QUEPEM, Nov. 15 -- Nearly eleven months after the State government notified Kushavati as Goa's third administrative district, the much-touted decentralisation drive remains largely on paper - with the District Collectorate, Superintendent of Police's office, and key departments still operating from Margao due to missing infrastructure at the designated headquarters in Quepem.

Notified on December 31, 2025, Kushavati comprises four talukas: Quepem, Sanguem, Dharbandora, and Canacona. However, major district-level offices continue to function from the Matanhy Saldanha Complex in Margao, raising questions among residents over why the district was declared without first putting essential facilities in place at Quepem.

Locals said the absenc...