Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: Tensions erupted at the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Tuesday afternoon as Chairperson Girish Borker and several councillors lashed out at Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik over the return of suspended staff member Milton D’Souza for punishment reporting at MMC, allegedly without council knowledge or proper protocol.
The councillors expressed serious objections over D’Souza’s presence at the council, stating that he had been suspended in a forgery case two years ago and was directed to report to the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) in Panjim. They accused the Chief Officer of acting unilaterally and undermining the authority of the council.
Speaking to media, Chairperson Girish Borker said, “The councillors questioned me about how D’Souza returned to MMC despite being suspended. I was unaware and immediately took it up with the Chief Officer, who said he received a call from the Goa State Human Rights Commission (GHRC). However, no official letter was shared with us or the DMA. The CO cannot act on his whims and fancies, especially when NGOs and the public are questioning us for no fault of ours.”
Borker further alleged that Naik behaved rudely and abruptly left a meeting called to address the issue. “We urge the Urban Development Minister Vishwajeet Rane and other authorities to intervene. Such decisions must be made in consultation with the council, not behind closed doors,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, former MMC Chairperson and councillor Leo Rodrigues said, “The staff was suspended in a fraud case. Allowing him back to the same office could compromise the integrity of the investigation. Only the DMA, which suspended him, has the authority to decide on his reporting location.”
Suspended staff not reinstated, only reporting station changed – CO Siddhivinayak Naik
In response to the controversy, Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik clarified that D’Souza remains under suspension and has not been reinstated or assigned any official duties.
“The councillors have been misinformed. The staff member requested a change in his reporting station citing a road accident and ongoing medical treatment. He submitted medical documents and court judgments, warning that he would approach the GHRC if not granted relief. Based on this, we allowed him to report to MMC, strictly for punishment attendance. He reports to the head clerk and has no access to office records or the public,” said Naik.
Naik emphasized that the decision falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Chief Officer and does not require prior approval from the Chairperson or councillors.
