Municipal officials will be held accountable for missing documents: MLA

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Team Herald

MARGAO: The frequent disappearance of important files and citizens’ records from the Margao Municipality has raised serious concerns about the civic body’s administrative efficiency and accountability. As complaints from citizens continue to mount, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat has issued a stern warning to municipal officials, demanding greater responsibility in handling documents.

In response to the complaints from frustrated citizens, MLA Kamat stressed the need for accountability and emphasised that such lapses must be addressed to restore public confidence in the civic administration.

Speaking to reporters, he said that accountability will have to be enforced if this problem persists, as he is of the opinion that the citizens should not have to repeatedly visit the municipal office due to the loss of their paperwork.

It is to be noted that in the past, there were several cases wherein even important files from the office had gone missing and no one had a clue about the files. In response, former Chief Officer Gaurish Shankwalkar had recently asserted that there would be a crackdown on negligent officers and emphasised the critical role of the file tracking system in safeguarding important paperwork. Despite this, citizens have been complaining about the missing of their paperwork and files from the office of the civic body.

Now, the Margao MLA has issued a similar warning to the municipal staff. While he also praised Damodar Shirodkar, Chairperson, for his efforts in advancing the city’s development, he highlighted the need for the municipal administration to be proactive and responsive to the community’s needs.

“I would like to warn municipal officials and staff that accountability will be fixed if files go missing from the Margao Municipality. There ought to be no complaint henceforth from citizens that their files have gone missing. We will initiate stern action against erring officials and staff.”

He further stated, “People should not be made to come to the municipal building again and again. Such a situation reflects badly on the municipal administration. Ultimately, it’s the common man who decides whether there’s good governance. Officials and staff must be responsive to the people.”

In the past, citizens from Margao have also pointed out that files and records at the leaky MMC building are often stored poorly, piled on open shelves or in boxes on the floor and are exposed to moisture.

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