Kotigao SHGs, NGOs refute event scam allegations against art and culture dept

In response to accusations made by Khotigao sarpanch Anandu Desai and panch members of Gaondongrem and Shristal, that several local organisations allegedly obtained Rs 26.85 lakh from the Art and Culture Department for events which never happened in Canacona in 2023, the ex-sarpanch of Khotigao, Daya Gaonkar, along with members of the managing committees of NGO’s and SHG’s, held a press conference to refute the accusations.

Giving details of the alleged programme, Daya Gaonkar said that the Canacona ADEI had visited one of the programmes to verify the activities and it is on record of the donation of chairs to the school and dictionaries given to students which was bought through the funds for the programme. The ex-sarpanch also pointed out that students of Balram School of which the Canacona MLA is the chairman had participated and had even reached the finals in a sports programme which was alleged had not taken place.

Devidas Gaonkar a researcher from the tribal community in Goa and a journalist speaking at the press conference said that as alleged by the Shristal sarpanch that a programme headed by him and registered as Tribal Research Centre was not held, Devidas said he has proof that the Speaker and Canacona MLA Tawadkar was present for the programme and Adarsh Yuva Sangh which runs under Tawadkar’s leadership was also felicitated during the programme.

Gaonkar said that it is clear that the sarpanch and his team had identified certain persons and organisations to spread lies and has demanded an apology from the sarpanch for the false allegations presented before the media to malign the Art and Culture department and the image of certain people working for the welfare of tribal communities. Gaonkar has warned of legal action against
the speakers at the press conference.