PANJIM: ‘Days after Revenue Minister launched a scathing attack on govt officials for their involvement in other business ignoring their official duty, Goencho Avaaz (GA) came out in support of the public servants and claimed that even the MLAs and ministers have side business.
GA co-convenor Captain Viriato Fernandes said that almost every MLA has its interest in real estate business, hotels and in matka (gambling). “Ministers and MLAs too are public servants. So, how can there by a different law for them,” he said.
He added that having failed to bring in any changes for the better with respect to skill training, job creation, etc, Khaunte is trying to divert the attention of the people.
“Khaunte, as a Minister is also a govt official, and has no moral authority to accuse other govt officials of having side business, when infact he himself runs a series of business ventures,” he charged.
Earlier this month, Khaunte had said 30 per cent of the government servants have side business and that he will write to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to crack down on such employees.
Goencho Avaaz also took objection to CM’s charge that government officials also indulge in corruption in the cash for job scam. “Why is that CM only after government servants? May be because government servants have put their foot down and are acting as hindrance in the minister’s act of corruption,” Fernandes said.
The NGO demanded that if the CM is serious about clean up in the administration then he should start first with his ministers, who are involved in mass corruption.
“Also, we demand, that CM take action against Captain of Ports for granting permission to illegal floating hotel ‘Watermark’, against GSPCB chairman for granting permission to coal handling units and also against Chief Town Planner for rampant conversion, he demanded
