Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has objected to the State Government’s reported decision to waive nearly ₹2 crore in electricity charges for the Formula 4 racing event held at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, alleging that public funds should not be used to benefit a private commercial event.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on July 24, GPCC Working President Sunil Kawthankar termed the reported waiver “shocking and indefensible.” He alleged that the government had agreed to bear the full cost of electricity supplied through diesel generators by waiving the organisers’ previously agreed 50 per cent share of the power charges.
The Congress said the decision comes at a time when consumers across Goa are facing high electricity bills, smart meter-related concerns, and increased power tariffs.
Questioning the rationale behind the reported waiver, Kawthankar sought clarification on what public interest justified subsidising a private event, under which legal provision or policy the concession was granted, and who recommended the decision and on what basis.
He further alleged that extending financial benefits to private organisers without transparency raises concerns over the use of public resources and called for greater accountability.
The GPCC has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the reported waiver and recovery of the full electricity charges from the event organisers, as originally agreed.
The party has also sought the disclosure of all Cabinet notes, official approvals, file notings, and related correspondence connected to the decision in the interest of transparency.
Additionally, the Congress has called for an independent high-level inquiry to examine whether there was any misuse of office, abuse of discretion, or undue favour shown to the organisers of the event.
