Pramod Sawant: Will act against staff withholding pension files

PANAJI: Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that he will take action against those government servants withholding the files of 30 retired primary and high school teachers.
Speaking to mediapersons on Tuesday, Sawant said that local government employees are responsible for the non-payment of pension to retired teachers. “If they cannot forward the paperwork of their colleagues, then how will they work for the common man,” he said.
The chief minister said forwarding papers is not the job of MLAs and ministers, but it is the duty of clerks to move the file. If they move the files, then the pension will not get delayed, he said.
“I will order an inquiry, and if someone is found withholding the files, strict action will be taken against that person. Non-payment of pension is not because of funds, but because of these people,” he said.
Goa Human Rights Commission has called for detailed reports from the director of accounts, director of education and secretary (education) over the issue of non-payment of pension of 30 retired primary and high school teachers. Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the commission issued notices to the three respondents on Monday and asked for the reports to be submitted to it by July 25.