Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that disciplinary action will be taken against Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude for making “irresponsible” allegations of corruption within the Tribal Welfare Department, which falls under the Chief Minister’s charge.
During the Prerna Din event held in Ponda on Sunday, Gaude accused officials in the department of clearing contractors’ files in exchange for bribes.
He claimed that the entire process is handled secretly within the Shram Shakti Bhavan, bypassing official channels. “Contractors don’t have to visit the office; everything happens discreetly,” Gaude said.
Responding to these serious accusations, CM Sawant criticized Gaude’s public comments, stating, “A responsible minister should not have made such an irresponsible statement. We have taken serious note and necessary action will be taken soon.”
Gaude’s allegations have raised concerns about transparency and efficiency in the department, which manages substantial taxpayer funds allocated for tribal welfare programs.
The controversy has also highlighted internal divisions within the Goa cabinet and brought renewed focus on the administration of tribal welfare initiatives.
