Prabhav Naik Demands Explanation on Collectorate Function
MARGAO: Madganvcho Awaaz and youth leader Prabhav Naik have sought clarification from South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus (IAS) regarding the use of the Collector’s office premises for a recent event organised under the banner of Model Margao.
In a letter addressed to the Collector, Mr. Naik questioned the authority under which a private organisation was permitted to conduct a programme within a government institution. He asked whether due process was followed, whether any fee was charged, and on what basis such permission was granted.
The event, he pointed out, was attended by the Collector herself, the Superintendent of Police (South Goa), the Margao MLA, the Navelim MLA, members of the Margao MLA’s family, the BJP Margao Mandal president and others. Such participation, he argued, lent the event an official character it did not merit.
Raising concerns over precedent, Mr. Naik said that permitting private bodies with political affiliations to use government premises risks undermining the neutrality of public institutions. “This opens the door for similar demands from various groups, thereby eroding the impartiality expected of governance spaces,” he observed.
He also questioned the propriety of senior officers actively associating with a private function, warning that such involvement could be construed as legitimising political activity and compromise institutional credibility.
Concluding his appeal, Mr. Naik stressed that public offices are maintained by taxpayers and must remain neutral symbols of governance rather than venues of privilege, nepotism or political favouritism. He urged the South Goa Collector to issue a public clarification on the matter.
