PANJIM: The River Navigation Department (RND) has revoked the suspension of five ticket collectors and sailors, of the total seven, who were suspended in September, for not depositing money collected by them from commuters since January 2013.
Along with these seven, six more ticket collectors were suspended in October under same charges. Director RND James Braganza confirmed that the department has revoked the suspension of five ticket collectors after they deposited the amount collected from commuters.
All the ticket collectors and sailors were accused of not depositing amount ranging between Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 collected by them. The Department has revoked suspension of Shyam Gawde, Ajit Shirodkar, Kashinath Sawant, Domingo Fernandes and Satywan Pednekar. Currently, eight ticket collectors and sailors are facing suspension.
Meanwhile, RND employees, during their general body meeting held on Tuesday, objected to the service conditions of sailors, which makes it mandatory for additional duty of collection of ferry tickets.
The RND Flotilla staff has decided to petition Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Minister for Water RND and Captain of Ports demanding immediate resolution of the issue.
“The additional duty charge adversely affect the main duty as sailors, jeopardizing the security of the passengers travelling in ferry boats,” trade union leader Christopher Fonseca said. The Union has threatened to launch a protest in support of their demand.
