Team Herald

PANJIM: The current chairman of Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Ganesh Shetgaonkar is likely to get fourth extension, as State failed to zero in upon his replacement. The third extension granted for a period of three months to the Board is set to end this month.

Since December 2020, the Board, including the post of Member Secretary (MS) held by Shamila Monteiro, has been extended. A three-month extension was first granted from December 15, 2020. It was later extended in March 2021 till June 15 and then from June till September 30.

Sources informed that government received only one application to the fresh advertisement issued for the post of Chairman in May, this year.

In October 2020total eight person had applied. However, only three candidates met the age criteria of 56 years.

“The term of the Board will be further extended for another three months,” sources said adding that government is also considering amending the Recruitment Rules (RR), after consulting National Green Tribunal (NGT).

For the post of chairperson and MS, knowledge of environmental sciences and environmental management has been made mandatory. According to new guidelines, there would be 19 members board instead of 16 members that includes Chairperson, MS and 17 members to be nominated by the State government to represent interest of agriculture, fishery or industry or trade and local authorities functioning within the State.

The recruitment would be done by the Selection Committee on contract or deputation basis.