the goan I network
MAPUSA
Doing some tough talking on the floor of the House, Power Minister Nilesh Cabral on Thursday said he would not entertain any requests from MLAs for favourable posting of staff, even as he assured to regularize line helpers who have been working for over eight years provided they pass the required test.
“The government has decided to conduct a fresh test for all those who are yet to be regularized. Once we get a green signal for recruitment, we will give priority to them. They will be taken only if they pass the test of climbing the 9-metre pole,” Cabral said.
He said CM Pramod Sawant was also of the view of giving preference to staff who have been working for last so many years and the government would take necessary steps on that count. “We do not want to give political colour to the issue. We want to help Goan people and most of them are Goans,” he said.
During the discussion, Cabral disclosed that many of those recruited belonged to a particular area and he wouldn’t like to take names, as some people would get offended. He also said some MLAs would come with requests not to post staff from his area in a particular section. “I will not entertain any MLA who comes with such a request,” Cabral said.
Opening the debate at the Question Hour, Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa pointed out that injustice was done to line helpers who have been working for over eight years, as people who have joined service after them have already been confirmed.
Cabral informed that his government had converted workers hired in the position of non-muster roll (NMR) into line helpers. He said the job of the line helper was to dig a hole, climb a 9-metre pole and to pull wires.
“Unfortunately, some people have recruited women for this kind of job. I am not saying women cannot do these jobs. I am not against women. But they will have to prove themselves by climbing a 9-meter pole without help and be able to carry a pin insulator on top,” Cabral said.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat said the department may conduct the test and remove those who are not fit, but preference be given to those who have been working for so many years. “After working for 5-8 years it’s difficult for them to go somewhere else for a job,” Kamat said.
Navelim MLA Luizinho Faleiro informed that once people worked for more than five years, they were deemed to be confirmed. “Look at the issue with a human face. If you are asking them to reapply, then gross injustice will be done to them,” Faleiro said.
The power minister reiterated that the government will give priority to those who have completed eight years but only if they are able to pass the test of digging holes, climbing the poles and pulling wires, adding that they would have to also reapply. “If they can do this, only then will we renew the contract or else, they will be sent home,” the minister
said.
