MAPUSA
Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar is under scrutiny following allegations of procedural violations in hiring six staff members for the civic body without the necessary approvals.
Accusations of favoritism have further complicated the matter, with claims that Bicholkar offered one of the positions to a relative.
The controversy intensified after local resident Atmaram Gadekar filed a petition with the Director of Urban Development, calling for Bicholkar’s disqualification over the alleged irregularities.
In his petition, Gadekar contended that the MMC had initially passed a resolution on July 18, proposing to appoint four lower-division clerks and two junior stenographers on a contractual basis for one year.
However, he alleges that the chairperson bypassed the formal process, failing to confirm the resolution and proceeding with the appointments without approval from the State government.
Gadekar’s petition claims that the recruitment was "illegal" due to a lack of government sanction and adherence to proper hiring procedures.
He further alleged that Bicholkar acted in her own interest by appointing a family member and another known associate, thereby violating ethical standards.
The petition also calls for disciplinary action against Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar, suggesting suspension due to his involvement in the hiring process.
In a recent council meeting, the majority of councillors voiced strong opposition to the chairperson’s actions, describing the recruitment as “illegal” and calling for the immediate cancellation of the appointments. Councillors expressed frustration, citing that the recruitment was finalized without ratifying the minutes of the original resolution.
As the disqualification petition is reviewed by the Director of Urban Development, the MMC faces pressure to address the alleged procedural breaches, with potential consequences for both the chairperson and the recruited staff.
