Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: In a recent development that has sparked widespread concern and outrage, the Shadow Council for Margao has submitted a formal objection to the Margao Municipal Council regarding the alleged misuse of municipal resources.
The complaint centres around the allotment of a municipal driver for private service, specifically to drive the private vehicle of the children of a local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) associated with the council.
The request letter, dated and submitted by Savio Coutinho, convenor Shadow Council for Margao, addresses the Chief Officer of the Margao Municipal Council.
It highlights a specific instance where a driver engaged by the council on a contract basis has been allocated to drive a private vehicle belonging to the MLA’s children. This driver was previously employed in the MLA’s office and was on the MLA’s payroll.
The letter points out that this is not an isolated incident, as the driver had earlier provided similar private services for eight days, with the salary being covered by the municipal council. This has led to accusations of misuse of public funds and resources. The Shadow Council has demanded an immediate inquiry into this matter and strict action against those responsible.
“We also learn that this rendering of private service had taken place earlier as well for the children of the same MLA for 8 days, though the salary bill was footed by the Council,” the letter states. “We hereby demand an inquiry into this matter and strict action may be taken against those responsible.”
The letter further notes that the recent engagement of 10 new drivers by the council, including the driver in question, has transferred the burden of their salaries to the taxpayers of Margao.