The Santa Cruz Congress Block Committee voiced strong concerns on Thursday regarding the hiring practices at Goa's post offices, claiming that most of the employees are from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, while local Goans are being overlooked for positions. According to the committee, the hiring process should prioritize local talent to better serve the community.
Committee members emphasized that language barriers, particularly the inability of non-Goan employees to correctly pronounce local Goan names, are a significant issue. This has resulted in confusion and mistakes in the delivery of goods and letters, as migrant employees often struggle to identify the correct recipients due to mispronunciation.
"Traditionally, postmen in Goa were locals who understood the local language and culture, which made them more effective in delivering mail. But now, we are seeing migrant workers who are unable to communicate properly with the locals, leading to errors in deliveries," said a Congress member.
John Nazareth, President of the Santa Cruz Congress Committee, called for a change in recruitment practices, stressing the need for Goans to be employed in these positions to ensure better service. "It is essential that Goans are recruited in the post office and other sectors to maintain the efficiency of services," Nazareth stated.
Mariano Araujo, former Youth Congress president and current North Goa district member, pointed out that recruitment in Goa’s post offices is controlled by the Maharashtra circle, which often prioritizes hiring from Maharashtra. "They ensure that Maharashtrians are hired, and this results in fewer opportunities for local Goans," Araujo added.
The committee's demand for local recruitment comes as part of a broader call for greater employment opportunities for Goans in various sectors, particularly those that serve the local community directly.