‘Something is taken (from contractors)…': In Goa, BJP minister takes corruption swipe at CM's department
A day after Goa's Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude's veiled remarks about alleged corruption in the Department of Tribal Welfare, a portfolio held by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the latter on Monday said 'appropriate' action would be taken against Gaude.
'Responsible ministers should speak responsibly and avoid making irresponsible statements. I have taken cognizance (of his statements) and appropriate action shall be taken,' Sawant said after a media briefing on Monday evening.
During a 'Prerna Din' event organised by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare in association with the United Tribal Association Alliance in Goa on Sunday, Gaude raised questions about the department's transparency and efficiency.
'A large amount of taxpayers' money is allotted to the tribal welfare department. If it is unable to organise this programme efficiently, then it shows a lack of control over the administration. In my opinion, the administration has weakened today. The files of contractors are handled under the Shram Shakti Bhavan (a government block) building on the sly. Something is taken from them, and then they are asked to submit their files,' said Gaude in his speech.
'Construction of a tribal bhavan is a long-pending demand of the tribal community. They gave their land for the project… The foundation stone was laid when I was the Tribal Welfare Minister. The project has been stalled. Why is there no progress in the project?' Gaude asked.
On Monday, opposition parties attacked the BJP government and demanded an inquiry into the allegations.
Congress's Yuri Alemao, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, said that Gaude's allegations have exposed the state government's corruption. 'The Anti-Corruption Branch should probe these claims and take action against those guilty of bribery. It is time for the BJP to prioritise transparency and root out corruption,' he said.
Goa Forward Party leader Vijai Sardesai said, 'The Goa government's corruption has become so institutionalised that even the government itself is lashing out. Gaude's statement that contractors need to pay bribes to get files cleared is not much of a revelation, but a sign of utter frustration with his own government.'
In March, BJP leader and former Goa transport minister Pandurang Madkaikar had alleged the ministers in the ruling BJP government were 'busy in counting money'. He also claimed that he paid a bribe of Rs 15-20 lakh to the personal assistant of a minister to process his file. Madkaikar later withdrew the allegations.
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