Panaji: A group of citizens from Canacona has alleged that several organisations have siphoned off funds to the tune of Rs 26.85 lakh from Art and Culture Department.
Responding to the allegations, Art and culture Minister Govind Gaude said that he will probe into the allegations that some organisations had taken money from the department, without conducting programmes.
The issue was raised during a press conference on Thursday in Canacona which was addressed by Cotigao sarpanch Anandu Desai, Deputy Sarpanch Punam Gaonkar, punch Krushna Gaonkar, Jayesh Velip, Vrunda Velip, Sarpanch of Shreesthal panchayat Sejal Gaonkar, members Ganesh Gaonkar, Nilesh Gaonkar, Akshada Velip, Gaodongri panchayat patch Prabhakar Gaonkar, Vinita Gaonkar and others.
Talking to reporters, Gaude said that the department partially sponsors the programmes and money is released only after taking proof of the programme. He said that if there it is established that the money was taken without conducting the program, then the amount would be recovered.
