Team Herald
VASCO: The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Wednesday had a surprise visitor in Power Minister and local MLA Milind Naik, who took several civic and mamlatdar officials to task. Naik informed that he had received numerous complaints from citizens that MMC officials are involved in corrupt practices and are only entertaining agents, while the files of common citizens are ignored.
He also charged that officials often demanded money from citizens and were behaving rudely. Hence, he said that he decided to pay a surprise visit and warn them that they would face action if they failed to mend their ways.
“There can be a delay in work, but these officials cannot refuse to clear the file. Such things were happening and the same was reported to me by several citizens. I have now warned them. Next time, we will take action against those who are purposely keeping the file on hold,” said Naik.
It is learnt that Naik had sent one of his staff along with files to the MMC. However, Machindra Mandrekar, an LDC in the technical section, kept the staff waiting and even uttered something that upset Naik’s staff. They reported the matter back to Naik, who decided to pay a surprise visit to the office to verify it.
He said, “My staff or even several councillors bring files pertaining to the citizens only because their work gets held up in the municipality many a times. It is the duty of the MMC staff to talk to people politely. However, these officers deliberately harass the citizens, while the same officers do similar work for those who make them happy. Such a practice won’t be tolerated. This is the first warning given to the staff. If the same situation occurs, then action against them is for sure. Also, I have directed the officials of MMC and Mamlatdar to keep a check on the movement of agents as I have been informed that the agents are increasing and genuine cases are kept aside, while agents get their work done in no time.”
Mormugao Deputy Collector Sabaji Shetye, MMC Chairperson Lavina D’ Souza, MMC Chief Officer Melvyn Vaz and several other council members were present during Naik’s visit. Vaz has decided to initiate an inter-departmental transfer of officers soon after the Saptah celebration to instill discipline amongst the municipal staff.
