Nelson Lopes has given an apt description of the frustration one faces when dealing with any Government office in Goa. One example that I encountered when going through the so-called mutation process for recording a deed: In the final stages of the process my papers had to be scrutinized by a verification officer before the Mamlatdar signed off. After scrutinizing the papers the "verification officer" pointed out to the list of former owners and said I needed their signatures as well. These were not the names of the sellers, but the people that the seller had purchased the property from. I pointed out to the verification officer that the those former owners had expired 30 to 40 years ago. How was I to get their signature ? His response was "That is your problem". This is how ludicrous it sometimes is when dealing with government officials. Someone pointed out to me that I was being set up to get a bribe. I however, went straight to the Mamlatdar and pointed out the hopelessness of dealing with his office. I was of course livid. Seeing my demeanour, he signed off. This is why I am a great fan of Anna Hazare and his movement.
