Margao residents are demanding accountability from the state government after a significant financial fraud involving the May 2024 feast fair came to light. The government’s alleged apathy towards the Rs 18 lakh misappropriation has sparked widespread outrage and frustration among citizens.
According to information obtained through the RTI Act, the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) has failed to take any concrete steps to recover the stolen funds. Former Margao Chairperson Savio Coutinho revealed that the DMA has been unresponsive to the issue despite multiple attempts to escalate the matter.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s recent comments on rampant corruption during a previous administration have fueled speculation about the potential consequences for Margao MLA Digambar Kamat. Congress workers from Margao believe that Sawant’s remarks may hint at a possible reshuffle in the government, potentially impacting Kamat’s position.
Coutinho criticized the Chief Minister’s office for seemingly ignoring the fraud, despite complaints being forwarded to both the CM and the Chief Secretary. He questioned whether Sawant is under pressure from Kamat, given the latter’s silence on the issue. Additionally, Coutinho expressed disappointment with the police’s failure to locate the lower division clerk accused of the crime.
Local citizens have raised concerns about the potential repercussions of public dissent. Aneil Alvares warned that authorities might resort to sedition charges against those who call for a boycott of tax payments to the municipality. He questioned the accountability of the government, including the Chief Minister’s Office, for their role in the fraud.
Clifford Dias emphasized that citizens will not rest until the entire amount is recovered, with interest. He stated that legal action will be pursued if necessary to hold those responsible accountable for the government’s “lethargy” in addressing the issue.
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