MARGAO: Margao’s Sub-Registrar office continues to be a source of frustration for citizens as complaints persist regarding subpar service and treatment meted out to citizens by some staff members.
Allegations abound that instead of aiding applicants, certain staff members are deliberately causing inconvenience, compelling individuals to make multiple trips to the South Goa Collectorate, Margao, to collect documents they have applied for in person. Citizens express exasperation over the ordeal, pointing out that they are often asked to come on a different day, and there are no signboards indicating timings for these counters, which function as per the whims of the staff manning them.
An official at the Sub-Registrar office told O Heraldo that specific grievances can be addressed if reported. However, despite reassurances, instances of poor treatment persist, prompting frustration among the public.
A recent memorandum submitted by the NGO ‘Niz Goenkar Fauz’ (NGF) to the Sub-Registrar emphasised the importance of accessible and approachable government employees, urging authorities to improve public service standards.
Pascoal Costa, General Secretary of NGF, also highlighted alleged mistreatment of applicants by staff members.
On Wednesday, a citizen informed O Heraldo that she faced a tough time to collect her matriz record and failed to get it despite this being her fourth visit since March – and that too just for one document.
“Staff at the office do not provide the required information, like costs involved, payment methods, and counter timings properly. At some counters at the Collectorate, online or UPI payments are accepted, whereas at other counters, they insist on cash. To top this, the government staffers are curt and treat applicants poorly,” said the agitated applicant.
She added that she had been asked to collect the document on a certain day but when she visited, was told that the document wasn’t ready – an ordeal that she endured again when she returned a second time, several days later.
Reports of delayed document processing, inconsistent payment procedures, and inadequate communication further compound the challenges faced by applicants.
Floriano D’souza, a resident of Seraulim, lamented the inconvenience caused to individuals who travel from afar, only to be met with unpreparedness and poor service at the office. “They give reasons like the counter timings are over, and ask us to come again, despite the document being ready on their desk,” he added.
Moreover, senior citizens waiting at various offices to sort out issues with their payments from State government schemes, raised concerns about the office environment – filthy toilets and the pervasive odour of faeces exacerbate the discomfort experienced by visitors.
“We can resolve these issues. Applicants can visit me and inform me about the bad services. Let me know which staff is not treating people properly,” stated an official from the Sub-Registrar office.
