Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Nov 12: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced a series of key administrative measures, including service age relaxation for Chief Engineers and the implementation of the Sixth Pay Scale for new work-charge employees.

Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Sawant said the Goa State Civil Service Rules had been amended to allow Chief Engineers in departments like PWD, WRD, and Electricity to serve up to the age of 62 in the absence of eligible candidates for promotion.

The Cabinet also approved the Sixth Pay Scale for future work-charge employees in PWD, WRD, and Electricity departments to ensure uniform pay and fair treatment. “This move will ensure parity and fairness in pay structure,” Sawant stated.

He further announced the retroactive extension of EPF coverage from 2017 for around 7,000 contractual employees across departments and state bodies. “It will cost the government about Rs 2.5–3 crore but acknowledges their contribution. We remain committed to fair treatment of contractual staff while maintaining fiscal discipline,” he said.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the allotment of government land to the Goa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences on a 33-year lease at Curti and Codar.

On the Pooja Naik case, Sawant confirmed that a fresh FIR had been registered following allegations of financial fraud involving multiple individuals. “A detailed probe is underway. Action will follow once evidence is verified,” he said, adding that the old case file had also been reopened for investigation.