CM seeks explanation from Gaude, others over corruption claims
Panaji:
Chief minister
Pramod Sawant
on Tuesday said he has sought an explanation from those — including art and culture minister Govind Gaude — raising allegations of corruption against govt, even as he insisted that state govt has been providing good governance and administration.
Gaude had recently levelled serious allegations of corruption in the Sawant-held tribal welfare department.
The chief minister told reporters that over the last 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided a corruption-free govt in the country. 'There have been no allegations of corruption against Modi, which is why we are saying it is a corruption-free govt,' Sawant said on the occasion of the completion of 11 years of the Modi-led govt at Centre.
When asked about the corruption allegations raised against govt by Gaude, Sawant said, 'I will explain to you. Govt is promoting good governance, digital governance, and we have sought an explanation in case anybody has said something. To date, our govt provides good administration to the people of the state.'
Sawant and BJP state president Damodar Naik strongly criticised Gaude for raising serious charges against govt and said that action would be taken against him.
His statement came after Gaude alleged that there was rampant corruption in the tribal welfare department. 'A responsible minister should make a responsible statement. I have taken cognisance of it. Necessary action will be taken as soon as possible,' Sawant said. Without spelling out what action he intended to take or whether he intended to drop Gaude from his cabinet, Sawant only said, 'Wait till I take action.'Gaude had launched a scathing attack on the tribal welfare department and had raised questions about the department's administrative efficiency and transparency.
'A huge amount of taxpayers' money is allotted to the tribal welfare department. If it is unable to organise this programme efficiently, then it only shows a lack of control over the administration,' Gaude had said at an event organised by the tribal welfare department in association with the United Tribal Associations' Alliance (UTAA) at Ponda. The minister was seemingly piqued over the poor turnout at the event.
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