MAPUSA
Despite launching one of the biggest anti-encroachment drives in Mapusa and with monsoon at the door-step, Mapusa Chief Officer Amitesh Shirvoikar has proceeded on 15 days leave leaving people guessing whether there is a political angle to the development.
“This is perhaps the biggest anti-encroachment drive conducted in Mapusa. The Chief Officer should not have gone on leave at this juncture leaving the entire exercise in the hands of the councillors,” said a former chairperson of the council.
Questioning the timing of the chief officer’s leave, a former councilor said that it was a very inappropriate decision and passes a wrong signal to the staff.
“The chief officer plays a pivotal role in key decisions such as an anti-encroachment drive. He had started the drive well and should have remained till it's brought to its logical end,” the ex-councilor said.
There were reports that it could have been a political move and the chief officer could have been deliberately sent on leave so that the drive could be scuttled.
And the DMA’s direction to stay the anti-encroachment drive only added further grist to the rumours.
