CCP Meeting on Friday was marked with
animated shouting by Former mayors and opposition councillors Surendra Furtado
and Uday Madkaikar. They alleged that there was a conspiracy by the Mayor Rohit
Monserrate to sell the National Theatre land, which belongs to CCP. Madkaikar,
Surendra Furtado and councillors Ruth Furtado and Joel Andrade walked out of
the hall, at not being allowed to speak.
“We had saved this property despite several
pleas from Mr. Rao. We were not allowed to talk. Mayor refused to discuss the
agenda. We will not allow to sell the National Theatre land. We will fight in
court,” Uday Madkaikar vowed. He also added that Commissioner should hear the
matter. Instead they have called the lease holder Mr. Rao for compromise. This
property is worth crores of rupees, Rao knows he is losing the case, Madkaikar
added.
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One of the staffers of CCP was quite upset
over non-payment of staff salaries ahead of the major festival of Diwali. Six contract
and all daily wage staff have not been paid, he told media. Rs 34 crore are
outstanding. When money of the first and second phase have not been recovered
why are they going for the third phase, he questioned.
Mayor Rohit Monserrate while apologizing
for the chaos, said Madkaikar is in election mode. He also alleged that
Madkaikar was angry that settlement of National Theatre case was not done
during his term. “CCP is desperately in need of finances. We are hoping to
settle the National theatre land issue for an alternative means of income,’
Rohit disclosed. He confessed that CCP outstandings were around Rs 37 crore and
the council had appealed to the Govt for a special grant of Rs 15 crore.
Rohit also informed that the CCP had approved
the mutual settlement of the National Theatre case, on condition that Mr Rao withdraws
the petition, which is in court. Mayor also stated that CCP had approved the
third phase of Panjim Market. But it would not be advisable to go for the third
phase unless the recovery of dues for
first two phases is done, Rohit said.
Mayor Rohit said no additional staff had been
hired by the CCP. When questioned about non payment of salaries for this month,
Commissioner Agnelo Fernandes said media can ask the accounts dept.
