Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Forward Party chief and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has written to Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia flagging what he described as a “grave concern” regarding the functioning of postal services in the state.
In his letter, Sardesai highlighted that 49 local Goan postmen were recently removed from service and replaced by personnel from Maharashtra, a decision which, he said, has severely affected the efficiency and reliability of postal delivery in Goa. According to him, the newly appointed postmen are struggling due to their lack of familiarity with Goan villages, addresses and local dialects, leaving citizens without timely access to essential communication, legal notices and government correspondence.
Sardesai pointed to several “disturbing practices” being reported by residents. These include important letters and notices on matters such as mutation, partition, and revenue not reaching the intended recipients, postmen seeking directions in bars and other inappropriate locations, and in some cases, letters being discarded when addresses could not be found. He said such practices have created fear, anxiety, and mistrust among Goan citizens towards the postal system, once regarded as the backbone of public service.
The Fatorda MLA has urged the Centre to take immediate corrective measures, including restoring preference for Goans in postal recruitment to ensure better service delivery. In case administrative constraints prevent exclusive recruitment of locals, Sardesai recommended the creation of a separate Goa Post Circle to ensure localized administration, accountability and staffing that meets the state’s unique needs.
Emphasizing that many government departments still rely on physical notices for communication, Sardesai appealed to the Union Minister to protect the interests of Goan citizens by acting swiftly on the issue.
