PANAJI
Amidst the ongoing jobs-for-cash scam, the Congress party in Goa has demanded that the government should ensure that all recruitments are conducted through the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and no departmental level filling up of posts.
The party has also demanded that a High-Level Committee under a Retired Judge be constituted to investigate the irregularities or corruption in the recruitment process. The party alleged the possible involvement of BJP functionaries into the entire job scam episode.
Addressing a press conference, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Chief Amit Patkar said that recent media reports have raised questions over the status of SSC and that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has also not clarified whether jobs for Goans would be processed through the SSC or via "agents."
" We demand that all vacancies of the government should be filled only through the SSC" he said.
Stating that government data indicates that many posts have been extended or allowed to lapse, Patkar demanded that the government release a White Paper on recruitment and vacancies.
He pointed out that the government has granted three extensions to the existing Chief Engineer ls of WRD and PWD instead of filling the roles with qualified candidates. “If no qualified persons are available, it reflects failed polices of the government on the education front," he charged.
Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira voiced serious allegations, pointing to the possible involvement of BJP functionaries in a job scam. “It appears BJP functionaries are involved in this racket; such a scheme would not be possible without their connection or blessings,” he alleged.
Ferreira urged that an investigation be conducted under the Inquiry Commission Act, led by a retired High Court judge. Expressing distrust in police, he stated, “I expect the investigation won’t proceed correctly if handled by the police.”
He added that the case qualifies under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and recommended the Enforcement Directorate (ED) take over the investigation for a thorough probe.
