MARGAO
Margao Municipal Council Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes has set in motion measures, aimed at not only addressing the grievances of citizens, but take care of the Municipal employees as well, especially those working on garbage and due for retirement.
Four days after assuming office as the MMC Chief Officer, Agnelo has said he would go by the time-bound delivery system, promising to do away with the pendency in the civic body. And, Municipal employees heading for retirement have good news in store for them as the new CO has issued strict instructions that retiring employees should get their retirement dues on the day of retirement.
“Keeping the doors open of my chamber is the first step to bring transparency in my functioning. Citizens can just enter my cabin and get their issues resolved. This is an initiative for the betterment of the general public. A Chief Officer cannot function with his doors and windows closed and cannot pass orders with closed doors in quasi-judicial proceedings,” he said, adding that throwing open the doors of his chamber will ensure transparency and accessibility.
“I have decided to go in for time bound delivery system for the people of Margao. Those who have any grievance can see me in my office. All files pending in the civic body for the last seven months will be cleared immediately,” he added.
The Chief Officer has moved a strict note to the MMC administrative section to ensure that the employees get their retirement benefits right on the day of their retirement. “Why should the retiring employees wait for months to get their benefits. I have issued strict instructions to the Administration section to get the files ready of the employees due for retirement so that they get their benefits on the day of retirement,” he added.
The Chief Officer has also taken cognisance of the delay in regularising the services of the daily wage workers. “A delegation of the Municipal employees called on me today with their grievances. In fact, they were scheduled to go on strike from today, but I have asked them to give me at least 10 days to resolve their grievances. I feel the employees have expressed their genuine demands,” he said.
Agnelo has drawn up a plan in place to take care of the Municipal workers working on the garbage. “I have come across our workers working on garbage without masks and implements. One should remember that these workers are the most vulnerable people, especially during coronavirus pandemic. We will take care of all our workers and ensure they are protected from all diseases. I am very much concerned about my staff,” he said, while offering a ray of hope for the dozens of workers silently working on garbage to keep the city clean in times of Covid pandemic.
