PANJIM: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has put the onus on the Labour Department to clarify on the allegations about misappropriation of labour funds.
Sawant, on being questioned by the reporters to comment on the complaint file before the Lokayukta and Panjim Police Station, said the Labour Department will clarify.
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“It is for the Labour Department to clarify on the issue and I think, the department has already issued clarification,” he said while refusing to react on the issue.
Disbursement of money to more than 15,000 people under Labour and Building Workers’ Scheme has come under the scanner with Goa Forward Party seeking inquiry through its complaint before the Lokayukta and activists filing a separate complaint against the government and fake beneficiaries with the Panjim Police Station last week. The “Labour Gate” scam is estimated to the tune of more than Rs 5 crore.
Labour Minister Jennifer Monserrate had released an official statement denying allegations while assuring probe in case of lapses in the scheme.
Activist Kashinath Shetye, who is amongst the complainant alleging the scam, has demanded that police should register FIR or hand over the case to Economic Offenses Cell (EOC).
“Many from the total number of persons registered to avail the scheme are fraud. The police should register FIR on our complaint or transfer the case to EOC. The money, which has been illegally disbursed, should come back to the State Exchequer and everyone involved in it should face action,” Shetye said while addressing a press conference, at Azad Maidan, on Tuesday evening.
