Claim duplication of works for National Games
Works undertaken months ago are being taken again to siphon-off funds, alleges Vijai
Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Goa Forward President Vijai Sardesai and Congress MLA Adv Carlos Alvares Fereira alleged a major multi-crore scam in the Sports department.
The MLAs also said that the 37th National Games would be the next Commenwealth Games scam.
Speaking on the question tabled in the House, Sardesai said that a total of Rs 225 cr provisioned for hosting National Games in October 2023.
He said the works undertaken are a huge scam.
“There is duplication of works. The works which were carried out few months ago are being undertaken again,” he said.
Substantiating his claim, Sardesai said that at Fatorda, the pool was repaired only months ago and now it is closed again for repairs.
“Recently the pool was inaugurated under Center of Excellence Khelo India. Again now the membrane is being repaired at Rs 35.52 lakhs for urgent repairs and maintenance of something that was inaugurated just a year ago. The pool complex was repaired at Rs 1.52,” he charged.
He demanded to know when will these works finish?
“Peddem athletic track is shown to be repaired for National Games but there are no events at Peddem, as it will be at Bambolim,” he charged.
Sardesai said that the floodlights which were repaired/ replaced for FIFA Youth World Cup are again being taken up for works.
“Track at Bambolim are redone at Rs 1.94 cr
Though Utorda and Bambolim will not host National Games the lakhs of rupees is is being spent,” he said.
Sardesai also pointed out that the Tilak Maidan stadium at Vasco was opened after renovation of Rs 1.27 cr and thereafter Rs 4 cr more was spent for FIFA WC.
He charged that crores are being spent for the launch of mascot.
“This is criminal wastage of public funds and we demand a thorough probe. There is no financial approval. This is story of staying close to CM and getting Cabinet approvals later,” he cahrged.
Vijai, however, thanked Minister Govind Gaude for other scams in the government.
Gaude replied there is no scam and Sardesi was trying to mislead the people.
“This is selective targetting by the Opposition MLA,” he said.
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