In many panchayats, it has become common to issue stop work orders for clear illegalities, only to withdraw them later when the concerned party pays a premium (officially) to the panchayat. This premium is often a “small amount” compared to the crores that real estate developers earn from selling the units in such projects. It is no secret that “unofficial” payments are also made to certain panchas to push for the withdrawal of these stop work orders. If the Goa government is serious about tackling corruption, the ED should now start investigating various panchas, including ex-panchas, especially in the Salcete coastal belt. Goans will then see the shocking extent of looting by certain panchas and ex-panchas.
