MARGAO
One inauguration, but two plaques triggered a row of sorts at the inauguration of the walking track and CCTV surveillance cameras at Ambelim village under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme.
In fact, there were two plaques installed at the project inauguration site, one plaque stating that the project was recommended by ex-South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and inaugurated at the hands of incumbent MP Captain Viriato Fernandes.
The names of Ambelim village Sarpanch Alexander D’Silva, Velim MLA Cruz Silva and the panchayat members found a mention on the second plaque.
Taking offence at the violation of protocol, Velim Aam Aadmi Party MLA Cruz Silva publicly expressed his displeasure at the project inauguration with two plaques. “I am happy that Ambelim has got two projects under the MPLAD scheme. But, I am sad and hurt that two plaques have been installed for the inauguration of one project,” he said.
Cruz continued by reminding that development is a continuous process, but expressed his displeasure for throwing protocol to the winds. “The name of the Chief Guest, MP Viriato is found down on the first plaque. This should not happen. I do know whether the permission of the district Collector was taken to change the protocol,” he wondered.
He added: “I have not seen this anywhere, were two plaques have been installed to inaugurate one project. I do not know what MP Viriato has to say on this, but I am of the opinion that protocol needs to be respected.”
Not the one who will take things lying down, ex-MP Sardinha told the Velim MLA that he should know the facts before making a statement. He said the MPLAD scheme is guided by a format on whom to invite and what to write on the plaque. “I would have put all the names of the guests on one plaque, but that would have violated the scheme format, which only prescribed the name of the MP who recommended the project and the MP who is inaugurating the same. It is due to this reason I had suggested to put another plaque to accommodate the names of other guests,” Sardinha added.
