Digital Goa, August 10 – The Sunday gram sabha at Santa Cruz witnessed heated scenes over the panchayat’s decision to hike house tax, with locals demanding its immediate withdrawal. Residents accused sarpanch Jennifer Oliveira of denying some members their right to speak at the Gram Sabha. Local MLA Rudolph Fernandes, who was present at the meeting backed the villagers’ demand. Sarpanch Oliveira, however, maintained that the decision was taken as per the Goa Panchayat Raj Act. She also added that residents unable to afford the hike could approach the panchayat office for assistance.
