PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has expressed disappointment that arrogant behaviour by government staff and files held up without valid reasons are eroding public trust and fuelling perceptions of corruption.
The CM warned to hold department heads responsible for such instances henceforth while directing officials to ensure that citizens receive courteous treatment in government offices and that files move to the appropriate authorities without unnecessary delays.
Addressing officials during Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 on Monday, Sawant said department heads must intervene when junior staff treat visitors disrespectfully, as he reiterated that such behaviour tarnishes the image of the entire administration.
“In some places, peons act like bosses and speak arrogantly to visitors. HoDs must rein them in firmly, because unnecessary public blame falls on the department due to such behaviour,” he said.
The CM further said government offices should make it easier for citizens to access services, not add to their difficulties. Officials must process applications and subsidy requests promptly and explain the legal reasons for rejecting a request instead of subjecting applicants to needless harassment.
“Whether a person visits our office and leaves smiling, weeping or having cursed us is something we must seriously think about,” Sawant said, urging employees to reflect on the impression they leave on people seeking government services.
Turning to delays in decision-making, the CM warned that files kept pending without justification create scope for allegations of corruption.
He directed officials to move files to the relevant HoDs or Secretary and, where necessary, the minister concerned, rather than hold them up at their own level.
He stressed that officials must send files to the competent authority for decisions instead of allowing them to remain pending unnecessarily.
Sawant asked Secretaries and HoDs to use Vigilance Awareness Week to brief subordinate staff on integrity, transparency and accountability in public service. Although most government employees discharge their duties properly, he said, the misconduct of a few can undermine the credibility of the entire administration.
He also called for simpler procedures, quicker disposal of pending files and greater accountability across departments, stating these were essential to improving ease of doing business and ease of living. “The government's goals of a corruption-free Goa and Viksit Goa 2037 require every employee, regardless of rank, to contribute to a more responsive administration,” he said.
