PANAJI
The Goa Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has directed the Water Resources Department (WRD) to immediately revert one of its officers to his substantive post, pending the Commission’s final recommendation in the matter.
The direction was issued on September 7 after the Commission noted that its earlier order of July 11, 2024, requiring the reversion pending a report from the Scrutiny Committee, had not been implemented. “...It is therefore recommended to the department at WRD to revert Rajan Kamble to the post of Surveyor of Works, Circle III, WRD, from Superintending Engineer, Circle IV, WRD, till the final recommendation of this Commission...” reads the roznama.
The Commission’s records also stated that it had issued a similar direction in 2024, asking the department to revert Kamble to the post of Surveyor of Works until the Scrutiny Committee under the Social Welfare Department submitted its report. However, the direction was not complied with.
The Commission also took note of an affidavit filed by the WRD seeking to justify Kamble’s ad hoc promotion, citing a shortage of staff in the department. The Commission, however, reiterated that the officer should be reverted with immediate effect, pending its final recommendation.
The proceedings also flagged delays in the verification process. The Commission noted that the Directorate of Social Welfare had, despite being given opportunities, failed to file its status report or reply before the panel.
The absence of the concerned officer from the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Crime, Vigilance Cell, Crime Branch, Ribandar, was also recorded.
The Commission has issued notice to the Social Welfare Department, directing it to file its status report or reply, and posted the matter for further hearing on October 23.
