Panaji, Jan 13(TNN): Alleging that there were massive irregularities in the functioning of industrial training institutes (ITIs) in Goa, the All Goa ITI Employees Union on Saturday urged ministers to desist from interfering in efforts to streamline these institutions.

“Proper procedures have not been followed in the procurement process for the last few years and this necessitates the transfer of all principals,” said president of the union, Anil Bhosle.

“We urge ministers, especially those who speak about Goem and Goemkarponn, not to interfere with the ongoing streamlining process.” The members also alleged that around Rs 40 crore were squandered under the Centre of Excellence scheme. Rs 2.5 crore was given to each of the ITIs in the state, but the money was fraudulently spent to procure substandard tools and equipment, said Bhosle.

Bhosle alleged that former ITI skill development and entrepreneurship director, Alexio D’Costa was responsible for the scam. “A high-level committee or a retired judge must hold an inquiry to see what happened in the last five to six years and what happened to the Rs 2.5 crore that were given to each ITI,” Bhosle said.

The union treasurer, Vinod Chimulkar alleged that D’Costa had also taken kickbacks from vendors and had taken bribes to regularize contract workers. “Employees that worked for 14 years remain on contract but some who have worked for just two or three years have been regularized,” alleged Chimulkar.

Other issues raised by the union were the meagre monthly scholarships offered to meritorious students.

“Today government is giving Rs 1500-2500 under Griha Aadhaar, but an ITI students gets a scholarship of just Rs 150 per month. This should be increased as it has remained unchanged for decades,” Bhosle said. The union is also demanding five-day weeks for ITIs in line with other government departments.