Goa minister misappropriated Rs 26 lakh meant for culture events, alleges Speaker

“These events were never held. The money was given to multiple organisations at the same address. What was the real intention of the minister has to be enquired,” said Tawadkar.

“For the first time, I am seeing a minister in my own government behave this way…in an irresponsible manner and by keeping aside protocol, propriety and discipline. I have raised the issue with the chief minister and mentioned that this cannot be tolerated. I have asked for an inquiry to be conducted and for a report to be submitted by the director of Art and Culture. This can’t take place without the permission of the minister,” he added.

Earlier on Friday, in a press conference, a group of people from villages in Canacona constituency alleged that several organisations had fraudulently siphoned off funds to the tune of Rs 26.85 lakh from the Art and Culture department. People alleged that while documents state that several state-sponsored events were held in the villages in Canacona, the cultural programmes or events never took place.

Responding to the allegations, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude said that if it is established that the money had been taken without conducting the events, then the amount would be recovered.

Gaude told the media that a probe will be conducted.

“We receive applications to hold cultural events. We don’t say no to anyone. All the applications are scrutinised by the department and sanctioned. After the event is held, we ask for a utilisation certificate and if it is not in tune with the norms, they are debarred. If there is a situation wherein the events are not being held, we will increase vigilance while sanctioning,” Gaude added.

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties called for an inquiry into the allegations and demanded Gaude’s resignation, claiming that his position has become ‘untenable’.

Vijai Sardesai, President, Goa Forward Party (GFP), said, “The Honourable Speaker’s allegation of a scam in the Art and Culture Ministry and his accusation of misappropriation of funds by the minister has to be viewed with the utmost seriousness and attention it deserves. The Goa government must immediately launch a comprehensive and independent investigation into this affair.”

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Patkar, said, “Today, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar alleged that Art and Culture Minister is involved in a scam. He [Gaude] has misutilised the ‘Special Grants’. The same minister is facing allegations of corruption in renovation work of Kala Academy. But, BJP has failed to take action against him. They are protecting corrupt ministers. This may be the first case wherein the Speaker has exposed a member of his own party involved in corruption.”