Goan postmen removed, outsiders appointed

• Sardesai cites sting operation revealing ₹3.5 lakh bribes and undelivered letters

Goa Khabar : During his taluka-wise outreach programme, Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai discovered that 40 Goan postmen, who had served the Department of Posts for 15–20 years on daily wages, were abruptly removed. In their place, 50 outsiders from Maharashtra were appointed, individuals unfamiliar with Goan geography, unable to identify local addresses, and incapable of pronouncing the names of Goan villages.

Despite this serious injustice, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant was approached three times; twice at Ravindra Bhavan Sankhali and once at Mahalaxmi, but no action has been taken. Sardesai stressed that the Goa CM must fulfil his assurance to mitigate the plight of these 40 Goemkars, instead of merely speaking about prospective steps.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Goa Legislative Assembly on 22nd July, Sardesai criticised the flawed decision, pointing out that this was a result of Goa falling under the Maharashtra Postal Circle, where senior officials are now sidelining Goan candidates.

“Our hardworking Goans — Kavlekar, Khandeparkar, Kholkar, Bandekar, Naik, Travasso, Shirodkar, have been replaced with Dhonde, Ambone, Dole, Billale, Mahandule. Where is Goa heading?” he questioned.

Sardesai also informed the House that a sting operation conducted by the displaced Goan postmen had exposed blatant incompetence and corruption among the new recruits. Video evidence reveals that these outsiders were taking letters home, unable to deliver them due to lack of local knowledge. One individual even admitted to paying ₹3.5 lakh to secure the job.

The MLA further alleged that postal officials at the central level were accepting bribes for appointments, turning employment into a purchasable commodity.

Sardesai demanded immediate intervention from the Chief Minister, reiterating that the youth affected had already knocked on the CM’s door multiple times without result.

“If the Goa Government doesn’t act, I will escalate this issue to the Prime Minister of India. This is no longer just a job issue; this is about the pride and dignity of Goans,” Sardesai declared.

He also announced that he would soon release the sting operation video through his official social media handles to let the people of Goa see the truth for themselves.