MAPUSA
In a mixed response to Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte’s recent visit to government departments in Mapusa, people appreciated the ‘surprise’ element in the visit but many felt ‘suspension’ of the staff was not a solution to the problem.
“It’s a good step. By visiting the government office the minister will get a first-hand experience of the problems faced by the public and staff. But suspension is not a solution,” said Adv Mahesh Rane.
He said many of the staff travel from far-off places and could get caught in traffic jams or may have some other genuine problem.
Calling the minister’s action “show-off” and the suspension of the staff as “unfair,” Jawahar Shettye, a former banker, said the need was to overhaul the system.
“The system is very lethargic. Instead of trying to change or even improve the system, the ministers are trying to hog the limelight by such abrupt action,” said Shettye, a retired banker and secretary of Mapusa People’s Union.
He said suspension was a stigma on the staff and there were other ways to correct the employees.
Slamming the minister’s action, Advocate Naveen Bhivshet said the visit was more of a publicity stunt then a matter of conviction.
“If the minister is sincere, he should conduct such visits in the evening at around 4.30 pm when some staff in league with superiors leave early,” said Bhivshet.
He said the early morning visits give an opportunity to the staff to wriggle out of the situation. “Those who may have not arrived on time, on getting the whiff of the minister’s “raid” can easily apply for casual leave or fall sick and escape the punishment,” he said.
Many others appreciated the minister’s action but wanted that such visits should keep coming at regular intervals to maintain pressure on the government staff.
“The surprise visit was a good move. You need to keep the pressure on careless government staff. But there should be consistency in such visits,” said Jim Benaum, a Mapusa-based businessman, who is a regular in the mamlatdar office. He said the minister should conduct such surprise visits more often in other parts of the State too.
Commending the minister for his surprise visit, Vikas Mahale, a resident from Mapusa, said the minister’s intention was never in doubt.
“We should welcome his action and give him a chance to perform. In revenue department, there is ample scope for improvement,” Mahale said.
