Team Herald

PORVORIM: Acting tough on erring and lethargic government employees, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has asked them to opt for voluntary retirement if they are unable to deliver to the people as per their expectations. 

In a bit to tighten and streamline the bureaucracy, the State government has proposed to implement the Goa (Right of Citizens to Time-Bound Delivery of Public Services) Act 2013 ensuring time bound service to citizens.

Further, to ensure transparent and corruption-free governance, the government intend to strengthen the Vigilance Department by constituting a special squad with full powers to investigate all types of vigilance cases, including those related to disproportionate assets.

“I have noticed that there is a lot of lethargy and laxity in governance. The government servants who are not able to cope up with the expectations of the citizens and the government for various personal or work related reasons will be given an opportunity to take voluntary retirement (VRS),” Parrikar said in his Budget speech.

For this purpose, the government proposes to introduce special scheme for voluntary retirement. “Government employees cannot take people for granted. It is their duty to provide service to the people. If they cannot deliver or perform, better take VRS and get themselves busy in their personal work,” the Chief Minister told media persons after tabling the financial statement. 

Parrikar said the government will not tolerate lethargy in its employees. “As I told earlier, I will give them a short time to put their conduct in order. If they fail to go for VRS, then government will act,” he said sending clear signals. 

The Chief Minister clarified that though the Right of Citizens to Time-Bound Delivery of Public Services Act was introduced in 2014, it was not fully implemented. “Now, it would be considered very seriously,” he assured. Parrikar also said that corruption in bureaucracy will not be tolerated.