Panaji, Sep 3 (PTI) Goa Congress today demanded the resignation of
Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar accusing him of being involved in the beach
cleaning scam.
“Parulekar has his hands dirty in the beach cleaning scam. He
should be divested of his portfolio,” Congress Goa spokesperson Yatish
Naik told a press conference here.
Congress leader Trajano DMello was also present.
Congress demand comes in the wake of a complaint by Independent
legislator Rohan Khaunte to Lokayukta alleging Parulekars involvement in the
scam pertaining to beach- cleaning contract awarded to certain private
companies.
Following the complaint, state tourism ministry had announced that the
contract with the beach cleaning firm in question would be discontinued.
Raising another issue, DMello alleged that the Tourism Master Plan
being pushed in haste is another scam in the offing.
Tourism Department had recently invited suggestions and objections for
the tourism master plan which would give direction to the future of the
industry in the state.
“The Detailed Project Report (of tourism master plan) has been
kept open from August 26 for a period of 15 days for suggestions/objections of
people after which it will be finalised. And it is the peak important Hindu
festival of the year,” he said referring to onset of 10-day long Ganesh
Chaturthi celebrations across the state.
“What is the justification of this urgency? Tourism Master Plan
has to be looked into thoroughly,” he added.
He said Congress demands the time period for suggestions/objections for
the master plan to be extended.
When contacted, Parulekar rubbished the allegations.
“We have already discontinued the contract with the beach cleaning
firm, where is the question of anyone being involved in the scam,” he
asked.
The minister said enough time is given to people to raise their
objections or suggestions on tourism master plan.
