Daijiworld Media Network – Pernem

Pernem, Jan 20: A head clerk was injured after a portion of the ceiling collapsed at the Women and Child Development office in Pernem on Monday, triggering serious concerns over the structural safety of the Pernem government complex.

The injured official, identified as Sujay Gawade, was immediately shifted to the Tuem Community Health Centre (CHC), where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Pernem Deputy Collector Shivprasad Naik said the building has weakened at several places and poses a threat to life and property. He revealed that he had earlier alerted officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), who inspected the premises and submitted a report to their superiors. “Despite this, no action was taken, which led to this incident. Immediate attention and remedial measures are now necessary,” Naik said.

The issue of relocating the Pernem government complex has been discussed earlier as well. Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar had previously proposed shifting the complex to Tuem, but the plan faced opposition, and government offices continued to function from the existing premises.

About six months ago, Pernem MLA Praveen Arlekar inspected the complex along with officials and announced plans to construct a new government office complex on government land near the Ambedkar statue. However, no progress has been made on the proposal so far.