United Goans Raise Alarm on Fiscal Negligence

Panaji :
A recent audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has revealed financial irregularities amounting to over ₹2,000 crore in Goa, raising serious concerns about systemic lapses in governance and legislative oversight. The United Goans Foundation (UGF) has criticised what it calls “deliberate policy manipulation” and inaction by key oversight bodies.

In a statement issued by, Dr. Ashish Kamat, President of the UGF, said the findings underscore a “deep compromise of public interest for private gain”, particularly citing the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department’s decision to waive fees for additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) granted to commercial establishments. The waiver, the CAG notes, was extended in deviation from recommendations of the Finance Department.

Among other key findings, the CAG has also flagged the selection of an ineligible bidder by the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) to organise the ‘Invest Goa 2024’ summit. According to the report, the process lacked transparency and violated basic norms of competitive bidding.

“This is not an isolated incident,” said Dr. Kamat. “There is a consistent pattern where public funds are diverted without proper scrutiny, even as the government continues to emphasise austerity.”

The United Goans Foundation has expressed concern over the prolonged silence of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Public Undertakings Committee (PUC), which have reportedly failed to table a single report over the last three years. The PAC is chaired by MLA Altone D’Costa and the PUC by MLA Yuri Alemao.

“This inaction amounts to a constitutional dereliction,” Dr. Kamat said. “These committees exist to ensure fiscal accountability and institutional transparency. Their failure to act undermines public trust and emboldens further administrative negligence.”

While criticising the legislative response, the UGF lauded local journalists for highlighting the findings of the audit report. “It is the consistent efforts of Goa’s independent press that have kept these issues in the public domain,” said Dr. Kamat, noting that the fourth estate continues to serve as a crucial democratic safeguard.

The Foundation has demanded an immediate explanation from both PAC and PUC chairpersons, along with a clear timeline for pending report submissions. It has also urged the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly to take suo motu cognizance of the matter and initiate steps to restore the functional integrity of legislative oversight.