Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and MLA Vijai Sardesai has urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to pursue with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi, the creation of a dedicated IAS, IPS, and IFS cadre for the State, as local officers are more familiar with the State's needs and aspirations and will be better equipped to make decisions.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Sardesai stated that Goa has a distinct identity in terms of language, culture, heritage, and legal frameworks, all of which are integral to the functioning of a responsive and efficient administration. However, officers posted to Goa from other parts of the country often lack an understanding of these critical aspects. Many officers are transferred to Goa for short stints during which they are unable to grasp the complexities of the local socio-political environment. Regrettably, a significant number of them do not take any real interest in learning about the intricacies of the State due to the brevity of their postings.
The lack of familiarity with Goa’s heritage, as well as its laws and customs, has led to a disconnect between the bureaucracy and the people they serve. Some officers, unfortunately, exhibit arrogance and disrespect toward both the public and elected representatives, further alienating themselves from the local populace. Others, fearing repercussions for their career prospects in Delhi, are hesitant to make decisions that may displease those in positions of power, undermining their ability to serve in the best interests of the State.
Sardesai pointed out that the State had attempted to establish its own cadre in the past, but these efforts had not borne fruit. However, the current situation demands that the government take up this cause with renewed vigour. The creation of a separate Goa cadre will not only enhance administrative efficiency but also restore faith in the bureaucracy, ensuring that officers are accountable to the State and its people.