LIC Margao office Branch 93M, which was functioning from 3rd Floor at Salgaonkar Chambers, was shifted to the 4th floor of Reliance Trade Centre about 8-10 years back. There are two lifts adjacent to each other and one at the corner of the building which caters mostly to the hotel in the building.
Of the two adjacent lifts, one lift broke down at least 7 years ago. The second lift is also not functioning since last 25 days. The 3rd lift at the corner is without power backup and people are scared to use it fearing getting stuck midway in case of power failure.
Any person visiting LIC office on the 4th floor has to climb the stairs to reach the LIC office and if anyone enters the building from the rear gate, they have to actually climb the stairs to the 5th floor from the basement. It is pathetic to see old aged persons and pregnant women climbing the stairs to go to LIC office for cash payments or claim settlements or pension policy matters. Not a single signboard is visible on the basement or on the ground floor directing their policyholders to the LIC office. LIC, despite being a premier Public Sector institution, has most of its offices situated on the 2nd floor and above inconveniencing the policy holders.
Employees whom were interacted with, made shocking revelations. LIC office is functioning there for last 8-10 years sans a Sale Deed which is shocking. It is also revealed that LIC has not paid the AMC amount of Lifts amounting to nearly Rs 7 lakh to “Reliance Builders” who are maintaining the building. The builder has refused to repair the lifts due to non-payment of AMC charges by LIC office. Since LIC is nation’s top Public Sector institution spending crores of rupees towards advertisements and sponsorships, it should set its affairs straight rather than causing hardships to the policy holders due to their irresponsible defaults.
In the best interest of their policyholders, LIC should get the Lifts repaired immediately. A Central Vigilance enquiry should be instituted to uncover the facts.
