In a move aimed at safeguarding local interests, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday told the Goa Legislative Assembly that knowledge of reading and writing in Konkani will be made compulsory for recruitment to posts in the Postal Department in the State.
Sawant was responding to a Zero Hour mention by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who raised concerns over the appointment of new postmen from Maharashtra. The Chief Minister stated that recruitment rules are being revised and that a certificate from the Goa Konkani Akademi would soon be a mandatory requirement for such appointments.
Sardesai, while welcoming the Konkani language requirement, strongly demanded justice for around 40 Goan postmen who were retrenched despite having served for years, many on daily wages for over 15–20 years. He alleged that they were abruptly replaced by about 50 individuals from Maharashtra, some of whom, he claimed, were unable to correctly pronounce the names of Goan villages.
He further alleged corruption in the recruitment process, stating that he had in his possession a video in which a newly appointed postman admitted to paying a bribe of Rs 3.5 lakh to secure the job. “Sting videos show letters taken home, addresses unknown. One recruit admits paying Rs 3.5 lakh for the job. Corruption has reached ‘Central engine’,” he said.
Sardesai pointed out that the retrenched Goan workers had approached the Chief Minister on three occasions seeking redressal, but no concrete steps had been taken so far. “This is not just about jobs, it's about Goan identity and dignity,” he said, urging the government to fulfill its assurances and address the plight of the displaced workers.
Calling for immediate reinstatement or compensation for the affected Goans, Sardesai stressed that the issue was about fairness, employment rights, and the need to protect Goa’s cultural fabric.
In his reply, the Chief Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and reiterated that Konkani proficiency would soon be a mandatory qualification for postal recruitment in Goa. He assured the House that necessary steps would be taken to prevent the marginalisation of local candidates in future appointments.
He further alleged corruption in the recruitment process, stating that he had in his possession a video in which a newly appointed postman admitted to paying a bribe of Rs 3.5 lakh to secure the job. “Sting videos show letters taken home, addresses unknown. One recruit admits paying Rs 3.5 lakh for the job. Corruption has reached ‘Central engine’,” he said.
Sardesai pointed out that the retrenched Goan workers had approached the Chief Minister on three occasions seeking redressal, but no concrete steps had been taken so far. “This is not just about jobs, it's about Goan identity and dignity,” he said, urging the government to fulfill its assurances and address the plight of the displaced workers.
Calling for immediate reinstatement or compensation for the affected Goans, Sardesai stressed that the issue was about fairness, employment rights, and the need to protect Goa’s cultural fabric.
In his reply, the Chief Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and reiterated that Konkani proficiency would soon be a mandatory qualification for postal recruitment in Goa. He assured the House that necessary steps would be taken to prevent the marginalisa-tion of local candidates in future appointments.