PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has asked the District Administration, South Goa to compensate the staff of a commercial property in Collem, whose belongings were washed away in a flood-like situation in July 2021.
The authorities, during the hearing, had denied relief to the owner of a tourism property, Joseph Barreto stating he does not come within the ambit of the government guidelines for granting gratuitous relief under the Goa Disaster Management Fund Scheme and the State Disaster Response Fund Scheme.
However, the complainant argued that he was seeking relief for his staff who lost their personal belongings in the floods when the Dudhsagar River overflowed and flooded several properties at Collem, on July 23, 2021.
“They were entitled to be compensated as per the assessment made by the government officials who visited the properties on July 28, 2021. The loss caused to staff, who lived in the staff quarters on the property and their personal belongings amounted to Rs 2,82,550,” he stated.
The Complainant further submitted that the government had offered compensation to 157 villagers of Collem and Shigao Panchayat of Dharbandora Taluka, who were paid between Rs 6000 to Rs 2 lakh. “He (Complainant) has not been compensated for the damages of his property being a commercial venture, but the loss of his staff is a personal loss and they are entitled to be compensated,” reads the order copy, quoting the complainant.
Nearly 20 months after the hearing, the Commission comprising of Acting Chairperson Desmond D’Costa and Member Pramod Kamat recommended the District Administration compensate the staff within 60 days from the order, being December 11.
The Commission further stated that a copy of its Inquiry Report be sent to the Respondent, calling for their comments, including the action taken or proposed to be taken within the stipulated time period.
