resolution, alleged that the panchayat wanted illegal gambling activity to continue in the village, which was creating social tensions in families

Team Herald

PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s warning that the State would crack down on illegal matka operations has not been taken seriously as the Santa Cruz gram sabha on Sunday by voice vote, defeated a resolution demanding a ban on illegal gambling activity in the village. 

Former Sarpanch Mariano De Araujo who had moved this resolution later alleged that the panchayat wanted illegal gambling activity to continue in the village, which was creating social tensions in the families. 

He said that it is a fact that people including the youth who are involved in gambling activities, have been the losers and it is only the matka bookies accepting bets have flourished.

Araujo said that it was shocking that some women including a former woman panch member opposed his resolution when it was put to vote which clearly indicated that illegal gambling activity would continue in the public places and in the vicinity of commercial and residential complexes in the village unabated.

Santa Cruz Sarpanch Jennifer de Oliveira and Deputy Sarpanch Inacio Dominic Pereira said that the resolution was put to vote and the gram sabha members said that they don’t agree to it.

“We are not in favour of illegal gambling activities in the village. We have told Araujo to approach the appropriate authority for relief. The gram sabha is not the appropriate authority to deal with illegal gambling. The resolution was put to vote and the villagers said they don’t agree with it. We will write to the person who proposed this resolution, conveying him the gram sabha’s decision,” the deputy sarpanch said.

The gram sabha also approved a proposal to sign a MoU with Sinquerim-based gaushala to impound stray cattle.

It is pertinent to note that earlier, during a public appearance on ‘Hello Goenkar’ on Doordarshan, when a person picked up the topic of matka gambling, the Chief Minister immediately shot back stating that the State will crack down on illegal matka operations.

It may be recalled that amidst the debate on the new GST rate during the ongoing Legislative Assembly session, BJP MLA Michael Lobo proposed that the government should include “matka gambling” in the State lottery as this will further help the State exchequer collect more revenue through GST.