PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a series of key administrative decisions, including service age relaxation for Chief Engineers and implementation of the Sixth Pay Scale for new work-charge employees.
Addressing a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting today, Sawant said the Goa State Civil Service Rules have been amended to allow Chief Engineers in departments such as PWD, WRD, and Electricity to continue in service up to the age of 62, in cases where no eligible candidate is available for promotion.
The Cabinet cleared the implementation of the Sixth Pay Scale for future Work-Charge Establishment employees. “Departments such as PWD, WRD, and Electricity will now offer the Sixth Pay Scale to new work-charge recruits to ensure uniform pay and fair treatment,” Sawant said.
He further announced the retroactive extension of EPF coverage from 2017 for about 7,000 contractual employees across government departments, corporations, and autonomous bodies. “This will cost the government an additional Rs 2.5–3 crore, but it recognizes their service. We remain committed to fair treatment of contractual and work-charge employees while maintaining financial discipline,” Sawant concluded.
On other Cabinet decisions, Sawant announced the allotment of government land to the Goa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences on a 33-year lease at Curti and Codar.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister confirmed that a fresh FIR has been registered in the Pooja Naik case, following revelations of alleged financial fraud involving multiple individuals. “A detailed investigation is underway. Once proof is established, appropriate action will follow. Until then, the process will continue as per law,” he said.
He added that the file from Naik’s earlier case, in which several individuals were allegedly defrauded, has been reopened. “The case has now been registered and an FIR filed. Police have begun a thorough investigation into Pooja Naik’s statements and activities. Action will follow only after evidence is verified,” Sawant said.
