South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) chairman, Mauvin Godinho’s decision to convene the adjourned meeting again on December 30 has again raised the question whether the PDA is in a tearing hurry to pass the Margao ODP to beat the election code of conduct.
Mauvin’s decision has indeed raised eyebrows when the controversial ODP has now come under the scanner of the High Court as well as the Goa Lokayukta. What makes the matter more intriguing is that the PDA now has convened the meeting on December 30 when the Lokayukta has called for the PDA records on December 26 for a preliminary inquiry while the High Court is set to hear the PIL on December 28.
When The Goan questioned Mauvin that the latest move to convene the meeting December 30 will again send the message that he is rushing with the ODP, he replied that he has full respect to the High Court and will abide by its decision.
“Since the High Court has fixed the hearing on December 28, we deemed fit to call the meeting two days later so that the PDA can discuss and approve the ODP in the event the Court gives a clear signal,” he said, adding that he has full respect to the High court.
Mauvin pointed out that it’s not true that he or the PDA is rushing with the ODP to beat the election code of conduct. “I can say with confidence that even if the ODP cannot be approved because of the election code, I am confident that I will ensure that the ODP gets the nod after the BJP government comes back to power after the election. Though I may enjoy a different position in the BJP government, I will ensure that the new BJP government takes the planning process that has begun now to its logical conclusion after election,” Mauvin asserted.
Commenting on the PDA’s haste, Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai said that it is surprising that the PDA has scant respect to the Lokayukta, which is an ombudsman against corruption and maladministration.
“The Lokayukta has initiated an preliminary inquiry, just because it has found prima face case the complaint against the PDA. But, the PDA chairman has fixed the meeting even before the Lokayukta and the High court has give its ruling in the matter,” Sardesai added.
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* SGDPA had called the first meet on Dec 7 to discuss and approve the controversial PDA. The meeting, however, was adjourned to Dec 15, after the three MLAs -- Digambar Kamat, Vijai Sardesai and Lavu Mamledar -- along with the Chairpersons of Margao Municipal Council, Babita Prabhudesai and Ponda Civic Chief, Radhika Nayak sought time to study the proposal.
- The Dec 15 meeting ended in a major uproar after the three MLAs along with residents of Margao and Fatorda laid siege at the SGPDA office, preventing Mauvin and other members from entering the PDA office. SGPDA Member Secretary, Ashok Kumar was rushed to hospital after he complained of uneasiness.
- It was subsequently announced that the PDA would again meet on December 21, but the same did not take place for reasons best known to the Chairman and Member Secretary.
- Finally, SGPDA Member Secretary, Ashok Kumar informed the members two days ago that Mauvin has called for the adjourned meeting on Dec 23, which now stands postponed in view of the High Court directing the PDA to file reply to the PIL filed by NGO United Goans Foundation.
- Mauvin has now called the adjourned meeting on Dec 30, but the fate of the meeting will depend entirely depend on the outcome of the HC hearing scheduled on Dec 23.
