Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai on Monday raised serious concerns in the Goa Assembly during Zero Hour over a ₹3.5 lakh bribery scam in postal recruitment and the alleged systematic replacement of local Goan postmen by outsiders. Sardesai claimed that around 40 Goan postmen, many working on daily wages for over 15 years, were abruptly removed and replaced by about 50 people allegedly from Maharashtra. He expressed alarm that these newcomers “cannot even pronounce Goan village names,” questioning how they could effectively serve the local population.
Highlighting sting videos that reportedly exposed delivery failures, letters being taken home, and one recruit admitting to paying a ₹3.5 lakh bribe for the job, Sardesai underscored that this issue transcends mere employment—it strikes at the heart of Goan identity and dignity, or “Goemkarponn.” He criticized Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for remaining silent despite being approached multiple times.
Responding, CM Sawant acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and announced that knowledge of Konkani, Goa’s official language, would soon become a mandatory qualification for postal recruitment. Applicants will be required to present certification from the Goa Konkani Academy, ensuring local language proficiency. He assured that corrective steps will be taken to protect local candidates from being sidelined in future recruitment drives.
While Sardesai welcomed the Konkani certification move, he pressed the government further to deliver justice to the displaced 40 Goan postmen, demanding either their reinstatement or adequate compensation. “It’s about fairness, employment rights, and respecting Goa’s culture,” he emphasized, urging swift and concrete government action to safeguard local livelihoods and preserve cultural integrity.