MARGAO
While Arabekar and his co-sanitary inspector Sanjay Sanguelkar had been approaching various groups of workers and employees to drum up support against Anil Shirodkar and company, Anil Shirodkar hinted on Sunday that the general body of the Association will be held on Wednesday which will discuss among other things, to throw out Viraj, Sanjay and two other members from the Association.
Sources in the corridors of the civic body pointed out that the Anil Shirodkar-led committee controlling the Union, has its task cut out to retain its hold over the municipal workers, comprising of the garbage workers, sweepers, etc, who come directly under the control of the sanitary inspectors led by Arabekar.
In fact, Arabekar held a meeting with the sweepers and other workers during the weekend to drum up support in support of the demand to bring about a change in the Union leadership. Arabekar has demanded to know the status of the monthly contribution of Rs 50 made by his member to the Union, further raising questions on the control of the Union by members, who have retired from Municipal service. “The workers have not been presented with any account of their contributions over the years.
There ought to be transparency in the accounts. Since most of the Union members have retired from Municipal service, I doubt whether it is safe to entrust the responsibility of the accounts with these people,” Arabekar said.
Anil Shirodkar, on the other hand, pointed out that there is no mismanagement of the Union accounts and dared Arabekar to prove his charges. “Every year, we submit the accounts to the labour office. The accounts can be checked by anyone. We also distribute sweets to the workers during Diwali with money from the account,” Anil said.
Replying to a question, Anil pointed out that the general body of the Association will decided on a decision to sack Arabekar, Sanjay and two others from the Association.
He suspected the hand of politicos behind Arabekar and his group to control the Association. “This has come at a time when the Association had served a notice on the Municipal body to strike work if the civic body failed to address issues concerning the workers,” Anil said, adding that they are trying to find out who the politicians are who are trying to fish in troubled waters.
Team Viraj Arabekar, sources said, has been strong with the workers, given that the garbage workers, sweepers and other categories come under the sanitary section. Anil, who retired from service this year, has a task cut to retain hold over the Municipal workers and ensure that members, especially connected with the sanitary section, do not switch loyalties to the rival group headed by sanitary inspector, Viraj Arabekar.
