Opposition for statutory and independent vigilance authority

Panaji, Jun 24 (UNI) Expressing concern over slow progress in the investigation of cases referred to the Vigilance department, Leader of the Opposition in the Goa Legislative Assembly Manohar Parrikar today favoured constitution of a ''statutory and independent'' vigilance authority in place of the existing one.

He made this observation while chairing the ''Ad Hoc Committee of the Assembly on Home'' here.

Mr Parrikar also brought to the notice of the committee cases of missing files from different departments.

Taking exception to the government for not parting with the information on officers facing vigilance inquiries even to the Legislative Assembly, the BJP leader said the information to the House would promote ''public interest''.

Several members of the general public, including Junio De Souza, asked the government to entertain oral complaints against delinquent officers.

Others including Advocate Aires Rodrigues, a spokesman of NGO Utt Goenkara, pointed out growing incidents of corruption in the government and instances of officers possessing disproportionate income.

They peeved at the manner in which a corrupt officer was allowed to retire voluntarily with impunity and demanded constitution of Lok Ayukta for speedy and objective disposal of cases of corruption against public servants.

Mr Rodrigues also deplored outdated websites of government departments, including the vigilance wing, and lamented decreasing number of convictions of the corrupt.

Several others, including former minister Nirmala Sawant, expressed their serious concern over failure of the administration to check increasing incidence of 'matka' (gambling) in Goa.

Those who attended the session included former Chief Minister Shaskikala Kakodkar and Goa Suraj party leader Floriana Lobo.

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