Panaji: As many as 1,584 public representatives in Goa, including zilla panchayat members, councillors of the City Corporation of Panaji (CCP), municipal councillors, and village panchayat members, failed to submit mandatory statements of assets and liabilities for the financial year 2023-24 to the Lokayukta. In contrast, all MLAs filed their disclosures for the same period.
Legal Requirements Under the Goa Lokayukta Act
Pratibha Dessai, registrar at the Lokayukta, stated that under the Goa Lokayukta Act, 2011, public functionaries are required to file asset statements within six months of assuming office and thereafter before November 5 each year. However, many failed to comply by April 24, 2026, for the year ending March 31, 2024, even though the legal deadline was November 5, 2024. A report has been sent to the competent authorities, and copies were also forwarded to the concerned functionaries.
Non-Compliance Despite Notices
Dessai noted that although notices were issued as required, some public functionaries still have not submitted their asset and liability statements for 2023-24 as of April 24, 2026. The Lokayukta continues to pursue compliance.
Resumption of Lokayukta Operations
Meanwhile, Goa Lokayukta and former Bombay High Court judge Sandeep Kashinath Shinde has begun hearings in pending cases. The Lokayukta had remained non-functional since the tenure of former Bombay HC judge Ambadas Joshi ended in December 2024. Currently, 18 cases are pending before the Lokayukta, two have been disposed of, and four new cases were filed after it resumed functioning.
Amendments Diluting Powers
Following several indictments in corruption cases involving public functionaries, the government amended the Act, diluting the institution's powers. The changes removed provisions that allowed complaints against public functionaries on grounds such as nepotism, lack of integrity, maladministration, and improper or corrupt motive.
