PERNEM
A head clerk was injured after a portion of the ceiling collapsed at the Women and Child Development office in Pernem on Monday, raising serious concerns about the structural safety of the Pernem government complex.
The injured official, identified as Sujay Gawade, was admitted to the Tuem Community Health Centre (CHC), where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Pernem Deputy Collector Shivprasad Naik said that the building has weakened at several places. “Considering the potential threat to life and property, I had earlier informed Public Works Department officials, who inspected the premises and submitted a report to their superiors. However, no action was taken, and this incident occurred. Immediate attention and remedial measures are now necessary,” Naik said.
Earlier, Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar had proposed shifting the Pernem government complex to Tuem, but the plan faced opposition, and the offices continued to function from the existing premises.
About six months ago, Pernem MLA Praveen Arlekar inspected the complex along with officials and announced plans to construct a new government office complex on government land near the Ambedkar statue. No progress has been made on the proposal so far.
