Panaji : The cash-for-jobs controversy in Goa has sparked widespread public outrage and political fallout, with opposition leaders demanding immediate transparency and a thorough investigation into alleged corruption within the state’s recruitment processes. The scandal centers around claims that government jobs were sold to individuals willing to pay bribes, bypassing qualified candidates and undermining the credibility of public institutions.
Recent investigations have revealed a network of corruption involving middlemen, public servants, and political operatives facilitating the exchange of money for government positions. So far, nine individuals have been arrested, including personnel from the Home Department, Public Works Department (PWD), and the Goa Public Service Commission (GPSC). However, critics argue that the authorities are targeting lower-level officials while shielding higher-ranking individuals and political figures who may be complicit in the scam.
Opposition leaders have been vocal in their condemnation of the government’s handling of the matter. Vijai Sardesai, leader of the Goa Forward Party, has emerged as one of the loudest critics, accusing the BJP-led administration of ignoring early warnings about the widespread corruption. Sardesai pointed out that many of those arrested are directly linked to the ruling BJP’s organizational wings, including its Kuma Murcha and Mahila Murcha factions, further raising doubts about the government’s commitment to uncovering the full extent of the scandal.
Sardesai has called for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising independent professionals from outside the state’s administration to ensure an impartial inquiry. He also demanded that all ongoing government recruitment processes be suspended until the investigation is completed, to prevent further misconduct. “This isn’t just a few isolated incidents; it’s a well-organized network compromising the integrity of the recruitment process,” Sardesai said, urging the government to take swift and decisive action.
Amit Palekar, Chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa, echoed Sardesai’s concerns, dismissing the recent arrests as mere “eyewash” and calling for a more comprehensive investigation. Palekar argued that jobs cannot be sold without the involvement of high-level officials and ministers, emphasizing the need for a judicial inquiry led by a retired judge. He contended that the corruption goes far beyond the lower-level operatives arrested so far and requires scrutiny at the highest levels of government.
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