VASCO
Some outgoing councillors of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) have appealed to fellow councillors to unite and stand in solidarity with the municipal workers on strike and not shy away just because their tenure is over.
They have also demanded a dedicated chief officer for MMC so that issues of the striking workers are resolved.
Speaking to reporter, outgoing councillor Rajan Faldesai said most MMC workers on strike belonged to his ward and that, he was aware of their situation.
“When all of us were in the council, we used to fight among each other over labourers for works in our wards. But when these workers are on strike, some councillors have claimed they were willing to clear garbage at their own cost, which shows that they are OK if the issue is not resolved and this is not right.”
“If this is the case, why did they not clear garbage at own cost while they were in power? Almost 80% of striking workers are from my ward and they have been buying groceries and later paying from their salaries.”
“Now, they don’t get credit and I urge all outgoing councillors to unite and stand in solidarity with them and not run away just because our tenure is over,” said Faldesai.
Another outgoing councillor Nolesh Navelkar said the MMC strike had been affecting the entire Mormugao taluka.
“While councillors may clear the garbage, the treatment plant is locked and without workers, the question of clearing garbage at own cost does not arise,” said Navelkar.
Navelkar also demanded a dedicated chief officer for the MMC.
“This is an administrative issue and while the labourers cannot clear files, the process of recovery is an administrative job and it not their fault. The chief officer is changing so frequently and while every officer who joins takes time, the files are piling up and by the time the chief officer is ready to act, there is a transfer and we have a new chief officer.”
“If files are not cleared, how can money be generated to clear the salaries? We need a dedicated chief officer for recovery of these arrears,” said Navelkar.
