Team Herald
MARGAO: Goa Forward Party (GFP) President and Fatorda MLA, Vijai Sardesai, has made serious allegations of corruption in the recruitment process for Lower Division Clerk (LDC) posts at the South Goa District Collectorate.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, Sardesai claimed to have received unverified reports suggesting that the recruitment process, which commenced in October 2023, has been tainted by a "cash for jobs" scam.
Sardesai noted that the first exam for the LDC posts took place in October 2023, followed by a skill test in February 2024. However, he expressed concern over the seven-month delay in announcing the results, stating that it has come to light that candidates were allegedly asked to pay money in exchange for securing these jobs. "The jobs that were supposed to go to qualified individuals, mostly from underprivileged backgrounds, have been sold off by this BJP government. This is my charge against the government," he asserted.
The GFP leader informed that he attempted to reach out to Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate regarding these allegations but received no response. However, he did manage to speak with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who assured him that the matter would be investigated.
Sardesai shared that complaints he received indicated that candidates were approached by a woman demanding money for job placements. "Those who approached me said that because they didn’t pay the money, they were failed in the recruitment process. An investigation needs to be conducted immediately into these unverified claims," he demanded.
In a pointed reminder, Sardesai reminded the Revenue Minister of a similar allegation made by Monserrate a few years ago against the Public Works Department (PWD). "Babush Monserrate himself made this same allegation of ‘cash for jobs’ within the PWD. He must remember that today, it is his turn, and he needs to take action," Sardesai asserted.
Highlighting the unusually long delay in declaring the results, Sardesai questioned, "Why does it take seven months to declare the results of the recruitment exams? This recruitment must be stopped immediately, or else it will be proven that jobs meant for deserving, young, qualified candidates are being sold."
Sardesai has called for an immediate halt to the recruitment process and a thorough investigation into the alleged scam to ensure that justice is served and that deserving candidates are not deprived of their opportunities.
Revenue Minister refutes allegations
PANJIM: Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate strongly refuted the allegations and challenged Vijai Sardesai to substantiate his claims with proof.
When contacted, Monserrate said, “I have been in political life for the last 23 years. Let even one person come and say that he has paid money to someone. There were 92 posts. Let him (Sardesai) show even one fellow, I am not saying even two. One person whoever is making the allegations should come out with proof. The last time when I made the accusations regarding the PWD job scam, it was with proof. For Opposition, everything is a scam when their work is not done. It is obvious. I do not interfere in the process of recruitment. Those who are making allegations are firing in the air.”
Monserrate further informed that earlier, there was recruitment for three types of positions which included Talathi, MTS (multi-tasking staff) and stenographers in South Goa. “Was there any problem? No. I do not interfere in the process of recruitment and I can give a 100 per cent guarantee of my officers. Show me one person who says that he has paid anybody. It is when you failed to give a job to whom you had promised or if your rival has got any post, and that is the reason it is bothering you.”