NH Times

Panaji, Jan 8: Observing that gross administrative indiscipline is rampant in all government departments in the state, the Sports Minister, Mr Manohar Azgaonkar on Thursday justified the recent sacking of the 14 on-contract employees of the Sports Authority of Goa by terming it as a “disciplinary measure”.

“Altogether 140 on-contract employees were recruited by the then sports minister, Mr Pandurang Madkaikar,” Mr Azgaonkar said, further informing that a report about these employees has revealed that the 14 sacked employees were not giving any work output.

“I have already conveyed my decision to terminate the services of these 14 employees to the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat as well as the Goa pradesh Congress committee president, Mr Subhash Shirodkar,” he said, assuring that if the rest of the on-contract employees are able to show their performance, then they would be confirmed in the service.

The Sports Minister noted that the Kumbharjua MLA, Mr Pandurang Madkaikar, instead of advocating for these 14 employees at the proper forums like the Congress legislature party meeting or the pradesh Congress committee meeting, was taking on to the streets and using very cheap and foul language. “In fact, Mr Madkaikar has gone to the extent of forcing at least 46 on-contract employees of the SAG out of their office and making them join an agitation launched by the 14 sacked employees,” he pointed out, warning that if these 46 on-contract employees fail to return to their work in 48 hours, notices would be issued to them.

Taking a dig at Mr Madkaikar, Mr Azgaokar said that a few people are frustrated because they have lost their cabinet berth. “Everyone knows about the ministerial tenure of Mr Madkaikar, during whose regime as a transport minister, the post for an RTO inspector was made available at Rs 22 lakh,” he alleged, indicating the controversial high security registration plate scheme was born when Mr Madkaikar held the transport portfolio.

The Sports Minister also flayed the leader of the opposition for his statements in support of the 14 on-contract SAG employees terminated from the service.

“I am the Sports Minister and I have power to do what is right in my department,” he growled.

Replying to a question, Mr Azgaonkar said that he was responsible for bringing in  the state sports policy, as well as accepting the challenge of holding National Games in the state. “I would soon seek more central funds for creating infrastructure for the National Games,” he noted.