PANAJI
Nearly a year after a public promise to compensate firefighters for the hazards they face, the Goa government is moving a proposal for a dedicated risk allowance through layers of administrative and financial review.
The proposal on April 14, 2025, is under examination by multiple departments, according to Nitin Raiker, Director of Fire and Emergency Services. Replies have been sent to queries raised during scrutiny, and the proposal is still under consideration.
“The government has given us an assurance. The file is in movement, and we are responding to all queries from the concerned departments, including the Finance department... The government has been supportive,” Raiker said, responding to media queries on the sidelines of the annual inspection day parade at its headquarters on Saturday.
Acknowledging that proposals of this nature must clear several levels of vetting before approval, the director further expressed confidence about its approval. “Mostly it would be done (approved)...It should happen at the earliest,” he added. Raikar said personnel must maintain high physical fitness standards for hazardous operations.
On the National Fire Service Day in 2025, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the introduction of a Fire Risk Allowance.
