PANAJI
The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has demanded constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged ‘systematic job mafia’ at the backdrop of FIRs and the death of government employee Shridhar Satarkar - suspect in the cash-for-jobs scam.
The regional party also called for halting all ongoing recruitment drives till a thorough investigation is conducted to ensure transparent hiring of eligible candidates across government departments.
“We have been witnessing job scams and scandals in the last few days. The police have arrested Pooja Naik and more cases began to surface thereafter. Chief Minister (Pramod Sawant) claimed he directed her arrest but this is just the beginning. There is a need to get to the root of the issue because Naik may just be the tip of the iceberg,” GFP General Secretary Durgadas Kamat said while addressing a press conference in Panaji on Saturday.
Kamat alleged that organized jobs mafia exists at all levels within the government.
“From the lowest to the highest levels, a systematic and organized mafia is in place,” he stated as he recalled that GFP President Vijai Sardesai pointed to “cash-for-jobs” within and outside the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Reacting to Satarkar’s death, Kamat claimed it could be an attempt to ‘break the chain’ into the network of job scams.
“Those who feel their lives are threatened should approach the police. Youth who have fallen prey to this job mafia should also come forward… we need to protect the future generation,” he urged.
Satarkar was allegedly questioned by the police in the case that has Naik as the prime accused. CM Sawant had earlier this week claimed that two government officers will be quizzed for alleged links with Naik, and that those who got jobs by paying bribes will also be under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Sardesai is expected to write to the newly appointed Chief Secretary on Monday, requesting to keep on hold all recruitment processes until investigation is complete.
