TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Upset by the recent misappropriation of Rs 17.44 lakh from the coffers of the Margao Municipal Council, an increasing number of citizens have voiced their outrage and are demanding that the government initiate a high-level inquiry promptly and within a defined timeframe.
Even local political leaders have expressed their frustration over the issue.
Roque Fernandes, a resident of Borda labelled it a shame on the part of the civic body for failing to have proper vigilance over their staff.
"Such type of fraud cannot be tolerated at any cost, and it is high time that strict action is initiated to prevent further incidents," stated Fernandes.
Zilla Panchayat member Michelle Rebello has demanded that the government implement a complete ban on cash payments and instead transition to digital modes of payment.
"I suspect the involvement of some senior politicians as well as senior staff of Margao Municipal Council in the financial scam. The conspicuous silence of the MLA on this issue also raises questions. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has also maintained silence for reasons best known to him. We need an explanation from the government", said Michelle.
She said that it was shocking to hear that the Chairperson of Margao Municipal Council Damodar Shirodkar and the Chief Officer Gaurish Shankhwalkar tried to pass the blame on to others. They had no answers on why the official police complaint was not launched even two weeks after the fraud took place."The very idea of collecting cash from the vendors at the fair venue, which is always crowded, can create security concerns for the staff collecting the amount. Above all, I am told that the cash was brought to the Municipality without any security personnel accompanying the municipal staffers carrying the cash", Michelle added.
