CANACONA
The chairperson of a municipal council usually travels in the vehicle driven by the municipal driver, but the roles were reversed at the Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) in a rare gesture on Wednesday.
This time, CMC Chairperson Simon Rebello drove the official municipal car with the CMC driver Pradeep Gayak in the passenger’s seat, as a mark of appreciation to Gayak, who retired after serving 35 years as the municipal driver of CMC.
What’s more, Rebello drove the official vehicle to Gayak’s residence and picked him and his wife from their house. Rebello then drove Gayak and his wife to all 12 municipal wards, before proceeding to the CMC hall for a farewell function.
On the occasion, CMC sweeper, Indumati Mallapa Parwar, was also felicitated for 25 years in service.
Gayak began his career in 1987 as a daily wage driver of the municipal jeep for a meagre wage of Rs 10 a day and was absorbed as a motor driver two years later.
Initially, Gayak was the only CMC driver and besides driving the jeep to transport the chairperson and chief officer, would also drive the municipal garbage carriers/compactor.
As more drivers were hired for the municipal compactors, trucks and tempos, Gayak was then deployed only to drive the official CMC car for the chairperson and chief officer. He went on to serve the council for 35 years.
CMC Chairperson Simon Rebello praised Gayak for his long and dedicated service to the municipal council.
Gayak was probably the only municipal staff who faithfully wore his uniform of Khaki shirt/pant, even on this last day in office.
Others who spoke included Councillors Laxuman Pagui, Sara Naik Dessai, Ramakant Naikgaunkar, CMC staff Namrata Dessai and Canacona Patrakar Sangh President Ajit Poinginkar, while those present included CMC Dy Chairperson Amita Pagi, Councillors Shubham Komarpant, Nitu Samir Desai, Gandesh Madgavkar, Narcisco Fernandes, Hemant Kumar Naikgaunkar, ex-chairperson Divakar Pagi and municipal staff.
