MMC pins hope on new addl CO for better administration

Chairperson says let’s wait and see functioning of new officer rrthe goan I networkrMARGAO rrThis question is doing the rounds in the corridors of the Margao civic body as Agnelo is scheduled to take charge of office on Wednesday, even as a number of files are pending in the Chief Officer’s chamber for want of clearance. rIn the past, Margao city fathers had clamoured for a full-time CO so that the officer devotes his full time time and energy to resolve the burning issues facing citizens. When The Goan contacted MMC Chairperson Babita Angle Prabhudesai for her comments on the government’s decision to appoint a part-time CO to head the Margao civic body, she said it all depends on the efficiency and caliber of an officer. “There may be two opinions on this question. One, there can be a full-time officer, whose presence does not help to address issues and an officer, though full time does justice to the job with efficient handling of resources,” Babita said. rExuding confidence that Agnelo will stem the rot and take the municipal administration to new heights, the MMC Chairperson said “let us wait and see how the system works after the new Chief Officer takes charge on Wednesday”. rShe pointed out that though South Goa District Collector Swapnil Naik has been holding the additional charge of MMC Chief Officer, a system has been put in place by the A-grade officer ever since he had taken additional charge of the civic body. rAgnelo Fernandes will be the fifth A-grade officer to preside over the affairs of the MMC, beginning with Y B Tawde, since the new council headed by Babita had taken over in December 2015. rSiddhivinayak Naik, who had succeeded Tawde in December 2015, held the post for three months before he was replaced by former CO, Deepali Naik. She was transferred after two months in office, before Tawde returned back to the chair in May 2016.