Goa, July 4 -- The All Goa Village Panchayat Secretaries Association has strongly objected to the state government's proposal to change their official designation from "Village Panchayat Secretary" to "Panchayat Sevak," citing concerns over status, dignity, and lack of corresponding benefits.

On Friday, a delegation from the association met with the Director of Panchayats and submitted a formal memorandum detailing their objections. In the memorandum, the association argued that the term "Sevak" carries subordinate or menial connotations, which are inconsistent with the important administrative and governance responsibilities village secretaries shoulder.

"Village Panchayat Secretaries play a vital role in rural governance," the associa...