Key Posts Vacant in Goa Leader of Opposition Office : Pai Cacode
Panaji:
“It is shocking that the Leader of Opposition’s office continues to function without key sanctioned staff for months, crippling its ability to serve as a hub for Goa’s Opposition MLAs,” stated political analyst Vishal Pai Cacode, raising serious concerns over the administrative condition of the LOP Office in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
In a reply to a Legislative Assembly question, it has been revealed that the post of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) has been vacant for six months. Moreover, an Under Secretary has never been appointed since Mr. Yuri Alemao took charge as Leader of Opposition. Both sanctioned Private Secretary posts are also lying vacant, and there have been no computer operators in the office for over six months.
“This is not a mere staffing issue, it reflects a systemic failure to support Opposition functioning,” said Pai Cacode. “The LOP office is a coordination centre for all seven Opposition MLAs. Without a core team in place, the office lacks the capacity to effectively raise public issues, scrutinise government policies, or support legislative work.”
Highlighting his own experience, Pai Cacode added, “As a former OSD and Private Secretary in the LOP office, I can say these posts are essential. The OSD anchors policy, the Under Secretary ensures procedural integrity, and the rest of the team handles communication, research and documentation.”
He also pointed out the irregular appointment of two retired Liaison Officers through a retrospective order for 2022–2023 even though the post doesn’t feature in the officially sanctioned structure. “It is contradictory for the LOP to speak out against youth unemployment while appointing retired officials nearing 75 years of age,” he noted.
Concluding, Pai Cacode urged, “It is time for Yuri Alemao to act. The Opposition cannot preach accountability while neglecting its own institutional responsibilities. A functioning LOP office is not a luxury, but a democratic necessity.”
