the goan I network
MAPUSA
Crying foul against the recent decision of the Anjuna panchayat to tender works of Rs 13 lakh in the village, three members of the panchayat have alleged duplication of work to favour one contractor for illegal gratification.
“In spite of our objection, the sarpanch along with the majority members passed a resolution to allot work orders to works which were already undertaken, thus amounting to duplication of works. The decision taken by the panchayat is arbitrary, unfair and mala fide and only with a view to benefit a particular contractor, panchayat and the electricity department officials for monetary gain,” the three members alleged in a memorandum to the Directorate of Panchayat.
The memorandum was signed by Surendra Govekar, Hanuman Govekar and Sheetal Dabholkar and also sent to the Vigilance Department and other authorities.
The panch members said Panchayat Secretary Dharmendra Govekar had called for a special panchayat meeting to open sealed tenders to the tune of more than Rs 13 lakh to carry out work of extension of street light and shifting of poles from private properties in various parts of Anjuna-Caisua.
According to the trio, they inspected three sites at random and found that all three works mentioned were already undertaken and completed in all respects by the electricity department.
“During the opening of the tenders, we filed our objections on the tender form and also brought to the notice of sarpanch, secretary and other panch members with photographic evidence that the works that are being tendered have been completed in all respects,” Surendra Govekar said.
He said the sarpanch along with the majority members ignored their objections and went ahead to allot work
orders.
“There is huge corruption and illegal gratification involved in approvals given to the said works by the sarpanch, secretary and electricity department officials,” the panch members alleged.
The members demanded to revoke approval given to the works and not to give technical approval/clearance and permission to the panchayat.
