Panaji, September 30, 2026: Former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar today questioned the Goa Government over what he termed “two different standards” in the treatment of senior government officers, particularly in the context of the long-pending demands of Goa’s pre-primary teachers.
Patkar recalled that on September 28, he had led a gherao of the Director of Education, Shri Shailesh Zingade, over the pending issue of the rights and legitimate demands of pre-primary teachers in Goa.
“During the meeting, Shri Zingade assured us that the concerned file would be moved within eight days. The teachers were given a clear assurance and were expecting action,” Patkar said.
However, within just 48 hours, the Government issued an order stating that Shri Zingade would superannuate with effect from October 1, 2026.
Patkar pointed out that, around the same time, another Government officer, Shri Gajanan M. Naik, Joint Director, Directorate of Accounts, was granted a one-year extension, with the order specifically citing ‘public interest’.
“This raises a very basic question: if an officer can be granted a one-year extension in the name of public interest, why was the Director of Education not retained when an important file concerning the rights and legitimate demands of pre-primary teachers was pending before his department?” Patkar asked.
He further questioned who would now take responsibility for ensuring that the assurance given to the teachers on September 28 is fulfilled within the promised eight-day period.
“The Government cannot allow an assurance made to teachers to disappear with the retirement of an officer. The file must move, the commitment must be honoured and the teachers must get a clear answer.”
Patkar said that “public interest” cannot be applied selectively and demanded that the Government clarify the basis on which one officer was granted an extension while another officer, who had a pending matter of significant public importance before his department, was allowed to retire.
“Goa’s pre-primary teachers have waited long enough. Their legitimate rights cannot be caught in administrative uncertainty. The Government owes them an explanation and, more importantly, action,” Patkar said.
Amit Patkar
Former President, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee
