PANAJI
In a surprising turn of events, a lady Traffic Police Sub-Inspector, Ramila Parsekar, who sought voluntary retirement, alleging harassment by her senior and subordinate, has reversed her decision. Parsekar not only retracted her allegations during an inquiry but also withdrew her Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) application.
The PSI, apparently confused on why she was seeking VRS, made two such applications to her department -- one in which she cites health grounds and another alleging harassment by a Police Inspector and Assistant Sub-Inspector.
In the letter, which was also submitted to Inspector General of Police Omvir Singh in August, she had alleged the PI and the ASI of subjecting her to unwarranted harassment, including marking her absent from duty without addressing her concerns. She further alleged that the PI was protecting the ASI from facing consequences for his alleged wrongdoings and called for a thorough investigation into e-challans issued by her subordinate.
However, as an internal inquiry led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police commenced, Parsekar not only refuted the allegation, but offered a different reason.
In the other application addressed to the department, she cited health issues and family problems as compelling factors for her decision. “Due to health problem(s)/family problem(s), I am not able to continue in service. Hence, I desire to take voluntary retirement with effect from October 31, 2023. I had (have) completed more than 38 years of service... Kindly consider my case sympathetically and accept my prayer,” she wrote.
Interestingly, just days before the slated date for her VRS, Parsekar wrote yet another letter to the Superintendent of Police (SP) North, expressing her wish to withdraw the VRS application.
In this communication dated October 13, 2023, she asserted that her health was in good condition, as confirmed by her doctor, and that she was capable of continuing her service.
“I have consulted my doctor with whom I was taking treatment, and he has stated that I am perfectly fine and can continue with my further service. So also, I had a discussion with my family member and came to the opinion that I would like to withdraw my above application of VRS,” she said while requesting the consideration of this letter.
A senior officer claimed that a government employee has the liberty to apply and subsequently withdraw the VRS request subject to decision on a case-to-case basis, however, the department will not tolerate nuisance activities. "Any misuse of opportunity will be dealt with strictly," he said, adding that the performance of the entire staff is being assessed.
