The Smart City project in Goa has recently come under scrutiny following allegations of misappropriation of funds by the former CEO of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL), Swayandipta Pal Chaudhari. The Anti-Corruption Bureau’s FIR against Chaudhari for allegedly misappropriating government funds to the tune of Rs 87 lakhs has raised concerns and sparked demands for a broader investigation into the Smart City project.
While the government initially rejected calls for an inquiry into the implementation of the Smart City works, widespread criticism from media houses, opposition parties, and activists has prompted further action. The FIR alleges that Chaudhari misappropriated government funds during his tenure as CEO of IPSCDL, leading to a significant loss to the State exchequer. These allegations have prompted the Anti-Corruption Bureau to seek Chaudhari’s interrogation and serve him with a summons.
In addition to the financial fraud accusations, there are calls for a probe into projects initiated by Chaudhari during and after his tenure at IPSCDL.
Activist Shailendra Velingkar has urged the government to halt all Smart City projects until the matter is resolved. The concerns raised include Chaudhari’s alleged post-facto approvals of projects and releasing payments, raising suspicions about the conduct of not only officials but also contractors involved in the projects.
Furthermore, there are demands for an investigation into the roles of the former chairman of Smart City and the board members. It is argued that their involvement, along with that of the contractors, needs to be thoroughly examined, especially regarding the exorbitant costs of certain works, such as the Rs 2 crore CCTV cameras.
The ongoing investigations and allegations have cast a shadow over the Smart City project, creating uncertainty about the integrity of the project’s implementation and the appropriate use of government funds.
In the interests of transparency and accountability, it is essential to expand the scope of the investigation beyond the former CEO and delve into the roles of other key stakeholders involved in the project.
The widening scope of the investigation should encompass not only financial improprieties but also potential irregularities in the project’s implementation and approval processes. Only through a comprehensive and impartial inquiry can the concerns raised by the media, opposition parties, and activists be addressed, and the public’s faith in the Smart City project be restored.
As the Smart City project in Goa is facing serious allegations of financial mismanagement and improper conduct, necessitating a thorough and sustained investigation.
It is imperative for the government to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability by ensuring that all aspects of the project, including the roles of officials, contractors, and board members, are scrutinized to restore public trust and ensure the project’s integrity.
