Sources in the Secretariat have shockingly revealed that some very well connected persons including prominent literary figures shamelessly lobbied overtime with the three member government committee to get journalist Sandesh Prabhudessai selected as the State Information Commissioner.
The three member committee which selected Sandesh Prabhudessai for the plumb post comprised of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Leader of the Opposition Pratapsingh Rane and Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza. Sources have informed that the wife of a District Judge, who is also a journalist herself in a BJP owned Marathi newspaper, also played a crucial role to convince the committee members to select an extra State Information Commissioner so that Sandesh Prabhudessai could be accommodated through the back door. Selection to any post has to always be strictly on merit. Any lobbying for a post, should be a ground for straight outright disqualification. The advertisement that was issued by the Goa Government on 4th May was for the post of Chief Information Commissioner and only one State Information Commissioner, The Supreme Court of India in various judgments has held that if the advertisement is for one post than more than one appointment cannot be made and that this would be contrary to Articles 14 & 16 of the Constitution. Interestingly Sandesh Prabhudessai did not himself even apply for the post of State Information Commissioner. His name was recommended by my good friend Dr Oscar Rebello who had all the time to compile Sandesh Prabhudessai’s bio data but surprisingly remained silent on Sandesh’s educational qualification. Why was the very vital information on educational qualification not disclosed? Wasn’t the doctor’s prescription incomplete? Would this not be dangerous for the patient too? It may now be sought to be justified that Bill Gates was also a drop out. But then Bill Gates never sought to depend on government largesse and was never ever a burden to the State exchequer. All the facts on how the selection of Sandesh Prabhdessai is patently illegal and not in accordance with law has been placed before Goa Governor B.V.Wanchoo. Let us hope the Governor intervenes and does not consent to this highy-handed illegal selection. Aires Rodrigues T1 - B30, Ribandar Retreat Ribandar - Goa - 403006 Mobile: 9822684372