Panaji, April 27, 2026:
The Santa Cruz Congress Block Committee has demanded the immediate withdrawal of service extensions granted to senior officials in the Goa Health Department, alleging that such decisions are unjustified and detrimental to employment opportunities for younger professionals.

In a formal representation submitted to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, the committee raised objections to the extension of service given to Chief Medical Officers Dr. Kalpana Mahatme and Dr. Rajendra Borkar beyond their retirement age.

According to the letter, Dr. Mahatme’s one-year extension is set to conclude on July 31, 2026, while Dr. Borkar’s extension will end on September 30, 2026. However, the committee expressed concern over alleged moves to further extend their tenure.

The Block Committee argued that such extensions deny promotion opportunities to eligible officers within the department and also deprive unemployed youth of job prospects arising from vacancies. It maintained that qualified candidates are available and should be considered instead of prolonging service for retired officials.

Citing multiple judgments of the Bombay High Court at Goa, the committee stated that extensions or reappointments must not be granted without due consultation with the Goa Public Service Commission and necessary judicial approvals. The court, in past rulings, has reportedly discouraged the practice of granting repeated extensions after superannuation, emphasizing the need to create opportunities for younger entrants.

The committee further contended that bypassing these judicial directions would render such extensions unconstitutional. It has urged the government to immediately review and curtail the extensions granted or refrain from granting any further extension to the concerned officers.

Additionally, the Santa Cruz Congress Block Committee offered to assist the government in organizing a “Job Mela” to connect eligible unemployed youth with available opportunities in the health sector.

The representation was submitted by Block President John Nazareth, who assured the government of full cooperation in addressing employment concerns in the state.