Vijay Sardesai, Chief of the Goa Forward Party and MLA of Fatorda, has launched a scathing critique against the state government, accusing it of favoritism towards GMR Group, the company responsible for the construction of the Mopa Airport. Sardesai’s comments have sparked significant debate, highlighting concerns over financial and administrative decisions related to the airport project.
Sardesai alleged that GMR Group had initially committed to investing ₹3,500 crores for the construction of Mopa Airport. However, he claims that the company has only spent ₹1,900 crores, falling short by ₹1,600 crores. Despite this shortfall, the state government has reportedly allocated 5 lakh square meters of land to GMR for city site development around the airport.
Adding to his criticism, Sardesai pointed out that the government was supposed to collect revenue amounting to 37% from GMR Mopa Airport every month, which approximates to ₹18 crores. He expressed shock that the government has decided to forgo this revenue until December 2024, leading to a potential loss of ₹108 crores.
“I’m in shock why the government is denying this money, which is vital for the state’s exchequer, while the middle class and poor people are being harassed for not paying on time,” Sardesai stated. He also cited reports suggesting that Mopa Airport will handle 95% of international flight arrivals and departures from Goa, further questioning the rationale behind the government’s revenue holiday decision.
Sardesai strongly condemned the extension of GMR’s revenue holiday period, labeling it as “anti-Goan” and vowing to challenge the decision. He emphasized that the government had previously assured that revenue sharing with GMR Mopa would commence in May 2024. However, there are now moves at the cabinet level to extend this period until December 2024, which Sardesai argues is not only a violation of the Concession Agreement but also a significant financial setback for the state.
“I have also learned that a cabinet note is being prepared to extend the revenue holiday, not by the Department of Civil Aviation but by a third party,” Sardesai revealed. He warned that such actions could result in massive losses to the exchequer and constitute a breach of the House’s privilege.
Sardesai concluded by stating that Civil Aviation officers from the Government of Goa would be held accountable, and the issue would be escalated to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
The allegations and subsequent fallout from Sardesai’s comments are likely to have significant political and administrative implications as the state government faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of the Mopa Airport project.
