MAPUSA
A Mapusa-based organization, Mapusa People’s Union (MPU), on Friday has demanded withdrawal of escort vehicle provided to Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza and save the additional financial burden on the State, which was already facing a financial crunch. “It appears there is some misunderstanding with authorities concerned, who have provided escort vehicle facility to the urban development minister, causing additional burden on the government exchequer,” said J T Shetye, MPU secretary.
In a letter addressed to the chief minister, chief secretary, under secretary (home) and SP Security, the MPU has said D’Souza was not entitled to an escort vehicle, and therefore, the facility should be discontinued immediately.
In the current government, D’Souza does not hold the post of deputy chief minister, and in fact, he is fourth in the seniority list, and is, therefore, not eligible for the escort vehicle facility,” Shetye said.
SP Security Umesh Gaonkar informed that the government followed certain protocol while allotting escort vehicle to VIPs, but was not aware about the circumstances in the minister’s case. TGN
