Govt okays service extension to feeble officer?
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM SEPT 4
The issue of giving extension in service to government employees was hotly debated in the monsoon session of Goa assembly and the state government had assured that the practice would be done away with unless the circumstances demanded.
However, it has come to light that an officer who is not keeping in good health and retiring this month is sought to be given extension in service for one year.
Sources told Herald that Gurudas N Naik, Editor of Debates, will reach superannuation this month but despite his poor health condition, he applied for extension in service.
Secretary, Legislature Secretariat, J N Braganza, in his note is learnt to have said that it might not be possible to grant the extension. However, he left it to the Speaker to decide, sources said.
When the file went to the Speaker, Pratapsing Rane, he consulted the senior staff members to take the decision. He was briefed about the poor health condition of Naik who has to go for dialysis 2-3 times a week. The Speaker was also informed that the next in line, Oswald Pinto, Chief Reporter in the legislature secretariat has been efficiently handling the work of the Editor of Debates in the absence of Naik and also during the assembly sessions in the last 3-4 years.
It appeared that the Speaker was convinced that extension in service to Naik was not required for various reasons: first of all his health is not permitting him to do justice to the job, second, there is a qualified and experienced person to take over from him, etc.
But to the surprise of the staff, the Speaker yesterday in his noting has said that the request of Naik may be considered for one year which apparently goes against the policy of the government on extensions to government employees. The file however will have to go to CM for final decision.
Interestingly, Naik while applying for extension in service has not given reasons for his request. And neither has he requested for any specific period.
