CANACONA
NGOs and Self-Help Groups accused of fraud and misappropriation of funds from the Art and Culture Department have sought an immediate apology from the sarpanchas of Shristhal and Cotigao and Panch members concerned within 10 days, failing which they have threatened protests and legal action against those defaming them.
Former Cotigao sarpanch and Chairman of Parvati Parivar (Yedda-Cotigao) Daya Gaonkar came heavily down on allegations of fraud and misappropriation of funds by the sarpanchas of Cotigao and Shristhal and their teams, and the role played by Canacona MLA and Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar.
“The sarpanchas of Cotigao and Shristhal and their teams have made very serious allegations by accusing 12-13 NGOs and Self Help Groups of siphoning off money from the art and culture department without conducting any programs,” said Gaonkar.
“This is clearly false and fake as except for one programme in Shristhal, which was delayed due to unavoidable circumstances, all other programmes and activities mentioned by these sarpanchas and panch members were conducted in full public view and knowledge.”
“On August 19, 2023, the Adivasi Mahila Manch held a programme at Government High School Cotigao. A short while later, the Cotigao sarpanch and a panch complained to the MLA, that some illegal activities were taking place in the Cotigao High School.”
“The ADEI was sent to investigate the complaint, but went satisfied on learning about the various programmes held. The ward panch had claimed no such programme was held, which, in fact, was just about 500 metres from his house.”
Gaonkar insisted that nowhere in the schemes has it been mentioned in that Panchayat NOC is needed or that the panch, sarpanch and local MLA are to be compulsorily invited to the programmes.
Tribal Welfare Centre Chairman Devidas Gaonkar has also threatened to file a defamation case against the both sarpanchas and their teams for portraying one NGO is bad light, if a public apology is not issued within 10 days.
