Has the election code been violated?
TEAM HERALD
CORTALIM: A major controversy has broken out over the construction of a makeshift market, which is presently being constructed to rehabilitate the occupants of the Cortalim fish market that is being demolished for a new one.
At the time of the model code of conduct which is in force in view of the Lok Sabha election, the panchayat has been accused of allotting works of construction of the shed and laying of PCC without inviting tenders or quotations.
“Sarpanch Illario Figueiredo had told us that he would call for the quotation to set up the market shed and tender for laying of the pavers, but nothing was done regarding quotations and the work has been started,” Panch Raymond De Sa told Herald.
“The foundation stone for the market was laid on October 24 last year. So there was sufficient time for the panchayat to do the formalities for the makeshift market and the paucity of time cannot be grounds for violation of rules,” maintained De Sa.
Another Panch Elvira Fernandes also echoed similar sentiments. “Being the ward panch, I am not aware of these works. I was told that the quotation will be placed in the March 13 panchayat meeting, but nothing was told to us at that meeting,” Fernandes said.
Panchayat Secretary Asha Mesta feigned ignorance in the matter. “Nothing (quotation) has come to me. I am not aware of any works, so how can I comment,” asked Mesta.
Interestingly, the contractor when asked said he was verbally told by the sarpanch to do the works and admitted that he was not issued any work order.
When contacted, Figueiredo did not want to comment and said he was busy with his business.
