the goan I network
PANAJI
During the 2004 BJP government led by Manohar Parrikar, a decision was taken to terminate the services of government employees who had completed 58 years instead of 60 years. This rule was later reverted back to 60 years.
Those who had retired during that time were, however, not allowed to join back, and have since been claiming wrongful termination of work. Some employees who had approached the High Court subsequently received their dues, but a majority of them are still awaiting it.
Speaking to media persons regarding the issue, Digambar Dhabolkar who had worked for GMC for 16 years, said he was disappointed with the government’s decision and hopes that justice would prevail.
“Now that Parrikar is back, we are hoping that we will get our dues as he was the one who reverted the retirement age decision. I am hopeful that I will get my dues,” he said.
Supported by the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the All Goa Government and Semi Government Retired Employees Union are planning on hold meetings across the state and organize mass walking protests from different parts of the state to Panaji if the government doesn’t heed to
their demands.
Their demands include payment of two years of salaries that they were forced to give up owing to the 58-year retirement age rule change. They are also demanding benefits, including pension. “The then government had said that they took to change the retirement age to 58 years inorder to reduce the state’s expenditure. But this is unfair and we will support the union till they get their demands,” said AITUC general secretary Christopher Fonseca.
Ramesh Nagvekar, another employee who worked for the PWD said the government should act fast and not undermine the group’s determination. “Since 2004, around 300 of our friends from the union passed away, many are not able to move today and the government has been unfair to all of them. Does the government want to wait till we are all dead? Our families are suffering today because of their actions, and we will not keep quiet,” he said.
The union has given the government one month’s time to resolve their issues and fulfill their demands. Additionally, AITUC has vowed to support the union and help in exploring legal possibilities to resolve the matter.
