Payment delays and system gaps push facility to the brink during Holy Week
File photo of the Hospicio South Goa District Hospital in Margao.
MARGAO
Blame it on system failure or otherwise, non-disposal of dead bodies nearly pushed the 72-capacity mortuary at the Hospicio South Goa District Hospital to its limit on the eve of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday—days when families traditionally preserve the bodies of their loved ones, as burial services remain suspended.
The situation was partially eased after Margao Municipal Council (MMC) Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar on Tuesday cleared the disposal of 10 unclaimed bodies scheduled for Wednesday, with another 10 to be disposed of on Thursday.
The MMC Chief Officer dashed of a letter to the in-charge, Mathagramasth Hindu Sabha with a request to allow the civic body dispose of 10 unclaimed dead bodies in the MHS-run crematorium, promising to make the necessary payment.
However, the crisis has triggered serious questions over accountability. The root cause appears to be an outstanding payment of approximately Rs 15 lakh owed by the South Goa district administration to the MMC for the disposal of unclaimed bodies.
Incidentally, there seemed no foolproof system or accountability in place for the disposal of the bodies. Around January-February last year, then Minister from Salcete Aleixo Sequeira had intervened to move the government to sanction funds to the district Collector to make payments to the local civic bodies towards the disposal of dead bodies. Sequeira had personally intervened after the Margao Municipal Council had conveyed to the office of district Collector expressing its inability to dispose of bodies due to financial constraints.
Civic body vs govt: Who is responsible?
The controversy has sparked a broader debate: Is the Margao Municipal Council justified in halting the disposal of bodies due to delayed payments?
The issue has put the BJP-led State government, headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, under scrutiny, especially since the MMC is also controlled by the same party. Critics argue that a municipal body receiving government grants—including funds for salaries—cannot abdicate its humanitarian responsibility over financial delays.
Further questions are being raised within civic circles about who exactly ordered the suspension of body disposal—whether it was the Civic Chief, the Chief Officer, or officials from the Accounts and Taxation department. Questions are being asked whether the Municipal Chairperson or the Chief Officer had briefed Margao MLA and PWD Minister Digambar Kamat over the situation to pursue the matter with the government before taking the decision to stop the disposal of bodies.
No funds, no disposal?
Defending the decision, Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar stated that the MMC was compelled to stop the disposal process due to non-payment of dues by the district Collectorate. He emphasised that the council had repeatedly sent reminders and correspondence seeking clearance of the pending amount.
Despite this, officials and critics alike have raised ethical concerns. “Is it not the duty of a civic body, on humanitarian grounds, to ensure dignified disposal of unclaimed bodies so that their souls may rest in peace?” questioned one official.
A system under strain
The incident highlights systemic gaps in coordination between municipal bodies and the State administration, particularly in the delivery of critical public services. While the immediate crisis has been averted, it underscores the urgent need for streamlined processes and timely release of funds to prevent such situations in the future.
Speaking to The Goan, Medical Superintendent of the Hospicio South Goa District Hospital, Dr Rajendra Borkar, shed light on the pressures faced by the mortuary. He stated that while a few slots were still available, the hospital administration had urged the Margao Municipal Council to create additional space in view of the expected demand during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
“Traditionally, burial services remain suspended during these two days, and families prefer to preserve the bodies of their loved ones in the mortuary. We wanted to ensure that there is adequate space to accommodate at least 18 to 20 bodies,” Dr Borkar said.
He further added that the hospital has been regularly corresponding with the concerned authorities, urging timely disposal of unclaimed bodies to avoid congestion and ensure smooth functioning of the mortuary.
MMC rejects NGO’s offer to fund body disposal
MARGAO: After the Margao Municipal Council stopped the disposal of dead bodies for lack of funds, Madganvcho Awaaz convenor Prabhav Naik stepped in as he volunteered to bear the cost towards the disposal of the dead bodies.
Naik, however, said the MMC has refused to accept the help of the NGO in the disposal of the dead bodies.
In a statement, Naik said that Madganvcho Awaaz had approached the Margao Municipal Council with a letter and payment to facilitate the disposal of ten unclaimed bodies from Hospicio mortuary. “Unfortunately, the Margao Municipality has refused to accept the payment,” said Naik said.
No money for last rites? GFP criticises MMC functioning
MARGAO: Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai has slammed the Margao Municipal Council for stopping the disposal of dead bodies, saying the decision indicates the moral and financial bankruptcy of the civic body.
In fact, Sardesai urged Margao MLA and PWD Minister Digambar Kamat to take cognisance of the functioning of the civic body. “How can the civic body say they have no money to dispose of the dead bodies? This is unheard in the history of any civic body. This only goes to show the MMC has gone bankrupt. I feel sad over the state of affairs in the civic body,” he said.
