PANAJI
In a move that appears to undermine its own amended service rules, the State government is poised to grant yet another six-month extension to 63-year-old Public Works Department (PWD) Principal Chief Engineer Uttam Parsekar, whose current tenure “ his third extension after superannuation-ends on January 30. In February, last year, Parsekar was granted a one-year extension in service.
The proposed extension comes despite the government having, in November last year, enhanced the retirement age of chief engineers from 60 to 62 years “ a threshold Parsekar has already crossed and still continues to hold the top technical post in the department through successive extensions.
Senior officers bypassed
The move is expected to raise eyebrows within official circles, particularly as the PWD currently has two serving chief engineers “ Dattaprasad Kamat and Sandeep Chodankar “ who, though not eligible for regular promotion to the post of principal chief engineer, could have been entrusted with the additional charge based on seniority.
“The government is considering a further six-month extension to Parsekar while inviting applications to fill the post during this period,” sources in the Secretariat said, claiming that there is currently no eligible candidate for regular appointment. However, sources admitted that the option of handing over additional charge to the senior-most officer was available but was not pursued.
High Court time sought
Sources, however, pointed out that in view of the growing controversy over repeated extensions, the government could have explored the option of entrusting additional charge to the senior-most chief engineer. “The government is likely to seek six months’ time from the High Court to complete the recruitment process,” sources said.
The decision to extend Parsekar’s tenure yet again comes despite repeated objections over prolonged post-superannuation appointments and calls to ensure institutional continuity by empowering serving senior officers.
It may be recalled that the government had introduced a proviso allowing officials in the PWD, Drinking Water, Water Resources and Electricity Departments holding the rank of Chief Engineer and above to continue in service up to 62 years of age ” but only in the absence of an eligible candidate for promotion.
“…once a candidate becomes eligible and is promoted to such posts, the official holding the post beyond 60 years shall retire immediately on promotion of such candidate,” states the government notification issued on November 13, 2025.
Court cases and growing controversy
In the past, the government has defended such extensions, citing experience and the need for continuity in major infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, the High Court is currently hearing separate petitions challenging not only Parsekar’s repeated extensions but also promotions within the PWD, alleging violations of recruitment rules. Notices have already been issued to the State government in the matter.
