PANJIM: Stating that the tour to Croatia was known to every councillor, Corporation of City of Panaji Mayor Uday Madkaikar on Monday said that the entire trip was sponsored by the European Union and not a penny was spent by CCP.
Speaking to reporters, Madkaikar, who drew flak from councillors over the tour, said that tour was part of agreement signed with the European Union.
“Their delegation had come to Goa when late Manohar Parrikar was chief minister and an agreement was signed. Immediately, we had to go and see their facilities but that did not happen. Now the date was expiring and EU officials were calling us again and again,” Madkaikar said.
He stated that the Mayor and Commissioner had to go but there were bureaucratic hurdles such as permissions from Central Home Ministry, political clearance etc.
“We got the clearance from Chief Minister on Friday and Saturday tickets were booked and we had to leave immediately,” he said.
Madkaikar said, “Everyone in the Corporation knew we were supposed to go.”
“There is nothing to worry about the entire tour was sponsored by European Union. Also, we got a lot to study,” he said adding a lot of their facilities we want to replicate here in City.
