TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: The appointment as well as salary fixation of Margao Municipal Accounts and Administrative Officer created a ruckus at the council’s special meeting on Friday.
While the ruling group led by Councillor Damu Shirodkar demanded that Chief Officer Deepali Naik should provide all details right from the AAO’s appointment and his salary, the opposition demanded release of the AAO’s salary if he has put in work during his contract period.
Though the issue was not listed on the agenda it generated a lot of heat with even Chief Officer Deepali Naik in her spirited reply asserted that the AAO was appointed as per rules to complete pending work. She dared the councillors to prove that the appointment was illegal, adding that the AAO’s salary was fixed as per rules. The CO’s explanation failed to satisfy councillor Damu Shirodkar, who demanded that the CO come clear on the AAO’s appointment. He sought to know whether the Council had passed any resolution towards the appointment.
It was finally decided to clear the salary payment of the AAO since he has worked in the civic body during his contract period. Those opposing the payment urged the chairperson to verify whether the civic body has paid excess salary to the AAO.
As the issue threatened to go out of control, Chairperson Deulkar announced adjournment of the meeting, without realising that the final point listed on the agenda was to be discussed. Even as the Chief Officer left the hall following the adjournment, some of the councillors protested insisting that the meeting deliberate on the last point on the agenda. This prompted the Chairperson to send an SOS to the Chief Officer to return back to the meeting hall.
