Goa Congress President Amit Patkar recently criticized the state government for allegedly restricting entry to public jetties, which he claims obstructs citizens’ rights and undermines transparency. In a press conference, Patkar pointed out multiple unresolved issues, challenging Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to present a “report card” on the government’s performance across several key areas. Patkar emphasized concerns over social welfare funds, environmental impacts from proposed projects, and ongoing corruption investigations that have not yielded transparency.

Patkar specifically raised the issue of social welfare fund allocation, with nearly 500 crores reportedly unreleased for crucial schemes, and pointed to outstanding dues from corporations amounting to thousands of crores that remain uncollected. Additionally, he questioned the effectiveness of high-profile projects such as the South Goa District Hospital and criticized the government’s handling of land conversions, mining resumption, and the controversial IIT project at Rivona. By restricting public access to jetties, Patkar argues, the government further demonstrates a lack of accountability and avoidance of public scrutiny​.