MARGAO: An inquiry conducted by the Deputy Director of Panchayats, South Goa, has uncovered that Raia panchayat did not adhere to proper procedures in the procurement and distribution of materials worth approximately Rs 85 lakh of funds granted under the 14th Finance Commission. The report has now been forwarded to the Directorate of Panchayats for further verification and necessary action, raising concerns over the consequences for the local body.
The investigation was initiated in response to allegations made by a group of panchayat members regarding the purchase of materials without following the appropriate procedures. Upon receiving the complaint, the Directorate of Panchayats and the Minister of Panchayats directed the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Salcete to conduct an inquiry into the matter.
The BDO was instructed to submit a comprehensive report, accompanied by supporting documents, by June 9 for further action.
Antonio Xavier Fernandes, Queeny D’Cunha, Minguelina D’Souza, Manuel Rodrigues, and other members expressed serious reservations about the procurement process. According to their complaint, an amount exceeding Rs 85 lakh received by the panchayat under the 14th Finance Commission remained unutilised as of October 2022. The Secretary and Sarpanch allegedly
created a narrative that the unspent funds would be reclaimed by the government at the end of the financial year, leading them to spend the money on materials.
