Team Herald
MARGAO: A circular issued by South Goa district Collector Jyoti Kumar asking for a contribution of Rs 1,000 each from the collectorate staff, for an event to be held on January 26, has received widespread criticism.
The circular said, “An event is being organised by the Collectorate of South Goa on January 26, 2023, at Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex ground followed by Republic Day Function. All the permanent staff and officers who are willing shall contribute Rs 1,000 each for making this event a grand success.”
The collector also mentioned the names of two officials who were directed to collect the amount from all the willing staff and officers, including subordinate offices. Following the criticism over the circular, Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate said he will look into the matter.
“I have sought clarification from South Goa Collector over the circular. I have also asked on what basis the circular was issued. You cannot issue such a circular,” said Monserrate.
Later on, the District Collector took to social media to clarify that the event was not a Republic Day function but another event that also happens on January 26.
“To clarify, this program is not Republic Day 2023. On Liberation day of 2019, the Collectorate voluntarily contributed to organising a program for Childcare institutions & old age homes in 2020,21 & 22, due to Covid, same was not conducted & is being organised this year,” the South Goa collector’s Twitter handle said.
John Nazareth, former President of Goa Goverment Employees Union questioned how the Collector could issue such a circular.
Sources at the collectorate agree that in the past such events would take place but that it was a voluntary contribution, without a government circular demanding a fixed amount.
