Goa Forward Party (GFP) President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has accused the BJP-led government of running a "Cash for Jobs" scam in the recruitment process for Lower Division Clerk (LDC) posts at the South Goa Collectorate. On 10th September 2024, Sardesai revealed that the recruitment, which began in October 2023, saw candidates being asked for bribes in exchange for securing jobs. He alleged,8 "The jobs that were supposed to go to qualified people have been sold off by this BJP government."
Sardesai detailed how the first exam for the posts took place in October 2023, followed by a skill test in February 2024. Yet, despite the seven-month-long process, results were suspiciously delayed. The candidates complained to Sardesai that they were approached by a woman who demanded money for securing jobs, and those who didn’t pay were failed. "Why does it take seven months to declare the results of the recruitment exams?" Sardesai questioned, implying that the delay was a tactic to cover up corruption. Sardesai called for an immediate investigation into these claims, emphasising the need for transparency.
Sardesai also reminded Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate of his own past accusations against the Public Works Department (PWD) for a similar "cash for jobs" scandal. Today, Monserrate himself faces the same allegations.
The scandal gained further traction when Utpal Parrikar, son of the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, publicly demanded the removal of Babush Monserrate from the cabinet. In a sharp rebuke, Parrikar stated, "The BJP party has got tainted because of a person like Babush. I urge the Chief Minister to investigate the allegations, and I’m sure people will support it if the CM takes strong action." Parrikar added that the opposition has raised the issue and suggested that CM Sawant should investigate thoroughly to address the concerns.
The accusations against Monserrate come shortly after South Goa Congress MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes claimed that a woman (Madam) in CM Pramod Sawant's constituency was taking bribes for job placements, raising suspicions of a deeper nexus within Goa’s recruitment system. With the scandal now drawing attention from both opposition leaders and prominent BJP figures, calls for accountability are mounting.d