PANAJI
Parsekar had on Sunday announced a proposal to have the last Saturday of every month as a working day to help clear the backlog in government departments and had invited suggestions on the decision in a month’s time.
Speaking to The Goan, GGEA general secretary John Nazareth said if the move was to be implemented; it would in fact be a step back for development in the State.
“The five-day a week system was introduced during Rajiv Gandhi\'s tenure based on a system that was adopted by countries from all around the world. It was a tried and tested method and helped in improving quality of work among government employees,” said Nazareth.
He added that the system had helped in allowing government employees to maintain a balance between their work and spending time with their families, leaving them energised and improving productivity at work.
He also added that most employees were annoyed with the decision and would oppose it. “If the government does in fact implement the proposal, it will take us a step back in development rather than move forward. Most employees are annoyed with the decision and will oppose it at all cost. There are several important issues that are yet to be resolved including that of pay parity,” said Nazareth.
The government, he said, had time and again assured the Association and its members that the issue of pay parity would be resolved but had yet to address it. A written letter from the Association will also be submitted to the Chief Minister to express their discontent with the proposal.
Parsekar had appealed to government employees to complete the month’s work at the end of the month adding that the state had made significant progress with the ‘Swachh Bharat, Nital Goem’ program. He also said the issue would be open for public reactions including those from the government employees themselves.
