‘Bogus’ GR creates confusion over government flats

Sales tax inspector, Ganesh Rathod’s joy knew no bounds when he read a Govt Resolution stating that the state Govt was planning to offer ownership to those employees who have been residing in their staff quarters for the last 20 years, reports Naresh Kamath.

Sales tax inspector, Ganesh Rathod’s joy knew no bounds when he read a Government Resolution (GR) stating that the state government was planning to offer ownership to those employees who have been residing in their staff quarters for the last 20 years.

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The GR dated April 20, 2008 stated the state would grant ownership to these employees if they paid the Ready Reckoner rates of these flats within a year.

But when they went to inquire they were told that no such circular was issued and the said GR was bogus.

Vidyadhar Kanade, principal secretary (Finance) denied that there was any such GR to grant ownership.

“There is no question of any such move to provide ownership as these are service quarters. Where will the new employees stay if the old and retired are given ownership rights,” said Kanade.

There are approximately 10 lakh state government employees in the state of which about 1.5 lakh stay in quarters. In Mumbai most of them stay in various places like government colonies or BDD chawls.

Calling it a cruel joke played by some mischievous elements, state government employees have demanded an inquiry. “We want the guilty to be punished for hurting and taking us for a ride,” said Rathod.