MMC to seek legal opinion on purchase of three trucks still in company’s possession

MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) on Wednesday resolved to seek legal opinion from a senior lawyer on the three trucks which are still in possession of the automobile company despite making payments.
The council also resolved to discuss with the concerned authorities on the Urban Development Department circular regarding guidelines for undertaking various developmental works.
The Council general meeting was chaired by MMC chairperson Lyndon Pereira in the presence of Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes, and councillors. The councillors demanded that the Chief Officer streamline the administration and take to task the officers and staff over duty dereliction.  
Councillors accused the officers and workers of duty dereliction by creating more troubles for the municipality. The alleged scam into the purchase of three trucks which are still not in MMC’s possession dominated the ordinary meeting.
Councillors Ghanashyam Shirodkar, Sagun Naik, Damodar Shirodkar and others accused the concerned engineer of causing a loss of nearly Rs 40 lakh to the municipality. It may be recalled that Herald had exposed the scam, as the three vehicles are still in possession of the automobile company, despite making full payments.
The chairperson suggested that an advocate be engaged for a case to be filed before the Supreme Court in the non-registration of three trucks purchased in 2019. However, many councillors objected to this stating that the civic body may lose more money to recover the amount.
Councillors Sagun, Ghanashyam, Damodar and others demanded an inquiry into the matter and fix the blame on the culprit instead of approaching the Supreme Court. “Don’t safeguard by approaching the SC for a solution by sidelining the culprit,” Ghanashyam said. Later, it was resolved to take a legal opinion from the senior lawyer, besides initiating the inquiry.
On the Urban Development Department circular regarding the guidelines for undertaking various development works in urban areas, the council said the implementation of the circular will create more hurdles in carrying out the developmental works.
Councillor Sagun said the guidelines in the circular will impact the development works, and hence the chairperson should discuss the issue with the Directorate of Municipal Administration, besides other concerned authorities.
Damodar said the council is not responsible for the fault by the others. Council resolved to fix a meeting with all the concerned authorities immediately.
The civic body resolved to allow the Worldwide Veterinary Services India to implement the scheme under the Goa Small Animal Rescue Management related to animal birth control. It also approved the reservation of parking slots for persons with disabilities and senior citizens in Margao and Fatorda. Besides, it also resolved to fix nameplates for portraits in MMC Hall.
Damodar alleged that nearly 40 per cent labourers are not working. However, they are paid without verifying their attendance.
The Chief Officer decided to hold a parade of labourers on Saturday morning.
The issue of labourers who are not yet engaged for the pre-monsoon works too was discussed.
The councillors questioned the chairperson and chief officer why the labourers were not engaged as the monsoon is receding. It was decided to form four gangs of labourers to carry out the cleaning works in 25 wards before Chaturthi.