The citizens have demanded that the MMC ask the OSD resign and recover the money paid to him within seven days. Failing which, the citizens have threatened to take action against the municipality.
The ‘Citizens Of Margao’ in a press conference alleged that the MMC since has no opposition, it has swindled huge amounts of money since its inception. The press was addressed by Nelson Fernandes, Ethel Lobo, Piedade Noronha and Laurel Abranches.
The Margao Municipal Council, by resolution No 4424, decided to engage Harshad Naik, as OSD to the chairperson, on a monthly consolidated salary of Rs 25,000.
“Incidentally, Harshad Naik is an ardent supporter of Goa Forward Party and a close friend of Vijai Sardessai, and has been seen in the company of Vijai Sardessai at various public rallies of Goa Forward Party,” claimed Nelson Fernandes.
“The appointment of Harshad Naik is illegal. In a reply to our RTI query, we were informed that there is no provision in the bylaws of MMC for appointing such an employee. In addition to that there is no record of ads, interviews or scrutiny of other applicants,” Nelson said.
“However, without any order being passed regarding qualifications, pay, allowances, and other conditions of service and method of recruitment of OSD by the DMA, the MMC in an act of nepotism and favouritism and by flouting the law, decided to engage Harshad Naik as OSD,” they alleged.
“Why does the chairperson need OSD when so many workers are there in MMC? Something is fishy behind the appointment of this officer. His extension has deprived the employees their rightful promotion,” alleged Ethel Lobo.
She said, “If a government employee can be suspended for attending a political rally, then, even this OSD has to be removed for doing the same,”
“I demand that this should be taken as a notice and get his resignation within 7 days or face further action,” warned Laurel Abranches.
“There are scams after scams since the council came to power. We have filed many complaints before the vigilance, but they have been sitting on them,” Laurel Abranches said.
