Porvorim: Industries minister Mauvin Godinho and Fatorda legislator Vijai Sardesai clashed in the assembly on Monday after Sardesai alleged mismanagement in the allotment of a 75,000sqft industrial plot to what he described as a barely recognised company. Demanding a House committee to probe the matter, Sardesai said he would prove his allegations against Godinho within three months, failing which he would not contest the upcoming assembly polls.The exchange quickly escalated into personal barbs, prompting intervention by chief minister Pramod Sawant and speaker Ganesh Gaonkar.Sardesai challenged govt’s claims of transparency, alleging that “everyone and everything is being auctioned”. He claimed that a 40% lease amount was waived for the allottee, causing a revenue loss of Rs 61 crore to the Goa Industrial Development Corporation, allegedly in the name of ease of doing business.He further alleged that, under the banner of setting up a World Innovation and Research Park, six plots were auctioned to establish IT and technology-based units, but key eligibility norms were diluted. According to Sardesai, the annual turnover requirement was reduced from Rs 600 crore to Rs 100 crore, and the net worth requirement for one allottee was lowered from Rs 200 crore to Rs 30 crore. He questioned how a company with a Rs 30 crore turnover could build a project estimated at Rs 1,200 crore.Godinho defended the relaxations, saying they were intended to encourage more participation and increase competition. Sardesai countered that there was no record to show the changes had brought in more entrants. Godinho said the decision was taken in consultation with industry bodies and was a conscious move to boost investment. He then took a swipe at Sardesai, accusing him of initiating major land conversions in Goa during his tenure as town and country planning minister.Sardesai responded that he was ready to face any inquiry and said the onus was on Godinho to answer the allegations. He also claimed the minister had faced allegations linked to a power scam.Benaulim MLA Venzy Veigas said mismanagement in plot allotment had also been flagged by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and supported the demand for a House committee.Reiterating his challenge, Sardesai said, “You form a House committee and put any of your experts on it. But make me a member. If I do not prove allegations against him (Godinho) within three months, I promise not to contest upcoming elections.”The speaker and the CM urged both legislators to refrain from personal jibes and to focus on the issue under discussion.
