Panaji, September 12 : Following an investigation into the 241 tonnes of Tur Dal wastage Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday directed an investigation into the sugar wastage. “In Tur Dal rotting case there are six to five people are involved.I have instructed (to surveillance) to take a strict measures against them.” Sawant told reporters here.
“After the issue of Tur Dal and the fact that I have received an unopened dossier of sugar (which has been melted) I have made the same comment even in this instance that those who were involved should be punished severely.In the event of sugar waste, I have instructed to conduct a vigilance investigation and discover who is involved in the matter,” Sawant further said.
He stated that those who are who are involved in the squandering of Tur Dal as well as sugar would face severe punishment.
According to reports, about 10.3 tonnes of sugar that cost about Rs 3.5 crore was found to be melted in godowns.
“Government will not allow negliness like Tur Dal decaying incidents.We will bring action against the officers accountable for this,” Sawant was quoted as saying on the 25th of August.
“If additional items are found to be damaged in godowns, strict punishment will be imposed on the police.Wastage cannot be allowed to occur even if godowns are in well-maintained condition.
It (commodities) must be used before expiry date,” Sawant had said.
In the past, Goa Forward Party President and MLA Vijai Sardesai had called for an independent investigation from Central agencies in the squandering of 241 tonnes of Tur Dal, procured by the Civil Supplies Department for public distribution during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
“We have sent an open letter to the Prime Minister.This is criminal waste and therefore an investigation must be conducted.
To make a splash the government has suspended the former Director of Civil Supply Siddhivinayak Naik.He is blamed in this case without a proper investigation.Then, Minister (of Civil Supplies Govind Gaude) and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant took the decision of Tur Dal procurement in Cabinet in 2020.” Sardesai had said.
The “Tur Dal wastage” issue was discovered after the government advertised for bidders to dispose of it.
sbk/uk
