MARGAO: The Directorate of Panchayat issued show cause notices to the six panchas from Raia, including former Sarpanch Judas Quadros pertaining to alleged purchasing of various materials amounting to over Rs 85 lakh under the 14th Finance Commission without following the proper procedure.
The six panchas include Godfrey Oswald D’Souza, Deputy Sarpanch, Jacinta Dias, Mario D’Souza, Cynthia Fernandes and Triforphnio and former sarpanch Judas Quadros. All the six members have been directed to submit their explanation within a period of seven days from the date of receipt of the show cause notice as to why proceedings under section 50(A) and (5) of the Goa panchayat Raj act, 1994 shall not be initiated against them.
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However, one panch claimed that the section applied was not applicable to him.
The notice further stated that failing to file the explanation, it will be presumed that they have nothing to say in the matter and action as deemed fit will be initiated as per the provision of the said act, stated Siddhi T Halarnkar, Director of Panchayats.
As per the show cause notice, it has been stated that a complaint had been filed by a group of panch members on April 19, 2023, wherein it is alleged that panchayat body had not followed approval and proper procedure while purchasing various materials amounting to over Rs 85 lakh under 14th Finance Commission and that Village Development Committee approval and criteria are not followed while distributing the material purchased.
“Deputy Director of Panchayats, South has submitted the report that proper procedure has not been followed while procuring/distribution of various materials purchased under 14th finance commission grants by the panchayat,” the notice stated.
It has been also mentioned that Assistant Accounts Officer, has reported that there were various discrepancies found with respect the budgetary quotation was not called in order to verify the item rate mentioned in the quotations/tender notice, estimate was not prepared before publishing quotations/tender notice, quantity and specification were not published on quotations/tender notice, performance security was not obtained from the lowest bidder, besides no revenue stamp were found on the bills etc. Nearly 15 discrepancies have been mentioned in the show cause notice.
