Margao, Oct 2: Political analyst Vishal Pai Cacode has questioned the Goa Legislature Secretariat’s decision to hold the Silver Jubilee commemoration of the Goa Legislative Assembly Complex from October 6 to 9, saying the timing does not correspond with the building’s 25th anniversary. The Legislature Secretariat has officially tendered for the four-day commemoration.

Pai Cacode said the Assembly Complex was inaugurated on March 5, 2000, and therefore completed 25 years on March 5, 2025. “On October 6, 2026, the building will have completed 26 years, seven months and one day. How can a Silver Jubilee be celebrated in its 27th year?” he asked, questioning the priorities and expenditure involved in holding the event now.

He argued that public funds earmarked for ceremonial celebrations would be better directed towards maintenance and improvement of the Assembly Complex. Toilets, passages, the canteen and other facilities require attention, while the complex should also be made fully accessible and disability-friendly, he said.

The Legislature Secretariat’s tender, published on September 8, specifically describes the work as the “Silver Jubilee Commemoration of the Goa Legislative Assembly Building” to be held from October 6 to 9. The tender carries an EMD of ₹15 lakh, though the official tender page does not disclose the total tender value.

Pai Cacode also expressed concern that holding the commemoration at this stage could create confusion in the Assembly’s institutional history. He said commemorative milestones should reflect accurate dates so that future official records do not suggest that the Silver Jubilee actually fell in the building’s 27th year.

Calling for scrutiny of the decision, he appealed to senior former legislators, including Ramakant Khalap, Uday Bhembre, Luizinho Faleiro, Francisco Sardinha, Tomazinho Cardozo and Domnick Fernandes, to speak on the issue.

He also criticised the Opposition for not questioning the timing and expenditure of the programme. “Public money belongs to the people and must withstand public scrutiny,” Pai Cacode said, adding that elected representatives should prioritise legislative responsibility and accountability.

The Goa government had itself described the proposed programme in August as a celebration “marking 25 years of the present Goa Legislative Assembly building.” Speaker Dr Ganesh Gaonkar has since announced that the celebrations will run from October 6 to 9 and will include a photographic exhibition, felicitation of present and former legislators and other commemorative programmes.