Here's how Goan MLAs spent Rs 84.59 lakhs on a junket to World Cup in Brazil

News of six Goan MLAs — Ramesh Tawadkar (Sports), Avertano Furtado (Fisheries), Milind Naik (Power)- and MLAs Carlose Almeida, Glen Ticlo (both BJP) and Benjamin Silva (Independent) — going on an expensive ‘study tour’ to the FIFA World Cup first broke during the tournament. Today, the a report in Times of India breaks down the cost of the sojourn. [caption id=“attachment_1670459” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Out of Rs 84.59 lakhs, the MLAs spent a whopping Rs 48,12,550 on match tickets alone. AFP[/caption] Out of Rs 84.59 lakhs, the MLAs spent a whopping Rs 48,12,550 on match tickets alone. Clearly, these were no ordinary tickets. The MLAs bought tickets for two quarterfinals ($2,550/ticket) and two semifinals ($4,200/ticket) that included included buffet style catering, guaranteed parking, premium bar service, a commemorative gift and a dedicated welcome area with multilingual hostesses. Bills also show that that Rs 7.65 lakhs was spent on sightseeing. The bookings were done through Fans on Stands, who have now presented the bill to the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG). The MLAs had agreed to travel to Brazil at their own cost, which means they will have to cough up around Rs 14 lakhs per head to to the SAG. The payment was supposed to be made before 31 July but the deadline has been extended to 15 September. Perhaps the MLAs are still trying to get someone else to fund their trip? . Click here to read the full Times of India report.