The Margao Municipal Council (MMC), already known for out sourcing key functions like garbage management and animal birth control, has now stirred a fresh debate by proposing to outsource the prepara tion of its annual financial budget estimates. In a notice issued by Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar, the Council has invited sealed quotations from registered Chartered Accountants through an Expression of Interest (EOI) for preparing the Annual Budget Estimates for 2026–27. The bids are to be submitted by 1 p.m. on October 17. According to the tender document, the selected Chartered Accountant will prepare the munici pal budget based on data provided by the Council’s office. MMC Chairperson Damu Shirodkar speaking to reporters confirmed that the move followed a Council resolution, cit ing dissatisfaction among councillors with earlier budgets prepared inter nally by the municipal staff. “The Expression of Interest has been float ed based on a Council resolution. There was a suggestion by Councillor Ganashyam Shirodkar to appoint an auditor to en sure the budget estimates are realistic,” Shirodkar stated. However, Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar initially expressed ignorance of the development and said he would respond after consulting his subordi nates. The decision has trig gered a debate within municipal circles about whether the Goa Mu nicipalities Act permits outsourcing a core fi nancial function such as budget preparation. Ob servers note that MMC is adequately staffed with officers in charge of Ac counts, Administration, and Taxation, supported by an experienced ac counting team. Critics question the need for external inter vention, arguing that budget preparation is a fundamental internal re sponsibility of the Coun cil. Others, however, point out that councillors have often criticised past budg ets as unrealistic, with in flated revenue projections and unachievable targets.
Margao Municipal Council Sparks Debate by Outsourcing Preparation of Annual Budget
