Mantralaya staffers say new building just as unsafe

Employees of the state secretariat, Mantralaya, on Thursday demanded changes be made to the design of the newly renovated building which was ravaged by a fire in June last year. They allege that the renovation has been done with scant regard to safety of employees and that new seating arrangements devalue heirarchy of posts.

Demanding that changes be made, they have threatened to strike work on December 3.

President of Maharashtra Mantralay Officers’ Organisation, Ramchandra Dhanawade, said that extra care should have been taken after last year’s fire. “They have narrowed down exit areas and doors. How does one escape in an emergency? Besides, number of toilets has been reduced,” said Dhanawade, adding that the new seating arrangement has cabins only for secretaries not officers of other ranks.

“Also, increased cabin space has been allotted for secretaries while reducing space for others.

They are devaluing posts of joint secretaries and other secretaries,” he said.

However, Public Works Department officials said the decision to allocate cabins was taken by a high-level panel. “As for fire exits, the new design incorporates several safety features, including sprinklers and smoke detectors,” said an official. “The staff is under some misconception... No wood is used and all material is fire-retardant. Even numbers of toilets has been increased,” said the official.