Panaji: The Gakuved Federation on Thursday strongly objected to the show cause notice issued to Dr. Ajay Gaude, Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa, after videos of his ceremonial welcome by staff went viral on social media.
The Federation described the notice, issued by the Chief Secretary, as unwarranted and unjustified, warning that it would demoralize committed government officers.
Dr. Gaude, a senior officer of the Goa Civil Service and a member of the Scheduled Tribe community, was welcomed with flowers and traditional drums by staff upon assuming charge of the Sports Authority of Goa. The Chief Secretary termed the reception unbecoming of a government servant and sought an explanation from him.
In its statement, the Federation said such a gesture was a voluntary expression of respect and confidence in Dr. Gaude’s leadership. The traditional welcome with flowers and drums is a cultural expression of appreciation and should be seen as a positive reflection of staff morale rather than a violation of protocol, it stated.
It also noted that Dr. Gaude is widely respected across the administration for his efficiency, honesty, and dedication to public service. Under his tenure, the Goa Sports Department recently bagged the prestigious Skoch Award for its ‘Khelo Goa’ initiative, part of the Khelo India scheme.
The timing of this controversy is unfortunate. Issuing a show cause notice for a ceremonial reception appears disproportionate and sets a wrong precedent that discourages cultural expressions of respect in government offices, the Federation said.
The organisation demanded the immediate withdrawal of the notice and public acknowledgment that the welcome extended to Dr. Gaude was within acceptable cultural norms.
