MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) is facing intense scrutiny over the recurring issue of missing files, prompting an outcry from the public and the Opposition.
Against that backdrop, MMC Chief Officer Gaurish Shankhwalkar has asserted that there would be a crackdown on negligent officers and emphasised the critical role of the file tracking system (FTS) in safeguarding important paperwork.
The severity of the problem was highlighted again during the recent Janata Darbar (public meeting) at the MMC hall, which was organised by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai. Residents seized the opportunity to voice their frustrations over the frequent disappearance of files, underscoring the widespread impact of this administrative shortcoming. Sardesai did not mince words in his criticism, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the CO and MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar. He lambasted their management of municipal affairs, particularly highlighting their handling of
a recent scandal involving municipal staff who failed to transfer approximately Rs 17 lakh in revenue from a fair into the municipal treasury.
Responding to the mounting pressure, CO Shankhwalkar, while speaking to media persons, outlined his plan of action. “I will issue strict directives to ensure officials take the FTS seriously. This system, implemented a few years ago, must be used diligently. Any further incidents of missing files will result in official memos to the responsible officers,” said the CO.
MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar added, “We will not tolerate negligence regarding the handling of important documents. Stringent measures will be taken against those at fault,” he declared. The issue of missing records has highlighted the critical need for robust document management systems and accountability in local governance, issues that were debated about at the recent MMC council meeting as well.