Bribery charges at municipal school dominate MMC meet

VASCO: A Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) meeting on Friday witnessed high drama with councillors throwing about allegations of bribery over the appointment of three teachers of the municipal school.
The drama unfolded after MMC chairperson Lavina D'Souza asked why most of the members of the managing committee— Saifullah Khan, Bhavana Bhonsle and manager Fiola Rego— had resigned from the panel.This led to members levelling allegations against each other. Khan denied the allegations.
Opposition panel councillor Neny D'Souza demanded an inquiry by the police or vigilance department into the matter. Stating that the allegation of 10 lakh bribery for the appointment of each teacher is a serious issue, Neny said that the case should be dealt with by the experts and culprits should be booked.
Councillors Shekhar Khadapker and Manish Arolkar demanded the dissolution of the management committee. A resolution was then taken by 13 councillors to dissolve the committee. Chief officer Melvyn Vaz said, "The resolution will be forwarded to the director of municipal administration and action will be initiated by the education department."
Lavina said, "I will personally inquire about the matter with the headmistress of the school and the ADEI. If any evidence is found the authorities will be asked to take action."
Sources said that only after an inquiry and discussion within the council it will be decided whether or not to go in for fresh appointments of teachers.