Alleging a scam in the stray dogs birth control programme, Margao-based lawyer Adv Rajiv Gomes has called for the immediate scrapping of the MoU signed by Margao Municipal Council with local NGO SGWTA and call for fresh expression of interest to select the most suitable organisation for the job.
the goan I network
MARGAO
While demanding a detailed vigilance probe into the alleged scam, Adv Gomes questioned Margao Municipal Chairperson Dr Babita Angle Prabhudesai why the civic body did not avail funds under the Goa Small Animal Rescue Management scheme, 2014, and instead coughed up money from the municipal coffers to pay the NGO.
Addressing the media, Adv Gomes pointed out that the MMC had signed the MoU on May 3, 2016, with the South Goa Welfare Trust for Animals, in the presence of Vijai Sardesdai to carry out the stray dogs birth control programme, which aimed at sterilization, immunization, capture etc., of stray dogs for a period of five years for a monthly payment of Rs 50,000.
He, however, said the MMC and the SGWTA had miserably failed in their duty to contain the stray dog menace in Margao, which was apparent from the rampant and proliferating stray dog population. “It is clear that proper procedure was not followed for selection of eligible animal welfare organisations working in Goa to carry out the birth control programme,” he said, while terming the selection of SGWTA for renewal by the MMC as arbitrary, and a clear act of favoritism and nepotism.
He further said that Chairperson Babita Angle Prabhudesai should not have authorized payment to SGWTA when her husband Dilip Prabhudesai is a secretary of the NGO.
Replying to a question, Adv Gomes said though he expects the Vigilance to conduct a thorough probe into the alleged scam, while at the same time urged the civic body to immediately scrap the MoU with SGWTA.
He also disclosed plans to knock the doors of the High Court seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against the civic body.
