PORVORIM: Opposition legislators on Wednesday voiced their concerns about the financial crisis impacting developmental works in their respective constituencies. The Finance Department’s delays or return of files related to these projects have put them in a tight spot, they said.
During the general discussion on the Budget, opposition MLAs pointed out that the State exchequer is facing dwindling funds for developmental works, especially in areas within their constituencies. They highlighted the government’s substantial spending on events and celebrations as a contributing factor.
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Additionally, the MLAs brought to the House’s attention that despite receiving approval from Ministers in charge of departments like PWD and electricity, the Finance Department continues to keep their project files pending or sends them back.
Congress MLA Adv Carlos Ferreira said, “Files are sent back. The Finance Department is not clearing them, citing financial issues. This is not just in my constituency but across all constituencies, and this is a common complaint of every MLA.”
He further asserted that the excessive spending on unplanned and sudden mega events is depleting the available funds.
A similar concern was raised by Aam Aadmi Party MLA Venzy Viegas, who questioned, “Why is the Finance Department keeping all files on hold? Who has given them the powers to send the files back when they are cleared by the Minister?”
To exemplify the issue, the MLA cited a file related to the hot mixing of roads in his Benaulim constituency, which had been cleared by PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral but was sent back by the Finance Department.
