MLA Travel Claims Raise Eyebrows, Vishal Pai Cacode Seeks Clarification
Margao :
A recent RTI response from the Goa Legislature Secretariat has triggered a political stir, with analyst and civic activist Vishal Pai Cacode calling for immediate clarification over claims that no MLA undertook any official or personal travel outside Goa or abroad between March 2022 and April 2025.
Describing the revelation as “deeply shocking,” Mr. Cacode said the assertion does not align with publicly available evidence. “It is widely known that almost all of Goa’s 40 MLAs have travelled outside the state, and several have gone abroad in the last three years. Their movements are visible in media reports, social media posts, and even speeches,” he said.
Calls Out Record Discrepancies
Mr. Cacode questioned whether the RTI reply reflects poor record-keeping or deliberate misrepresentation. “If such basic data is either missing or manipulated, how can citizens trust other information maintained by the Legislature Department?” he asked.
He demanded that the Secretariat clarify whether it was unaware of the MLAs’ movements or consciously omitting public domain information. “If official trips were not recorded or personal ones not declared, it violates transparency norms,” he added.
Not an Isolated Incident
Referring to previous administrative confusion, Mr. Cacode cited the recent Public Accounts Committee term extension row, where conflicting information caused an embarrassing contradiction on the House floor. “This pattern of lapses calls the Secretariat’s reliability into serious question,” he said.
Demand for Independent Audit
Calling for an independent verification of legislative records, Mr. Cacode urged the Goa Legislature to demonstrate accountability and restore public confidence. “Goans expect institutions to function with integrity,” he said.
