Opposition corners govt over viral video of woman crying outside Transport Dept

Panjim: The government came under scathing attack of the Opposition after a video of a woman weeping outside the Transport Department went viral on Tuesday. 

The woman carrying two carry bags with files and documents was seen crying outside the govt dept in a video, which was shot by another visitor who said he was from Canacona. The woman accused the department of not renewing the license under the ‘Rent a Motor Cycle Scheme’ despite making an application last December. 

As she cried and fell on the ground, the local who was capturing the incident, entered the office of one of the officers demanding that her grievances be addressed. The local also warned to send the recorded clip to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant showing the insensitiveness of the dept towards the woman in need of help. The officer tried explaining that her business did not meet the requirement as per the Standard of Operation Procedures but in vain. 

In the 3.52 minute long video, the woman alleged that only selective individuals are given the privilege of license renewals. She was also seen scattering her files on the ground as she wept continuously. 

Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat slammed the govt for sidelining the needs of the common man. 

In a statement issued soon after the viral video, Kamat said that govt officials and staff need to be very sensitive towards the common man. “The people come to resolve their difficulties and expect cordial approach from the government employees. The viral video of a lady crying at one of the government office complaining of non co-operative approach by the staff there is extremely shocking. It clearly exposes the insensitive behaviour of the officials,” he said. 

He urged CM Sawant to take note of the incident and give directions to all Heads of Depts and other staff to have people-friendly approach and show sensitivity towards the people. 

“We all should adapt a ‘help each other’ attitude during the testing times of COVID-19 pandemic, which has put everyone to hardships economically. It has become very difficult for the marginalised sector to take care of their day to day expenses. In such situation, the government staff should reach out to the people with positivity and help,” he added. 

Goa Forward Party  Vice-President Durgadas Kamat took to Twitter to slam the “state of affairs of the CM Pramod Sawant-led govt” while tagging the video with his post.