PANAJI
The State government has not responded to the alleged misuse of Rs 5 crore in Central funds meant for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in Goa.
The Congress has demanded an independent probe, alleging an organised syndicate’s role.
The party said the misuse of primary school funds was not surprising, accusing the government of ignoring repeated scams.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao called for a full investigation and strict action.
“This is happening because BJP government is busy politicising issues, and also in vindictive politics. This has led to neglect of crucial sectors like education. The virus of corruption and misappropriation of funds needs to be eradicated,” he said.
He urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to expose system failures and ensure justice.
MLA Carlos Ferreira called the fraud expected, not shocking. “Another scam in the Goa government and this time Rs 5 crore from the SSA account has been siphoned off. These kinds of frauds are happening week after week, month after month... This is not shocking but expected,” Ferreira said.
Alemao said Congress will raise the issue in the monsoon Assembly session.
Ferreira, a former Advocate General, questioned how such a large amount went unnoticed.
“This could not have happened without the involvement of an insider, bank official and accomplice. The plan was exposed only because another bank official blew the lid,” he added.
He said someone knew the money was accessible, hinting at insider help. He suspected an outsider was used to avoid suspicion.
Police arrested a West Bengal businessman after Rs 2 crore was found in his account. The SSA filed a complaint after a private bank flagged large withdrawals.
Ferreira also questioned the nationalised bank’s staff.
“Nothing moves without official orders. I suspect bank officials facilitated the opening of the fake account. There has to be a syndicate behind this,” he said.
He called for a separate, high-level inquiry to catch all involved and prevent future scams.
