The Opposition, which has been very unpredictable in terms of taking up issues of the State, has failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity, especially when two of its members are heading crucial House committees.
Data from the Legislature Department shows that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Public Undertaking Committee (PUC) headed by Altone D'Costa, the Congress legislator from Quepem constituency and Yuri Alemao from Cuncolim constituency, respectively, have failed to table any report in the House. What's worse is that no reports have been filed since August 2014.
The PAC holds the responsibility of scrutinising the State's Appropriation Accounts and the CAG reports, as well as the annual Finance Accounts of the government, while the PUC has the job of examining CAG reports related to Public Undertakings.
The CAG reports provide an analytical review of the finances of various departments and point out shortcomings to aid the government in taking corrective steps. Although the CAG reports take a critical view that could embarrass the government, they are based on factual data and cannot be swept under the carpet.
From the Opposition's perspective, these reports are a ready tool to question those at the helm and seek answers. It is imperative that the Opposition makes the best use of the data provided and raise pertinent questions.
Goa has had its issues -- from environment-impacting projects to development and administrative decisions. Despite the minuscule number in the Legislative Assembly, the Opposition has shown the occasional fire in its belly to put the government on the mat; none considered it worthy of tabling the PAC reports, including the current Leader of the Opposition. The treasury benches were given a walk-over and an easy escape from scrutiny. Or are we to believe that the Opposition is playing for sheer optics?
For example, the CAG report pointed to severe discrepancies in the functioning of the Excise Department. It indicated internal control failures with a shortfall of revenue to the tune of Rs 7.59 crore approximately in five talukas, including Bardez, Tiswadi and Salcete. There was a mention of around 9,000 licences not being renewed from 2014 to 2020. Moreover, the CAG stated that the Excise Department lacked internal controls for granting and renewing licences at the primary level.
These were critical observations and should have been taken up on priority. If it was alive to the issues facing Goa and the revenue leaks, the Opposition should have pounced on this data and sought answers. Let alone the Opposition; the report is an indictment on the office of the Excise Commissioner who is spearheading the department.
The Opposition, and especially those at the helm of the House committees, must do justice to their respective roles and play a proactive role, irrespective of the low numerical strength. By remaining silent on the seats they occupy, the Heads of these committees are not showing an obligation towards their appointment and doing grave injustice to the people of Goa.
