Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Alleging a ₹3.5 lakh job scam and systematic replacement of Goan postmen by outsiders from Maharashtra, Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai on Monday demanded urgent government action to protect local jobs and identity.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Assembly, Sardesai claimed that 40 Goan postmen — many serving for over 15 years on daily wages — were abruptly removed and replaced by 50 outsiders who “couldn’t even pronounce Goan village names.” He said sting videos revealed delivery lapses, letters being taken home, and one new recruit admitting to paying a bribe for the job.
“This isn’t just about employment. It’s about Goan identity and dignity,” Sardesai said, slamming Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for inaction despite being approached thrice on the matter.
In his response, CM Sawant acknowledged the concerns and announced that knowledge of reading and writing in Konkani will soon be a mandatory requirement for postal recruitment in Goa. A certificate from the Goa Konkani Academy will be made compulsory under revised rules, he said, aiming to ensure that local candidates are given preference.
Sardesai also urged the government to fulfil its promise to deliver justice to the 40 retrenched Goan postmen, calling it a matter of fairness and cultural respect.
