Devanand Prabhakar Prabhu, currently serving as Joint Mamlatdar-I at Mapusa, is under investigation for allegedly securing his government post by submitting a false certificate claiming eligibility under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category.
The Directorate of Vigilance, after conducting a preliminary inquiry, reportedly found sufficient grounds to proceed with prosecution and has obtained sanction from the State government to initiate legal action.
What was surprising was that the Ponda Mamlatdar issued an EWS certificate to Prabhu despite the fact that the Talathi of Usgao had submitted a negative report, stating that Prabhu was not eligible for income and assets certificate. However, the Mamlatdar stated that Prabhu belongs to EWS and that his family annual income fulfils the relevant criteria.
The complaint in the matter was filed by Vishant Kamat, who has demanded a thorough inquiry into what he described as a fraudulent appointment. According to Kamat, Prabhu obtained the EWS certificate to qualify for recruitment through the Goa Public Service Commission (GPSC), which in 2023 had advertised three posts for Mamlatdars. A total of 358 candidates applied, including five under the EWS category.
Prabhu was subsequently appointed as Joint Mamlatdar in February 2024.
In his complaint, Kamat has submitted a list of 12 properties, most of which are in the name of Prabhu’s father.
Devanand Prabhakar Prabhu, appointed Joint Mamlatdar in Feb 2024, is facing a vigilance enquiry for falsifying documents under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category
Ponda Mamlatdar issued an EWS certificate to Prabhu despite the fact that the Talathi of Usgao had submitted a negative report, stating that Prabhu was not eligible for income and assets certificate
The complaint in the matter was filed by Vishant Kamat, has submitted a list of 12 properties, most of which are in the name of Prabhu’s father
South Goa Additional Collector-I has also directed the Ponda Deputy Collector and the Ponda Mamlatdar to submit detailed reports in the case
Kamat pursued the matter further by filing complaints with both the Panjim and Ponda police stations, the Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPO) in both areas, and the respective Superintendents of Police (SPs). Following his complaints, the Directorate of Vigilance sought and received swift sanction from the State government to begin an official inquiry.
In a parallel development, the South Goa Additional Collector-I has also directed the Ponda Deputy Collector and the Ponda Mamlatdar to submit detailed reports regarding the case.
Kamat, who sourced key documents through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, has expressed concern that such misuse of the EWS certification undermines the integrity of the recruitment process and deprives genuinely eligible candidates of opportunities.