Picture this. A junior engineer sends instructions to his PWD workers in Vasco to fix damaged pipelines on an urgent basis. A group of workers brave the downpour and sets out on the job without any rain gear. All they have is a thin plastic bag wrapped around their heads as protective gear against the inclement weather. They go about their jobs through the rain and report back of their job accomplished.
In Salcete, there is another story. Electricity department labourers and linesmen are seen moving about with umbrellas and some without any equipment in an attempt to track snapped power lines as rain descends in full furry. While it’s pouring cats and dogs, these men climb poles balancing themselves on an unstable ladder. The government has not provided them any raincoats or head gear to safeguard them during these risky field trips despite the fact that many have been electrocuted on duty in the past.
And away from the rain furry or the blistering summer heat, it’s a different picture where junior engineers and assistant engineers are clearing files from the confines of their air conditioned cabins.
It’s a pity that a file on ordering rain wear is still awaiting sanction although monsoon has set in since the first week of June. Another file of a similar nature has not moved in the electricity department because the head of department had proceeded on his summer vacation out of the country only to return towards the end of May.
Goa may be a land of susegads, where every system works in ultra slow motion and where movement of files from one desk to another takes months, irrespective of the seriousness and urgency of the matter. And in all probability, the rains will come and go this time, but the raincoats and other gear which was badly needed during the season will arrive only after it stops raining.
The job of higher up of moving files and proposals doesn’t stop at the point of signing them. It is his responsibility to pursue these requirements vigorously and ensure that his men of the field are not left exposed fending for themselves due to a corroded system.
On the flip side there have been cases where raincoats and other gear were not used by workers, despite being provided, for various reasons. We need full-proof systems where Heads of departments and immediate seniors are made responsible. They need to ensure these workers are well equipped before venturing out.
A revolution day has just passed us by where legislators have raised the pitch for all sorts of promises and goals “ from plastic to employment. However, this grim picture of our foot soldiers has not caught the fancy of anyone. Everyone wants uninterrupted power supply and water, but nobody cares how. This is one of those issues the State has to set right while talking about a revolution. The welfare and safety of its labour class should be a priority for the government at all cost.
