MAPUSA
Two residents of Candolim have lodged a complaint with multiple government authorities alleging that the Parra panchayat illegally floated a tender through the physical mode instead of adopting the mandatory e-tendering process prescribed by the Finance Department.
In a representation, Glen Fernandes and Derrick Gonsalves have addressed their complaint to the Parra panchayat, Directorate of Panchayats, Finance Department, Directorate of Accounts and Directorate of Vigilance.
The complainants have challenged a tender notice issued by the panchayat on June 12 and published in a local newspaper on June 16 for the collection of pay-parking fees at the Madani tourist attraction zone.
According to the complaint, the Finance Department, through a circular dated June 7, 2011, had mandated that all tenders exceeding Rs 5 lakh must be conducted through the e-tendering process to ensure transparency and efficiency in public procurement.
Fernandes and Gonsalves alleged that while the tender notice specified a minimum bid of Rs 70,000 per month, the contract period runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, resulting in a total value of Rs 8.40 lakh. They contended that the panchayat had "cunningly" structured the tender on a monthly basis despite its annual value exceeding the Rs 5 lakh threshold prescribed under the Finance Department's guidelines.
The complainants have urged the Secretary of the Parra panchayat to immediately withdraw the tender notice and reissue it through the e-tendering platform. They have also sought action against the panchayat secretary for allegedly violating government directives.
Further, they have requested the Directorate of Panchayats to issue fresh instructions to all village panchayats to ensure compliance with e-tendering norms and prevent similar violations in the future.
The Directorate of Accounts has also been asked to intervene and examine the matter during the audit process, while the Directorate of Vigilance has been requested to look into the alleged irregularities.
The complainants have warned that they may approach the Bombay High Court at Goa if immediate action is not taken by the authorities concerned.
