This refers to the news item “MoI policy only after thorough study: CM” (Herald, May2, 2012). What amicable solution is the CM talking about? The only amicable solution is for parents to be given the rights to choose the MoI. No body else has the right. The opinion of the parent-teacher body association of aided schools should be the basis of the decision, not on the opinions of those whose children and grandchildren are studying in English medium schools. Historically, these people have suppressed quality education being imparted to the lower section of the society and it’s a shame that they still do it. The spent forces in the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch(BBSM) have no answers when they are asked to explain the stand their grandchildren have taken. Manohar Parrikar has put on a façade and doesn’t want to antagonize the majority pro- English group but his BBSM friends have been twisting his arm. And that’s why the decision is hanging fire. Without an iota of doubt, the BBSM has some vested interest because they are not able to give a satisfactory answer about why they are imposing their views on Goans whose forte has been the English language.
Irineu Gonsalves, Verna
Mopa airport
Kudos to Chief Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar for issuing a statement regarding a re-think on the MOPA airport. Goa is a small state and does not require a second airport for the following reasons. The new proposed airport is too far off from main cities such as Margao, Panjim and Vasco. Imagine the plight of travellers from Canacona who will have to waste half a day to get to Mopa! The new airport will spell an ecology disaster for Goa. The very livelihood of farmers will be taken away for a measly compensation for their land. A better option will be to take up the issue with the Central Government regarding moving the Navy out of Dabolim airport. Anyway, the Navy personnel consists mainly of outsiders and this will be one way of getting rid of a sizable chunk of non-Goans from Goa.
The space used by the Navy at Dabolim airport can be used for expansion. Constructing a new airport at Mopa will lead to tourist opting for better and cleaner beaches of Maharashtra.
One wonders if this is a ploy used by the pro Maharashtra elements in the BJP Government to sell our lovely Goa to Maharashtra.?
Anthony Dias, Margao
Vote Wisely
With the panchayat elections fast approaching, I hope we will be able to elect people who are honest and have an unsullied reputation. Especially in my village of Majorda, some of the presently elected panchas have been at the helm of affairs for about two decades, treating them as their personal control, and promoting their personal agendas. The villagers also elect corrupt candidates, so that they don’t have to go through the official channels to get their jobs done.
I humbly request the people of Goa to elect only those who are hardworking and having a clean public record, who will actually work for the betterment of the village. Now is the time to choose the right candidate. Electing corrupt people for our own selfish benefits or falling prey to goodies offered by them, will only make us live with the destruction of the village across the next five years.
Willie Severes, Majorda
Import food items
Prices of fish, meat, vegetables and fruits are shooting upwards. Moreover these items have become a monopoly of vendors who come from outside the State. Why cannot we Goans import beef, mutton, and fruits from abroad as the import of these items do not require an import licence and can be freely imported under the Open General Licence or OGL. Meat from Australia would be much cheaper than what we are paying for now. This will help keep the prices down and send unscrupulous vendors out of Goa.
Anthony Fernandes, Mapuça
Next President
As the incumbent President, Patibha Patil demits office in July, the question of next Presidential candidate is probably in the mind of every citizen of this country. We have had Presidents who were raised to that exalted post for considerations other than their individual merits, integrity, knowledge of the Constitution and administrative experience.
Political leaders looking for our next Presidential candidate must realize that there is no dearth of required talents in our Armed Forces and civil services. Such a process will satisfy the aspirations of the right thinking citizens, who have broad vision and far sight on the future of this Nation.
