MARGAO
The Margao Municipal Council was caught on the wrong foot on Monday after it failed to issue work orders to the daily wage workers, who refused to work for lack of official order.
Tuesday saw the Margao Municipal Chief Officer, Madhu Narvekar issuing a memorandum to 11 workers, working in garbage collection.
In the memorandum, the Chief Officer has said the act of the workers working in the collection of garbage amounts to misconduct and attracts action under the conduct rules applicable to government servants.
In fact, the Chief Officer has directed the 11 workers to reply as to why action should not be initiated against them under CCS conduct rules in force for the act, within 24 hours from the date of issue of this notice. “The reply should reach the undersigned within 48 hours of the receipt of this memorandum,” the Chief Officer added.
In the memorandum, the Chief Officer stated: “It is brought to the notice of the undersigned that the 11 workers working in collection of garbage have punched their biometric attendance and did not attend the duties on 03/11/2025. Further they have stated that since their work order is not renewed they will not carry out their daily work. Whereas the above act of the workers working in collection of garbage amounts to misconduct and attracts action under conduct rules applicable to government servant.”
Congress leader Savio Coutinho, who had taken up cudgels for the workers on Monday, termed the memorandum issued by the Chief Officer as total arrogance and high-handed behaviour of the Council.
He said the Council itself has indulged in an act of injustice towards the 12 workers by not issuing their permanent orders and are now using intimidating tactics.
Margao Municipal daily wage workers had refused to work on Monday after the civic body defaulted in issuing them work orders. The workers struck work on the ground that they would not be covered with any benefits if they meet with an accident if they work without an official work order.
