Savio Pinto
Once upon a time, the employment exchange was the backbone for any job-seeker in Goa. Unfortunately, over the years it has become redundant as most of the jobs for every post in the government department seems to have been auctioned as recent job-scandals that rocked the state suggest. Paying for a job is one thing but paying for even getting extension in service is now a fashion. And that should give you goosebumps for any aspirant candidate.
Government positions, regardless of the department, carry an implicit duty to serve the public interest and contribute to the state's welfare. Unfortunately, recent Goa Government's trends suggest otherwise—individuals who fail to uphold these principles are often glorified, rewarded, and granted extensions. This not only tarnishes the reputation of the entire department but also dampens morale among hardworking employees.
First and foremost, extensions should be reserved for those who genuinely treat work as worship, whose contributions are visible and acknowledged by the public and their peers. From a junior employee to a senior officer, only those who have demonstrably upheld the values and responsibilities of their role should be considered.
A particular concern arises with individuals who have earned promotions through reservations but fail to honour the legacy of Dr B R Ambedkar. These benefits were intended to uplift and empower, and not to be exploited for personal gain. When such individuals misuse these opportunities, they tarnish the reputation of the system designed to ensure equality and fairness. This behaviour is detrimental to the department and the ideals Dr Ambedkar envisioned.
A thorough and regular assessment of every employee's performance, focusing on both their accomplishments and shortcomings, is crucial. This practice would allow deserving officers to rise while ensuring that undeserving ones do not block progress.
Unfortunately, many extensions seem to serve only the self-interest of those who receive them. These individuals often suppress their colleagues, stifling opportunities for promotions and creating a toxic work culture.
It is imperative for senior officials to recognize and reward the contributions of their subordinates rather than exclusively honouring themselves.
The government must also address the unethical practices of some officers who prioritize securing their own extensions over the welfare of the department.
It is time for the Goa government to wake up and take corrective action. A thorough review of departmental work-environments and regular open forums with employees could help identify and resolve such issues.
As the question looms, the third extension, for that matter any extension, should not be granted to those who are trying to influence the government through unfair and unethical means. Government should act wisely and see that such officers who are detrimental to the department are sent home with the right message. I hope and pray our Hon. The Chief Minister will act in his wisdom and do the needful. This new, unfair, unwarranted culture should be stopped immediately. And that would be seen as a progressive sign of governance.