Margao: On Tuesday, Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai alleged that the recruitment process for the post of LDC in South Goa Collectorate smacks of “corruption” in the form of a “cash for jobs scam.”
Sardesai also went on to add that he has spoken to CM Dr Pramod Sawant about the scam and the latter has assured the action.
In a video released here, Sardesai said that the recruitment process that began in October 2023 was tainted with corruption. Sardesai, however, went on to add that his claims were based on “unverified reports.”
He pointed out that the first exam for the LDC posts was held in October 2023, followed by a skill test in February 2024. However, despite taking seven months to declare the results, it has now come to light that cash was allegedly demanded from candidates in exchange for securing these jobs.
The Fatorda MLA alleged that the jobs that were supposed to go to qualified people, mostly from poor backgrounds, have been sold off by this BJP government.
“This is my charge against the government,” he added.
The former Deputy Chief minister said that his attempts to reach out to Revenue Minister Babush Monserratte fetched no response.
Sardesai said that he has spoken to Chief Minister Dr.Pramod Sawant telephonically and CM has assured to look into the matter.
The complaints Sardesai received indicate that candidates were approached by a woman who demanded money for securing the job.
“The people who approached me said that because they didn’t pay the money, they were failed in the recruitment process. An investigation needs to be conducted immediately into these unverified claims,” he demanded.
In a pointed remark, Sardesai reminded the Revenue Minister of a similar allegation made by him a few years ago against the Public Works Department (PWD). “Babush Monserrate himself made this same allegation of ‘cash for jobs’ within the PWD. He must remember that today, it is his turn, and he needs to take action,” Sardesai asserted.
Highlighting the unusually long delay in declaring the results, Sardesai questioned, “Why does it take seven months to declare the results of the recruitment exams? This recruitment must be stopped immediately, or else it will be proven that jobs meant for deserving, young, qualified candidates are being sold.”
Sardesai has called for an immediate halt to the recruitment process and a thorough investigation into the alleged scam to ensure that justice is served and deserving candidates are not deprived of their opportunities.
