Ex-Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco Hits Out: RND Director Accused of Manipulation, Mismanagement & Financial Irregularities

Ex-Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco Hits Out: RND Director Accused of Manipulation, Mismanagement & Financial Irregularities

Panaji | August 28, 2025: Former Goa Tourism Minister Francisco Xavier Pacheco, popularly known as Mickky Pacheco, has launched a scathing attack on Shri Vikramsingh Rajebhosle, Sr. Superintendent (Workshop & Traffic), who is currently holding additional charge as Director of the River Navigation Department (RND). Rajebhosle is set to retire at the end of August 2025, but Pacheco alleges that he has been engaging in manipulative conduct, financial fraud, and attempts to illegally secure service extension.

Irregular Appointment as Director

According to Pacheco, Rajebhosle’s appointment itself is irregular. A Personnel Department letter dated May 22, 2024, clearly stated that the post of RND Director is not recognized as a Head of Department under the Goa Delegation of Financial Powers Rules, 2008. Despite this, an order issued on June 13, 2024, allowed him to assume charge as Director, which Pacheco claims was a result of manipulation and collusion.

 Financial Fraud Highlighted in CAG Report

The ex-minister pointed to serious financial irregularities flagged in past audits:

1. Conversion of Ferry Boat ‘Miramar’ (2014):
– ₹30 lakh spent on converting a ferry into a pleasure craft without feasibility studies or approvals.
– The project was abandoned midway, leaving the ferry in a dilapidated state.

2. Purchase of Marine Diesel Engines (2017–2019):
– Approval was granted for 9 engines to replace old ferry boat engines.
– Instead, 8 were purchased at a cost of ₹92 lakh from Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd.
– Shockingly, 6 engines were diverted for use on new private-party-constructed ferries, bypassing government approval.
– Audit objections were raised for violation of General Financial Rules.

Harassment & Mismanagement of Staff

During his ministerial tenure, Pacheco claims he witnessed Rajebhosle routinely harassing staff, stripping officers of duties, and submitting misleading notes to the Personnel Department. He alleges this created low morale, mismanagement, and weakened departmental efficiency.

Last-Minute Power Play

With retirement imminent, Rajebhosle is allegedly lobbying hard for an extension and official recognition as Head of Department. Pacheco warns this would set a “dangerous precedent” of officers misusing the system to hold on to power.

Complicity of Higher Authorities

Pacheco also questioned the role of higher-ups, pointing out that the Minister for RND even accompanied Rajebhosle to Kerala for the water monorail project, despite knowing the allegations.

Demand for Immediate Action

In his statement, Pacheco urged the Goa government to:

Reject any extension or recognition proposals moved by Rajebhosle.

Institute a full-fledged inquiry into his irregular appointment.

Review his service record for harassment and manipulative conduct.

Hold accountable those who facilitated the “illegal orders.”

He further revealed that complaints had already been placed before the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Vigilance, ACB, Personnel Department, and RND Secretary — but no corrective steps have been taken.

Warning of Escalation

Pacheco concluded with a stern warning:

> “If no action is taken forthwith, I will be compelled to escalate this matter in public and legal forums to ensure accountability and justice.”

The allegations, if proven, could spark a major administrative storm in Goa’s River Navigation Department, which plays a crucial role in ferry operations across the state.

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