In recent days, the job-for-cash scandal, where a number of people including two government officials have been implicated or arrested, has rocked the state. However, it must be said that the job racket has been going on for ages. It is a good thing that the job-for-cash scam has come to light. However the timing of unearthing the whole conundrum of compromised government recruitment raises eyebrows. It is pertinent to note that Goa is gripped with the issue of land conversions which is giving rise to several mega projects by carrying out deforestation and hill-cutting. The issue of illegalities in the real estate development was flagged off by the protest over the mega project in Sancoale village by Bhutan Infra. The question that arises is whether the job scam has been brought to light to derail the ongoing protest against mega projects. It may be recalled that the state found itself in the midst of possible communal tension as a result of a statement made by an individual against St Francis Xavier. Many Goans considered this development as an effort to divert attention from the land scam issue.
