MARGAO: Dozens of retired employees of the Margao Municipal Council continue to make rounds to the Council, desperately hoping to receive their long-awaited dues. However, they are met with nothing more than assurances, leaving them disheartened and empty-handed.
Further investigations have uncovered alleged financial irregularities that have caused significant financial losses to MMC employees. These losses stem from the non-payment of LIC premiums, despite deductions being made from their salaries.
Expressing their frustration, a few workers spoke to O Heraldo, demanding that the civic body expedite the payment process and settle their dues without any further delay. Among them is Ramdas Chari, a retired employee of the Municipality, who can be regularly seen at the council’s office, hoping for his dues to be paid.
Due to shortage of funds, the Margao Municipal Council is facing a significant delay in paying the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) to several workers. The Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) is a financial upgradation scheme designed for government employees upon completing 10th, 20th, and 30th years of service, when no promotions are granted during this period.
Additionally, a considerable amount of one year’s arrears from the 7th Pay Commission, dating back to 2016, is also pending payment, further aggravated by the financial shortfall.
Srinet Kothwale, MMC Chief Officer and Additional Collector, has acknowledged the pressing issue and assured that the process to resolve the dues and MACP payments has already been initiated.
Explaining the intricacies of the MACP, former Chairperson Savio Coutinho stated, “MACP, prior to the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, involves placement in the next grade pay in the grade pay hierarchy and a percentage increment in Basic Pay. Coutinho further revealed that many eligible staff members have long been demanding their rightful dues, but for unknown reasons, the settlements remain pending.
Another financial nightmare for many employees revolves around their Employee Provident Fund (EPF) accounts. Disputes arise due to errors in personal details such as names, primarily affecting workers who may not be literate and lack the understanding of how to rectify the problems they encounter. Coutinho claimed that the Shadow Council for Margao was the first to assist several workers in registering online and obtaining online statements of their EPF accounts years ago. It was during this period that the council faced scrutiny for the non-payment or deposit of EPF funds deducted from the payments of daily wage workers.
Chief Officer Srinet Kothwale said that a marathon meeting has been scheduled for Monday, where a final decision will be made to resolve the issue.
