MARGAO
Citizens from Margao on Thursday cornered the Chairperson and Chief Officer of Margao Municipal Council over the misappropriation of Rs 17.44 lakh by a LDC of the Council.
When the delegation of citizens by former MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho demanded explanation behind the misappropriation, Chairperson Damu Shirodkar said he was not involved in the organisation of the fair, and that the Chief Officer independently handled the same.
Coutinho suggested that the Chairperson should immediately call for a special meeting and discuss this sensitive matter pertaining to public funds.
The Chairperson assured the delegation that he will ensure that the entire amount would be recovered, and went a step ahead to state that he would not allow the Chief Officer to seek his transfer unless he (CO) recovers the amount from the Municipal staff.
When the citizens called on the Chief Officer Gaurish Sankhwalkar for an explanation, the Chief Officer tried to justify that the delay in filing of a criminal case was on account of compiling the exact figures of misappropriation.
Coutinho, however, cornered the Chief Officer stating that the suspension order will not help in recovery of the amount, and that harsher measures were needed.
Later speaking to the media, Coutinho revealed an interesting fact that the receipts of the collection were issued by the Market inspectors but the money was left in the possession of the LDC. “We wonder what would happen if the suspended LDC claims that he never had the money (cash) with him, and that he was answerable only to the amounts received by him through his QR code, Coutinho said expressing concern over the recovery.
Jose Maria Miranda questioned the audacity of the Council to knock on taxpayers doors seeking taxes, while allowing the loot of public funds.
Loyola Rodrigues charged that the MMC was deliberately delaying the filing of criminal offence before the police as the concerned staff had the backing of political godfathers.
The delegation warned that if the MMC fails to recover the amount of Rs 17.44 lakh from the concerned staff, then the competent court of law would be approached seeking directions for the recovery from all the responsible Municipal officials.
With no sign of LDC depositing Rs 17.44 lakh in treasury, CO says will file police complaint
MARGAO: With no sign of the LDC depositing the amount of Rs 17.44 lakh in the Municipal treasury, Margao Municipal Chief Officer Gaurish Sankhwalkar has informed that he would lodge a complaint with the Margao police against the erring employee on Friday.
He also mulled initiating proceedings for the recovery of dues amounting to Rs 17.44 lakh from the LDC.
Saying that he has prepared a draft complaint which would be submitted to the Margao police on Friday, Sankhwalkar said he has sent the draft to the Municipal retainer for vetting.
“The MMC will take all possible action to ensure that the civic body recover the amount from the LDC. We are filing a police complaint against the employee on Friday. Recovery proceedings will be initiated against the employee,” he added.
