Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Following news articles relating to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Public Undertakings Committee (PUC) meeting held recently, the Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker has summoned the media organisations.
The notices have been issued to six prominent media organisations (including a digital edition) for clarification on the news published.
“This is to bring to your attention that Hon. Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar) has taken cognizance of certain news items that have been published by you on the functioning of Assembly committees and on certain chairmen of those committees and other officials,” the notice signed by Secretary Legislature Namrata Ulman reads.
It further adds, “In this regard, the Hon. Speaker has called a meeting of all the above-mentioned Editors on the 4th February 2025 at 12.30 pm in the chamber of the Hon. Speaker, at the Assembly Complex, to seek clarification on the same.”
A few newspapers and news channels had reported that the PAC, and PUC meetings held last week were invalid as the term expired in 2024.
They even went on to say that the Goa Legislature Department confirms that the term of all House Committees, including the PAC and PUC, ended in 2024, and meetings held in January 2025 are invalid.
Speaking to Goemkarponn, Secretary Legislature Namrata Ulman confirmed the notices have been issued to the media houses.
“At this stage, I cannot say anything, the Speaker has taken cognizance of the news articles and summoned the respective organisations,” she stated.
Asked whether the meetings were valid, she reaffirmed, “The meetings were absolutely valid.”
Ulman explained the new committees can only be constituted when the assembly is in session.
It is believed that the news was circulated by one individual and the Legislature is now contemplating action against him.
