Regularise contract staff employed by Goa govt, demands Vijai
PORVORIM: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Friday urged the government to regularise contract staff working in various government departments, semi-government corporations, and autonomous bodies, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment mandating the regularisation of long-term employees performing essential functions in government institutions.
The court also condemned the misuse of contractual employment in the public sector and stressed the need to prevent arbitrary termination of such employees.
Sardesai highlighted a Legislative Assembly Question (LAQ) dated July 22, 2024, which revealed that 1,480 staff members are employed on a contract basis in the Directorate offices alone. He noted that when considering all government-affiliated institutions, the total number of contract workers could be in the tens of thousands, raising concerns about their job security and fair employment practices.In response, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that he would “verify” the matter but did not provide any concrete assurance.
GSWA to inspect Maimollem Lake over land rights issues
PORVORIM: The Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA) will conduct a physical site inspection of the periphery of Maimollem Lake, Vasco, next week to assess concerns raised by local residents regarding potential loss of land and cultivation rights after the lake was declared a wetland.
Responding to a Zero Hour mention by Vasco MLA Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira said, “We are aware of the issue. A committee, chaired by a retired judge, was formed to address public grievances. The committee’s report has been submitted, and after discussions, the authority decided to conduct an on-site visit to assess the ground reality,” Sequeira said. The Minister assured that while the wetland designation imposes certain restrictions, it does not prevent farmers from cultivating paddy fields or homeowners from repairing or reconstructing houses. However, new construction on vacant plots will not be permitted.
Earlier, Salkar highlighted fears among residents that the 50-metre buffer zone mandated under Wetland Rules could render their land unusable for future development.