Biometric attendance resumed from November 1 in Goa govt offices, the system which was put on hold for almost 5 months due to the prevailing Covid pandemic. However, due to irregular attendance in various government departments on the pretext of the Covid crisis, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was right in taking the appropriate decision.
With hefty salaries being paid to government servants, it is equally important that they reach office in time. Visitors should not be made to wait unnecessarily for long hours due to the absence of any employee at the concerned section of thre department. What public at large expects is prompt, efficient service, but the same has been rarely noticed at these departments.
It is the need of the hour for the departmental heads to exercise strict vigil over subordinate staff members and see to it that they remain punctual throughout. Those attending offices late and leaving the same early should be dealt with a firm hand.
The recent move on of the CM instructing the secretaries and ministers to visit offices for getting acquainted with the working of the respective government departments is a welcome step. But this should not remain merely on paper. It is necessary that public at large receive prompt, courteous and efficient service on a permanent basis.
PRAVIN U SARDESSAI, Adpai
