Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A Chicalim Village Panchayat staff member, Sonali Naik, resigned on Tuesday following her sudden transfer to St. Estevam Panchayat, nearly 50 kilometres away, alleging that the move was politically motivated and caused serious hardship to her family.
Naik, who was recently regularised after serving around 10 years on a temporary contract, addressed the media at the Chicalim Panchayat premises and accused Deputy Sarpanch Aishwarya Korgaonkar of misusing her political influence to facilitate the transfer.
Claiming that she had worked sincerely for 11 years without any complaints against her, Naik said the relocation would create significant difficulties as she has two young children and lives in rented accommodation.
“I have worked sincerely for 11 years without a single complaint against me. Despite my efficient service, I have been transferred 50 kilometres away. I have two small children and live in a rented house, yet Deputy Sarpanch Aishwarya Korgaonkar misused her power to organise this transfer, fully aware of my family circumstances,” Naik said.
She appealed directly to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, seeking a clear explanation for the sudden transfer and intervention to address her grievance.
Chicalim Sarpanch Kamla Prasad Yadav also criticised the decision, alleging that sincere employees and long-time Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers were being targeted for political reasons.
Yadav said Naik’s husband and he had been associated with the BJP for more than three decades and had regularly participated in party activities. He questioned why a staff member should face the consequences of political differences.
“It is unacceptable to target sincere, hardworking people simply due to political issues. I am contesting, and ministers can target me if they wish, but why penalise innocent staff just because they are close to me?” Yadav said.
The sarpanch further alleged that several party workers in the panchayat and transport departments had recently faced sudden transfers. While some had adjusted to their new postings, others had reportedly resigned, placing additional pressure on local administration.
Yadav urged Chief Minister Sawant to intervene and review the situation, arguing that employees should not be subjected to political pressure because of their personal or professional associations.
The developments have raised concerns over the impact of administrative transfers on local governance and staff morale. However, the allegations against the deputy sarpanch have not been independently established, and no response from Korgaonkar was included in the statements made available.
Naik and Yadav have called for state-level intervention, seeking clarity on the reasons behind the transfer and protection against what they describe as politically motivated action.
