Margao Comunidade President Patricio Coutinho on Saturday, alleged that sections of the managing committee bypassed him by holding a press conference without informing him and raised questions over the administration of the Comunidade, including the absence of a budget, financial records and pending governance issues.
Addressing a press conference at the Margao Comunidade office on July 26, Coutinho said he had convened a meeting with a 10-point agenda that had been submitted on July 23 to the Collector, the Commissioner of Comunidades and the office concerned. According to him, the agenda had also been communicated to the managing committee, but the attorney and treasurer did not respond affirmatively.
He alleged that a press conference held a day earlier by other office-bearers was intended to oppose his appointment before his meeting could take place.
“I want to be united and solve the problems of the Comunidade. I am not against anybody. I want to bring the legal position and facts before the shareholders,” Coutinho said.
Questions over finances and governance
Coutinho said one of his priorities was to obtain the Comunidade’s financial statements and budget.
He claimed that no budget had been prepared since April and questioned how the institution could function without one. He also sought details of pending no-objection certificates, complaints, encroachments on Comunidade land and other administrative matters.
During the briefing, he displayed copies of bank statements and alleged that withdrawals amounting to around ₹41 lakh had been made from the Comunidade’s accounts. He said he wanted an explanation for the withdrawals but claimed he had not received one.
He also questioned expenditure on CCTV cameras, alleging that the installation cost appeared excessive, though he did not provide documentary evidence to support that claim.
Appointment process defended
Responding to criticism of his appointment, Coutinho rejected allegations that his selection was irregular.
Coutinho further maintained that, since his appointment had been made through the government process rather than by election, the eligibility conditions being cited by his critics did not apply in the manner suggested.
Allegations over land and legal matters
Coutinho also raised concerns about alleged encroachments and transfers involving Comunidade property.
He referred to documents relating to land near the old market in Margao and questioned how ownership had allegedly changed in one case. He said he intended to seek inquiries into those matters and examine additional information that had been forwarded to him by shareholders.
He also questioned why certain legal proceedings had allegedly been withdrawn after being initiated, saying the Comunidade should avoid unnecessary expenditure on litigation.
Calls for committee cooperation
Coutinho said he had no personal differences with members of the managing committee and wanted them to work together.
“I am most welcome to work with the committee. I have no grudge against anybody,” he said.
He argued that the president alone does not have authority over many matters, including tenancy cases, which he said are handled by the attorney under the relevant legal provisions governing Comunidades.
The press conference also heard from shareholders who questioned why notices had allegedly not been issued for meetings, sought greater transparency in decision-making and called for official communication through formal notices rather than SMS or WhatsApp messages.
They also argued that major decisions, including matters relating to the presidency, should be discussed before the general body and that governance should be carried out in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.
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