PANJIM: After announcing the ‘withdrawal’ of all Group C posts advertised pursuant to passing the Goa Staff Selection Commission Bill 2019, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Thursday softened his stand on the issue stating that departments can complete the recruitment process in case of ‘urgent or emergency’ posts, on seeking approval from the Personnel Department. 

Uncertainty looms large over 1,200 vacancies, for which advertisements were issued by various government departments after the Bill was passed by the State Legislative Assembly on August 9. Health Department had advertised for nearly 1,077 posts. 

Sawant on Thursday morning chaired the BJP legislators meeting at his official residence, where the issue on recruitment was discussed. During the meeting, MLAs were of the view that the Chief Minister should take all into confidence on policy decisions.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Sawant said that Governor Dr Mridula Sinha has granted assent to Goa Staff Selection Commission Bill and now the process to appoint the chairman will start. 

“We have to now appoint a chairman and other two members of the Commission. It will take some time,” he said. “Till then, departments can fill up emergency or urgent posts that are required. For that, they will have to take permission from the Personnel Department,” he further clarified. 

Sawant said the government has not stopped any recruitment process as alleged by the opposition. “The recruitment process is on in Separtment of Art and Culture, Collectorate, etc," he said. 

Asked about the recently-advertised posts in the Health Department, Sawant said he will discuss it with Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and take a call. “Rane was not present for the meeting as he is in Belgaum. Once he is back, I will sit with him and list out the actual and urgent requirements,” he said. 

On September 6 the CM had moved a note stating that the Goa Staff Selection Commission Bill, 2019 has already been passed by the Legislative Assembly, and such all Group C recruitments are to be carried out  hrough the Commission. “All the advertisements issued pursuant to passing of the Bill are required to be withdrawn immediately,” the note had mentioned.