MARGAO: The Shadow Council for Margao protested before the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) demanding an immediate inquiry by the Anti Crime Branch (ACB) into the fake tender issue of the MMC, as recommended by the Lokayukta.
SCM said it is a major embarrassment to MMC that the Goa Lokayukta P K Mishra, has recommended an Administrative Inquiry by the ACB into the tendering process of the Council. The Lokayukta in his report recommended that the inquiry should be conducted by a responsible officer, not below the rank of DSP within a period of 60 days from the receipt of the report. Incidentally, the tenure of this Council expires in a month’s time.
In April 2020, SCM had alleged that MMC had initiated a tender process for the execution of 64 works, which the SCM charged that majority of the works are fake. SCM had alleged that already existing road and drains figured in the tender list, which was seen as an attempt to defraud the public exchequer.
The Lokayukta had taken suo motto cognizance of the same and initiated an inquiry into the tender process of the MMC.
The Lokayukta Mishra stated that since prima facie irregularities were noticed, it was thought to hold a detailed investigation and notice was issued to Pooja Naik, Chairperson and Ajit Panchwadkar, the then Chief Officer, as well as the State Government and the Chief Secretary (CS).
The Lokayukta report stated that the Director of Municipal Administration (DMA) submitted that he has issued directions to keep most of the works in abeyance.
SCM’s submission,which contained video recordings of the site status of the tendered works, was taken on record. SCM subsequently made another submission along with photographs on the status of works for the construction of sheds for plastic baling machines, which works were granted special permission considering these works to be urgent in nature.
These works however did not commence whereby the baling machines, valuing over 20 lakhs were allegedly left in the rains resulting in their damage.
Mishra in his report stated that the materials contained in SCM’s submissions give a clear picture of the shoddy nature of work being undertaken.
The report of the Lokayukta further stipulates that unless clearance is given by the ACB, no further work should be undertaken, except the ongoing work which is purported to the tendering process.
The report of the Lokayukta also recommended that the CS, being the head of the ACB, is required to maintain a strict vigil as it is not uncommon in Goa for many such works been taken up without following proper procedure, and at times the duplication of works already completed.
The report sought that the DMA complete his inquiry and submit such a report before the ACB within 60 days.
The SCM demanded that the inquiry be completed on top priority and the alleged guilty councilors be barred from contesting elections.
