THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
The disqualification petition against Chairperson of the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), Nutan Bicholkar has gained momentum as the Director of Urban Development, Brijesh Manerkar issued a notice summoning her and Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar to appear before him on November 28.
The petition, filed by local resident Atmaram Gadekar, alleges procedural violations and favouritism in the hiring of six staff members for the municipal council.
Gadekar claims that Bicholkar bypassed necessary government approvals and ethical hiring standards to appoint four lower-division clerks and two junior stenographers on a contractual basis.
The controversy began with a resolution passed by the council on July 18, which proposed the appointments.
However, Gadekar alleges that the chairperson proceeded with the recruitment without securing the required State government sanction.
He further accused Bicholkar of favouritism, claiming she appointed a family member and an associate to the positions.
The petition also demands disciplinary action against Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar, alleging his complicity in the "illegal" recruitment process and suggesting his suspension.
In a recent MMC council meeting, a majority of councillors criticised the chairperson's actions, calling the appointments "illegal" and demanding their immediate cancellation.
The hearing scheduled for November 28 will determine the outcome of the disqualification appeal and may have significant implications for the leadership of the civic body.
