PANJIM: Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Churchill Alemao was at the receiving end once again over the alleged tank distribution scam, which was raised on the floor of the House. BJP legislators including Manohar Parrikar and Damodar Naik put Alemao on the mat during the Question Hour. The legislators demanded formation of a committee headed by chief secretary, in participation with finance secretary, to probe the entire scam.
Alemao in his reply to Naik claimed that the government has already notified the scheme to distribute water tanks. “The scheme has been formulated by PWD to provide water tanks at the required places depending on the need of the consumers,” the reply reads.
The Opposition benches, however, asked him to present the notification of the scheme on the floor of the House.
The minister sought time till tomorrow to place the papers notifying the scheme.
In a written reply tabled on the floor of the House, Alemao said that ex-post facto approval for the expenditure for the distribution of water tanks and pumps was granted by the Cabinet. “However, Cabinet directed the department to prepare a proper scheme with criteria for implementation of the same henceforth,” the reply reads.
Parrikar questioned the word ‘henceforth’ in the reply stating that the distribution of the tanks done in past stand to be illegal. The Leader of Opposition alleged that some of the tanks were purchased at the inflated rates and bills for the contractors were even paid.
Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik, who had even raised the issue during last session, said that there was huge gap in the market rates and the quotations by the department.
Alemao’s reply on the floor reads that 4000 tanks are provided at the required places depending on the need of the consumer prior to the formation of scheme. “After the scheme was formulated, total 124 tanks were provided to the consumers,” he said adding that for the current financial year, Rs 48.05 lakh was spent. The minister said none of the ‘illegal’ or ‘inflated’ bills are cleared by the department. Initiating a heated debate on the floor of the House, Parrikar alleged that Alemao has not been consistent in his replies on the issue.
I am fed up writing every now and then about the water tank scam. Instead, of shouting with their loud voices, why can't Manohar and Damu check the south Goans hotels. I know the PIG OF VARCA very well as he is selling water tankers to the south Goa hotels.His rubbish football team was even sponsored by the hotels due to his threats. This PIGS family of varca will do anythin for money as he is enticing road contractors with his wife and daughters. This is the Churchill bab for some crumb eaters of salcete. Shame on you all BAST*RDS who support this filthy PIGS.
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