Congress has accused the authorities of rampant corruption and embezzlement of funds during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Goa. The allegations were raised during the Viksit Goem/IEW event held in February, where Congress leaders highlighted irregularities in the execution of various infrastructure projects.
Congress leader Savio Coutinho, along with other party members, put forth details of purported malpractices in the expenditure of public funds. Coutinho pointed out that despite claims of substantial expenses, many projects lacked transparency and adherence to proper procedures.
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Among the numerous discrepancies highlighted, Coutinho shed light on the extravagant spending allegedly associated with the visit. He questioned the justification behind expenditures such as the purported 52.63 lakhs for a concrete ramp from the PM’s helicopter landing point to the vehicle area, which he asserted was the only significant work evident at the site.
Moreover, Coutinho questioned the necessity of expenses amounting to 46.92 lakhs for the development of a makeshift bus stand and an additional 41.32 lakhs for the erection of pandals at the same location, both of which he claimed were already adequately prepared for previous events.
The Congress leader further criticized the allocation of funds for projects like the Hotmix carpeting of the KTC Busstand, where he alleged a substantial increase in costs from previous tenders, suggesting possible misappropriation of public funds.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the execution of infrastructure improvements around the KTC Busstand, which reportedly resulted in the unnecessary cutting of trees, purportedly under the guise of security measures during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Coutinho also highlighted instances of suspected duplication of work, such as the Hotmixing and tarring of roads, where hefty sums were allegedly spent despite similar projects being completed in the recent past.
Challenging the government and the Public Works Department (PWD) to refute their claims, Coutinho demanded transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds. He emphasized the need for detailed documentation, including Measurement Book sheets, to be provided to the public to ascertain the validity of expenditures.
Furthermore, the Congress leader hinted at the possibility of additional irregularities in expenses related to meeting pandals, food catering, and other undisclosed costs, which he suggested could further inflate the alleged corruption scandal.
