PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has issued a notice to the North Goa Collector over alleged workplace harassment of select staff from the offices of the Mamlatdars of Bardez, Pernem, Tiswadi, Bicholim and Valpoi.
The notice, returnable on January 10, directs the Collector to submit a reply and appear before the Commission either in person or through a representative for a hearing scheduled at 10:30 am.
Anonymous employees from these offices alleged “unfair treatment” in the form of irregular work distribution, excessive workload for select employees, lack of compensatory benefits, violation of rights, workplace threats and its impact on their overall well-being.
According to the complainants, the Collector has implemented a policy requiring certain staff, including court clerks and multi-tasking staff (MTS), to work every Saturday. However, the selection process for this duty is allegedly arbitrary and lacks transparency as they claimed adding this repeated practice of assigning work to the affected staff has caused undue stress, dissatisfaction and a hostile work environment. “It has led to unfair treatment and discrimination,” it said.
The complainants further alleged that despite working extra hours on Saturdays, they are not granted compensatory leave or overtime, which violates legal provisions.
They further alleged that concerned Mamlatdars and joint Mamlatdars have reportedly threatened employees with show-cause notices and possible suspension if they refuse to work on Saturdays.
“The concerned Mamlatdars/Jt Mamlatdars have started threatening their staff under their control that no excuse no matter how important it is, no relief will be granted to the staff to stay home on Saturdays…Will be given show cause for their absence which may result in suspension…led to additional mental stress and agony,” the complaint copy, submitted in November 2024, stated.
The employees have thus urged the GHRC to investigate the matter, provide relief by ensuring a fair work-life balance, transparent work distribution policies and adequate compensation or compensatory leave for overtime work among other measures. After pursuing the complaint, the GHRC took cognisance issuing notice to the Collector.
