Sarpanch now calls for audit to be taken up on top priority
MAPUSA
In a shocking revelation that raises serious concerns over fiscal transparency, the Calangute village panchayat – regarded as one of the wealthiest local bodies in Goa – has not undergone an audit of its financial accounts for over a decade.
According to information obtained through RTI from the Directorate of Accounts, the panchayat’s books have remained unaudited from the financial year 2014-15 up to 2023-24. The Directorate has blamed the panchayat’s repeated failure to cooperate with the audit schedule, as well as the non-submission of essential financial records and documents.
No response from panchayat
In charge of the Inspection and Audit Cell of the Directorate of Accounts, Rajendra Gaude confirmed the lapse.
“The audit of Calangute panchayat for financial years 2014-15 to 2020-21 could not be undertaken due to the panchayat’s non-responsiveness during the scheduled audit programmes for Bardez taluka,” Gaude stated.
He added that audits for the subsequent financial years – 2021-22 to 2023-24 – were also not conducted due to the continued non-submission of records by the local body.
“Without submission of books of accounts, vouchers, receipts and other financial documents, we cannot proceed with the statutory audit,” an official of the Directorate of Accounts said.
Legal ramifications possible
A senior officer from the Directorate of Accounts, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the failure to conduct audits is a serious violation under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act. “Annual audit of accounts is not only mandatory, it is also crucial for the release of government grants. A prolonged absence of audit creates opacity and raises concerns about financial mismanagement or irregularities,” the officer said.
According to the same officer, the Directorate had repeatedly sent staff to initiate the audit process, but their efforts were stalled by the panchayat’s non-compliance.
“Every year, officials visited the panchayat office but were turned away due to non-availability of records,” he said.
Panchayat finally agrees to cooperate
The Calangute panchayat has now requested that the audit process be initiated without further delay.
The Directorate has confirmed that a comprehensive audit for all the pending years will now be undertaken simultaneously. “We will conduct back-to-back audits to clear the backlog. The process will begin soon,” the official from the audit cell confirmed.
Sarpanch promises transparency
Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira admitted the delay but assured that corrective steps are being taken. “Yes, the audits were delayed due to multiple reasons, including administrative and technical lapses. But I have now insisted that the audit be taken up on top priority. Transparency in our accounts is non-negotiable,” Sequeira said.
He emphasised that the panchayat is now fully cooperating with the audit department and will ensure all required documents are submitted promptly.
Opposition voices concern
Meanwhile, opposition members and local activists have raised red flags over the prolonged audit gap, demanding accountability from those in charge. “This is not a clerical oversight; it’s a decade of financial opacity in one of Goa’s most lucrative panchayats, which generates significant revenue from tourism-related activities. The government must act,” said a local activist, who did not wish to be named.
Calangute, located in North Goa’s Bardez taluka, is one of the most popular beach destinations in the State and receives crores in government grants, in addition to generating substantial local revenue from tourism and commercial activities.
