Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Aug 10: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has criticised the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) for “unfruitful” expenditure of Rs 3.94 cr after sound-and-light show equipment meant for Aguada Jail was procured before the site was ready, shifted to Baga Beach without a formal agreement, and never put to use.

According to the CAG report tabled on the last day of the Assembly session, the 2016 plan to develop Aguada Jail as a tourist spot included civil works and a sound-and-light show. However, GTDC tendered for the equipment in 2016 and awarded the contract in June 2017, even though civil work tenders were finalised only in March 2019. The equipment was delivered in July 2018 when the site was still incomplete.

In September 2018, GTDC’s board approved shifting the equipment to Baga Beach “till the Aguada project is completed.” The audit noted the handover to a private agency was done without a formal agreement, and the equipment was never returned. In October 2020, GTDC opted to purchase new equipment worth Rs 3.25 cr for Aguada from the same agency, again before civil works were completed.

The CAG rejected GTDC’s explanation that both construction and procurement processes were carried out simultaneously to meet targets, pointing out that NOCs for site readiness were not obtained. It also dismissed GTDC’s claim that the Baga equipment remained unused due to the pandemic, noting the decision to shift was taken long before Covid-19.

An inspection in February 2024 found the show had still not commenced at Baga. The CAG concluded that premature procurement led to wasteful expenditure, warranty lapse, and non-utilisation of the assets.