the goan I network
PONDA
The ordinary meeting of Ponda Municipal Council presided by chairperson Nayak held on Thursday evening unexpectedly turned into an investigation into the misuse of the PMC chairperson’s official Hyundai Accent car.
As the meeting was in progress, Dr Nayak suddenly recalled having earlier seen her official car proceeding towards Panaji, while she was returning to Ponda.
“Who permitted the staff to use my car and that too, without my permission,” asked Nayak, taking the councillors and staff by surprise.
Additional Collector Johnson Fernandes, who has additional charge as chief officer, was present for the meeting and the driver was summoned to the meeting to explain the unauthorised trip.
He then informed the visibly upset Dr Nayak that he was directed by one of his superiors to drop the accountant to Panaji.
“Since when he is entitled to use my car? If you feel that he is god, then drop him in your car or use a helicopter,” thundered the chairperson, as she blasted the staff over the misuse of her official car.
Sources told The Goan that the accountant, who stays in North Goa and has an additional charge of Ponda, was picked in the morning from Panaji by a Maruti Esteem car of PMC and was later dropped in the chairperson’s car later in the evening.
The interrogation finally ended when Dr Nayak bluntly instructed the staff to strictly adhere to the order and to refrain from misusing official vehicles.
Later speaking to The Goan, Nayak defended her outburst over the incident.
“I have noticed many times that my official car was being misused. What would happen if any untoward incident happens in my absence?” asked Dr Nayak.
Recovery of arrears discussed
PONDA: The Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) on Thursday resolved to auction the plucking of coconuts and mangoes for the next three years, while also deciding to initiate action against a mobile service provider.
“There are complaints from people that the cement used to replenish the pits after laying of fibre optic cable by a mobile service provider has washed away and it is posing danger. We will serve them with a notice,” said PMC chairperson Dr Radhika Nayak.
The PMC also deliberated on the issue of recovering arrears from 26 shops at Indira Market.
“Those shops shut down will be taken back into possession and re-auctioned. Those who are not willing to pay their shops will be sealed and those who are willing to pay will be given time to pay the amount in installments,” Dr Nayak added.
