VASCO
The contract workers, who are working as linesmen and linesmen helpers, said they have been working with the department for the last five years and some have turned 45 and instead of confirming their jobs the department has recruited new persons on permanent basis.
Speaking to The Goan, the agitated contract workers said since Naik is the power minister, they went to seek his help. After listening to our grievances, Naik said he will try and confirm workers who have turned 45, they stated.
A contract worker, Anil Nath Rawat, said the new recruits are not capable of climbing electricity poles and are inexperienced. “There’s a big scam. The new permanent recruits are not qualified and inexperienced. The experience certificates produced by them are bogus,” claimed Rawat.
Dilip Gawas challenged the department to place electrical equipment before the new recruits for identification purpose. “Before recruiting, the department should also make the recruits climb electricity poles. It should also ask them to identify high and low tension lines. Also, make them remove carbon accumulated on joints. If the new recruits are able to do all these, we have no problem,” said Gawas.
Alexio Fernandes informed that only 37 of the 490 contract workers have been confirmed till date by the department and the rest are rejected every time they answer the interview. “We have faced interviews at least five times. Even though we are experienced, we have been rejected and it’s surprising that new recruits who are not even qualified are taken as confirmed employees of the department,” said Fernandes.
Cyril Fernandes alleged that Naik was trying to garner his vote bank by recruiting people from his constituency. “We are not paid for the last three months and if justice is not done we will be forced to knock the doors of the court to get justice,” warned Fernandes.
Later, the agitated workers met at SAG Ground Chicalim to chalk out future course of action.
Clarifying his stand on recruitment, Power Minister Milind Naik said he is not responsible for the selection as there is a selection committee to conduct interviews and select candidates.
Naik said at the time of recruiting contract workers, an undertaking is taken from them stating that they will not press for confirmation of their jobs. “Contract is renewed every year and if there is a vacancy for confirmed post, then the department absorbs from the pool of contract workers.”
Naik assured that he will take up the matter with his government and try and solve the problem of the workers.
