Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cognizance for necessary action in the “Labour Gate Scam”, wherein the Goa Lokayukta office has directed Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to file FIR against “unknown” for conspiracy to “siphon” out funds of the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) welfare funds.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always been saying that his government is of poor people….is of common man….But his own government is looting poor people’s money…I want Prime Minister to look into this matter and take necessary action,” GFP Vice President Durgadas Kamat said while addressing a press conference, on Monday.
Kamat, the complainant, urged the State government for necessary directions to ACB or CBI for immediate registration of FIR as per Lokayukta order.
“Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant will have to come clear on the issue. Failing which we would be forced to approach judiciary for action,” he said.
The Lokayukta while directing ACB to register FIR against unknown as well as the fake beneficiaries of the scheme, has also said that if the investigations directed above point to the possible involvement of high officials and politicians, subsequent investigations can be entrusted to the CBI.
Meanwhile, further exposing the “Labour Gate Scam”, Kamat alleged that an amount of Rs 2.55 crore were paid to the LabourNet Company, which was appointed by the government in January, 2019 for enrolment and training of the workers. He also said that the company was granted further one-year extension till January, 2021 in violation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed and without placing it before the Labour Board for approval.
