Carlos Ferreira Targets BJP Government Over Continuing Cash-for-Jobs Scams, Demands Action Against Influential Accused

PANAJI: Congress MLA Adv. Carlos Ferreira on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government over the continuing allegations of cash-for-jobs fraud in Goa, questioning how such scams continue to surface and whether those allegedly operating behind the scenes will ultimately face legal action.

Referring to a recent case in which a man allegedly obtained a fake appointment letter for the post of Excise Commissioner and even assumed charge, Ferreira said the incident highlighted the alarming extent of the alleged frauds taking place under the present government. He questioned how anyone could expect to be appointed to such a senior position without submitting an application or appearing for the prescribed examination.

According to Ferreira, the man had allegedly been in contact with Sankhwalkar since 2019, during which he was reportedly promised various government positions, including Awal Karkun, Mamlatdar and Assistant Commissioner, before allegedly receiving an appointment letter for the post of Excise Commissioner. Ferreira further claimed that the victim had paid ₹27 lakh to Sankhwalkar and that some of the payments were reportedly made through bank transactions.

Ferreira also alleged that the victim’s sister had been promised an accountant’s job in the Public Works Department (PWD), for which ₹25 lakh was reportedly paid. He claimed that Sankhwalkar had allegedly promised government jobs to several other people, including positions such as Excise Inspector and Assistant Excise Inspector, by invoking names and making assurances of appointments.

The Congress leader further alleged that Sankhwalkar had collected ₹80 lakh from a family on the promise of providing a plot of land but had failed to fulfil the commitment. He questioned the authority under which such assurances of government appointments were allegedly being made and asked whether the accused had been using the names of influential individuals to convince victims to part with their money.

Describing the repeated allegations as evidence of an ongoing cash-for-jobs problem, Ferreira questioned whether the police would investigate and prosecute the influential people allegedly connected to the racket or whether those with political or other influence would be allowed to escape accountability. He also challenged the BJP government to explain how such incidents could continue despite the controversy surrounding alleged recruitment-related frauds in the state.

Ferreira contrasted the situation with the Congress’s tenure, asking whether similar incidents had occurred under previous Congress governments. He maintained that the central issue was not limited to the individuals who allegedly collected money but also whether the investigation would reach everyone involved in the alleged network.

The allegations have once again raised questions about the vulnerability of job seekers to fraudulent promises of government employment and the need for a thorough investigation into the people allegedly facilitating such transactions. The claims concerning the accused and any possible involvement of influential individuals remain allegations and require verification through the police investigation and legal proceedings.