Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, May 26: In a rare and sharp rebuke from within the Goa government, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude has alleged corruption in the state’s Tribal Welfare Department, which functions directly under the leadership of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Speaking during a Prerna Din function organized by the department, Gaude accused officials of clearing contractors’ files in exchange for bribes, sparking political tremors within the ruling dispensation.

“A huge amount of taxpayers’ money is allotted to the tribal welfare department. If it’s unable to organise even this programme efficiently, it clearly reflects a lack of control over the administration,” Gaude said in a pointed statement, captured on video and shared by Prudent Media.

Taking his allegations further, the minister claimed, “The files of the contractors are handled under the Shram Shakti Bhavan building on the sly. And they think we don’t know of such things.”

The minister, who previously held the tribal portfolio himself, also raised concerns over the delayed construction of the Tribal Bhavan, a key infrastructure project for the tribal community in Goa. “Why is the project still pending even after the foundation stone was laid during my tenure?” Gaude questioned.

Gaude’s statements have not only raised eyebrows but also drawn attention to internal rifts and alleged administrative inefficiencies within the Sawant-led government. As of now, no official response has been issued by the Chief Minister or the Tribal Welfare Department.

Political observers believe this public outburst could have wider implications, especially as Goa approaches key policy rollouts concerning tribal welfare and budgetary allocations in the coming months.