Goa PWD Minister Vows End to Nomination-Based Works, Promises Fair Tendering for ContractorsGoa PWD Minister Vows End to Nomination-Based Works, Promises Fair Tendering for Contractors
Panaji, Goa 10th September 2025 In a landmark move to ensure transparency and fairness in public works, Goa Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Digamber Kamat announced that henceforth no projects will be allocated on a nomination basis. All works will be strictly awarded through a competitive tendering process. The statement was made during a meeting with the Goa Contractors Union (GCU) at Hotel Hilton today.
The GCU delegation, led by President Sunil Signapurkar, included Spokesperson Jitesh Kamat, Treasurer Amol Navelkar, General Secretary Rajesh Haldankar, Secretary Umesh Dharwadkar, Umesh Gadekar, and Sandesh Potnis. The delegation congratulated Minister Kamat on assuming office by presenting him with a bouquet.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Kamat reaffirmed his commitment to clean and fair competition in the tendering process and expressed his opposition to favoritism. He cited his tenure as Power Minister, emphasizing that no work was allocated on nomination basis during his tenure. As an example, he referred to the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, which, despite being closed for maintenance and urgently requiring repairs, was not given to any contractor on nomination. Instead, Kamat waited for the tendering process to be completed, highlighting his determination to prioritize Goan-origin contractors.
A key point of discussion was the circular capping minus 20% quotes in tenders, which had been abolished by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant during his previous tenure as PWD Minister. Kamat noted that while the circular was withdrawn for good reasons, certain non-Goan contractors reportedly misused it. He assured the delegation that he would review the matter with the Chief Minister and work out an amicable solution in consultation with all stakeholders.
This meeting marks a strong push towards transparency, fair competition, and prioritization of local contractors in Goa’s public works sector.
