The postal staff has been routinely denied their legitimate privileges.
These facilities are not luxuries, but essential for their service.
The cycle allowance of Rs 1500 has been is withdrawn, when cost of the humble cycle is in the range of Rs5000. Even the basic raincoats or umbrellas, a must for their outdoor work, especially during the monsoons, have not been provided.
Even umbrellas provided to them are of poor quality. One postman pointed out that the coloured umbrellas provided to them bleed and soil their uniforms. The washing allowance of Rs 50 has vanished altogether and the stitching allowance of Rs 100 per piece is unreasonable. No uniforms at all. Then why should they be forced to wear uniforms, monitor and castigate non-wearers. While enough resources are available to be frittered away for parties, functions etc .
Workers that dare question are even suspended on the last day of service to silence voices of legitimate dissent. Besides, customers are dissuaded in investing, by deliberately delayed providing documents due to absence and overburden staff. It is better that the post office shuts down, instead of offering staggered services to customers. One wonders why government is not taking advantage of easy resources, but resort to public and private borrowing at considerable costs. There is no recruitment of much-needed staff over prolonged periods, putting strain on existing staff in practically all post offices. On the contrary staff is sent on training, substitution/ reputation by hampering badly work in their place of posting, with least consideration to the customers’ needs. Some replacement staff have been paid pittance for years, yet are doing the job of full-fledged regular postman.
Post offices work at such a slow speed, especially due to lack of staff that they try the patience of customers, who have to wait for hours at the post office.
It is disgusting that head-office ignores complaints as a means to tide over situations, sweeping problems under the carpet. Also, Goa should have separate division and should not be combined with Maharashtra.
Despite the need for so many staff, Goans have been denied job opportunities. It would also be interesting to check how many Goans were in higher position of power and supervisory cadre.
Our legislators need to pay closer attention for the efficacy of postal services, customer grievances and also those of postal staff, while ensuring employment opportunities for Goans.
