Cong demands Parulekar’s resignation over beach cleaning scam 

Panaji, Sep 3 (PTI) Goa Congress today demanded theresignation of Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar accusing himof being involved in the beach cleaning scam. "Parulekar has his hands dirty in the beach cleaningscam. He should be divested of his portfolio," Congress Goaspokesperson Yatish Naik told a press conference here. Congress leader Trajano D’Mello was also present. Congress’ demand comes in the wake of a complaint byIndependent legislator Rohan Khaunte to Lokayukta allegingParulekar’s involvement in the scam pertaining to beach-cleaning contract awarded to certain private companies. Following the complaint, state tourism ministry hadannounced that the contract with the beach cleaning firm inquestion would be discontinued. Raising another issue, D’Mello alleged that the TourismMaster Plan being pushed in haste is another scam in theoffing. Tourism Department had recently invited suggestions andobjections for the tourism master plan which would givedirection to the future of the industry in the state. "The Detailed Project Report (of tourism master plan) hasbeen kept open from August 26 for a period of 15 days forsuggestions/objections of people after which it will befinalised. And it is the peak important Hindu festival of theyear," he said referring to onset of 10-day long GaneshChaturthi celebrations across the state. "What is the justification of this urgency? TourismMaster Plan has to be looked into thoroughly," he added. He said Congress demands the time period forsuggestions/objections for the master plan to be extended. When contacted, Parulekar rubbished the allegations. "We have already discontinued the contract with the beachcleaning firm, where is the question of anyone being involvedin the scam," he asked. The minister said enough time is given to people to raisetheir objections or suggestions on tourism master plan. PTIRPS ARSAARRYS