MAPUSA
A post-retirement contract appointment in the Public Works Department (PWD) has raised fresh questions over adherence to judicial directions, after a proposal earlier rejected by the Chief Secretary was subsequently cleared through an alternative route.
Rashmi Mayenkar, a retired PWD assistant engineer, was engaged on contract after her request for extension of service was turned down by the Chief Secretary, citing recent High Court observations against extensions and appointments beyond recruitment rules.
The proposal had initially been recommended by Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye.
Following the rejection, the matter was again pursued, with the MLA reportedly requesting continuation of Mayenkar’s services till the end of his term as MLA, which means around a year, with assembly elections due in early 2027.
Subsequently, the Principal Chief Engineer recorded that Mayenkar’s services could be availed on a contract basis.
The decision received approval from the PWD Minister and the Chief Minister, leading to her post-retirement engagement.
The appointment has drawn attention as Mayenkar is the sister of Mahanand Asnodkar, a senior functionary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which leads the State government.
While the relationship does not figure in official records, it has become part of public discussion.
The issue entered the public domain after Mayenkar donated a gold necklace to the Dev Bodgeshwar Temple in Mapusa in the presence of her brother, reportedly stating that the donation was made in fulfilment of a vow taken upon securing continuation of her employment.
Meanwhile, a PWD staff member has challenged the contract appointment in the High Court.
The case has renewed debate over post-retirement engagements in government departments, particularly at a time when multiple matters concerning service extensions and contractual appointments are under judicial scrutiny.
