Earning profits or to use a less charitable phrase-‘making money”, is the birthright of anyone who earns it honestly and declares it. So when the Association of Democratic Reforms, based on affidavits filed by candidates, released the assets of outgoing MLAs and ministers, there was no shock or surprise. But there was a tinge of disbelief that some of our honourable MLAs and ministers are worth only Rs 25-30 crores. What seems like huge amounts officially could actually just be a drop in their large ocean of wealth (undoubtedly some of it ill gotten). Does anyone believe that any of these MLAs have declared all their wealth and all its forms legally?
This information released by ADR, is based on thorough compilation of officially available data declared by 129 out of 215 candidates themselves in their affidavits filed with their nomination papers.
However, even if we go only by the official figures available, questions can be raised. Take for example Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar whose wealth has gone up from 4.89 crores to 30.20 crores in five years, an increase of Rs 25.31 crores, a little over Rs 5 crores a year or a little over Rs 40 lakhs a month. Now let us not forget that this is not the earnings of his company. These are his personal earnings. So even if he is a businessman involved in mining transportation, he need to, for the purpose of transparency let the people of Goa and specifically the people of his constituency know he earns over Rs 40 lakhs a month. This isn’t small change you know. Since this is officially declared, the source of at least funds should be available. It needs to be made public. Similar Joaquim Alemao and Speaker Pratapsing Rane have had similar increases. Here too while Speaker Rane’s family wealth is known, but again the details should be with the public of Goa.
Credit is due in large proportions to organizations like ADR, because they are doing the job of researchers and may we add, even journalists. This is a good beginning but there is always scope to make this exercise even more meaningful and for this the responsibility does not lie with ADR alone. Information should be sought or compiled on Tax related violations of these MLAs, the number of times and the details of tax notices they have received, other violations alleged by investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Customs and their responses. That will bring us closer to what they have not disclosed which is the real ‘dirty picture’.
The common man is not a fool. If you see the homes our ministers and MLAs live in, the cars they drive, the money that they spend during their election campaigning, the gap between what is declared and what is really earned, will be enough for several fortune laden ships to pass through.
The ADR report is a beginning. It’s snapshot of what the truth really is. It’s the only effort at this stage, which keeps alive what used to be a routine procedure of filing affidavits. The ADR makes every entry on every accounting page of an MLA count and ask questions about stuff that is not accounted for. This is true democracy at work.
