It was really appalling to see in one of the recent issues of your highly esteemed daily; the snap of our Honourable CM. Mr. Parrikar riding pillion on a scooter, without any security driven by the local MLA to inspect the Banaulim Sequerim Bridge.
Unlike his predecessors, who were known to move around with fleet of cars and security guards, even for some petty reasons much to glorify their positions rather than the purpose they were elected for, have to emulate his example. Indeed! it’s ultimately the attitude that determines the altitude of a person!. Isn’t it? Mr. Parrikar by setting a glaring example of his simplicity and smartness has proved beyond doubt that he is a fine combination of wisdom and intelligence par excellence,
It’s rightly said that “He who salutes his duty, need not salute anybody. But he who pollutes his duty has to salute everybody”. Mr. Parrikar known for his duty bound nature has saluted his duty right from the word ‘go’ i.e. much before he was sworn in as CM. of the state. His rapid handling of sensational issues like Calvim Bridge, Balrath Tragedy, Sal River Stagnation, has sent a signal across the state that he is a man of quick actions.
Anil Moyo, Miramar
Panchayat elections
The Village panchayat elections are fast approaching, and Government machinery is already in action making preparations to conduct the elections. Women must come forward to contest the elections, not only for reserved seats for them, but also for other seats to compete, strengthen and encourage women power.
At present women are participating in different social and other organisations, making progress and solving their problems. The Government of Goa has given powers and facilities to village panchayats to encourage the development of social activities for the progress of villages in Goa.
Efigenio Dias, Colva
Politics and sentiments
In a democracy there is no value for sentiments. We may or may not agree with this. And we have to accept everyone’s right to express his opinion. Having said this, what about the value we give to dirty politics? Matanhy Saldanha was disqualified as an MLA and subsequently the Court set aside this disqualification. But in the interim period Matanhy was not allowed to attend the Assembly, and so the people of Cortalim were deprived of their representative in the House. The very same people who say that there are no sentiments in politics were responsible for undemocratic behaviour. These people believe that winning a seat or two will confer on themselves the status of king makers. Unfortunately for them, and fortunately for us, we have seen through their ploys. Goans have woken up and are on full alert, so it’s no longer easy to fool them. Goans now realize what they can achieve through the ballot box. So it’s time the wannabe king makers come down to earth and don’t play with the sentiments of the people!
DC Dias, Taleigao
Garbage in Cuncolim
My historic village is back in the news. This time it’s regarding the coming up of a fish meal at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate. Unplanned Industrial development in Cuncolim has already destroyed enough of our natural resources that include our ground water. And people like me who totally survived on our wells were forced to depend on untrustworthy PWD water. We have recently proved that if we can make, we can destroy too. If the fish meal could lead to further destruction of Cuncolim, we cuncollekars say ‘no’ to the same. If the Velim MLA supports the same why was it rejected by the Velim villagers. I am really not aware of the bad effects of the Fish meal or its the nature. But we worked hard to clear the garbage from Cuncolim and now we intend to leada peaceful life. Please don’t force us to roar.
Joel Morais Cuncolim,
Exorbitant prices
I have just returned to the UK from another holiday in Goa. I have been visiting the State since 1999. I love its scenery, beaches, people and food - in fact almost everything.
However I’m unsure of returning as I am disappointed in some of the changes. Apart from the excessive litter throughout, my biggest disappointment is the high fares charged by tourist taxis. How can a fare from Betalbatim to Margao be Rs 700 when the local bus costs a few rupees? Similarly, a taxi to Majorda or Benaulim for an evening meal should not cost more than the meal! I appreciate that the tourist season is only part of the year and the drivers need to earn a living, but can they not see that they and the local restaurants are all losing out on income as tourists are not prepared to be ripped off in this way? If the prices had not been so high I would have used them much more often and been able to spread my money in many local places. Compared to costs of other items in Goa these have risen excessively. Add to this the cost of obtaining a visa and the non-standard photograph required for the visa - Goa, unfortunately, will probably be beyond my means.
Kara Ward via email
Child labour
At the dawn of the new decade the problem of child labour has become one of the most daunting national challenges. In our Country many innocent children are forced into child labour due to various socio-economic factors. In Goa, every now and then, we read media reports on child labour. Recently, at the GMC canteen, human trafficking racket has been brought to light. All the persons involved in such rackets must immediately be booked according to the rule of law.
