Talented prisoners
Jail inmates and undertrials lodged in various jails in the State have shown great talent in painting and producing works of art. Those lodged at Sada jail had even fabricated floats for the Shigmo parade. With Ganesh Chaturthi fast approaching, these talented inmates should be encouraged to produce eco-friendly Ganesh idols which should be made available for sale in the market. The Government should sell these products through their numerous outlets. The citizens on their part should encourage these talented artists who by fate are behind bars by making a point to buy the products produced by them.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

BSNL consumers
Some time back BSNL introduced a scheme of ‘free’ calls between land line and BSNL mobile and the land line users obtained SIM card from the Department on payment of nominal charges. Recently the users were taken by surprise on receiving  a hefty monthly bill for the land line connection. On inquiry  we were told that the scheme was withdrawn, and now calls up to ‘half an hour’ are free. The users have been deceived as the scheme has stopped without prior intimation.
It is not proper on part of a Government undertaking to resort to such cheap gimmicks to increase the clientele, which is bound to be there without advertising. The bill details are not transparent and clear as before, and made to confuse the consumers; even alerts sent on mobile are stopped. It appears BSNL is not keen on improving its quality and service and perhaps intends that its customers seek alternate pastures.
BVS Priolkar, Margao

Regular power failures
Ever since the recent  increase in  the ‘electricity units’ power failures in the Duler- Mapusa area has increased.  Before the increase of ‘electricity  units  we experienced  75 power failures per month at an average,  but after its increase, we now get between 90-95 power failures per month,  why?.  Power failures is just a part of the problem,  but the main problem is that  twice or thrice a month I have to get someone to change the capacitor of my ‘Ceiling Fans’, the IC of my TV set or the condenser of my refrigerator.  Being a senior citizen and with no income,  how can I afford to pay someone Rs. 150 to change the capacitor, Rs. 350 for the IC or Rs. 425 for changing the condesor - and these are just monthly ‘power failure’ expenses,  what about the months to follow.
 Since earlier there used to be power failures twice a day i.e. between 8 to 9 a.m. and again between 5 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. I knew when to put off my TV, Fans etc.,  but nowadays these power failures occur any time of the day and at times the count can go upto 6 times.  I request the ‘Power Minister’ to  investigate this matter because everyone in Goa suffers much due to  regular Power failures.
Albert Pereira, Mapusa

Double standards
This has reference to the article “Rich hoarding gold, art in Swiss banks” (Herald, July  2, 2012). The Swiss have been ranked eighth in the list of Corruption Perceptions Index? The Swiss in spite of various treaties with other countries, discover various ways and means to encourage citizens to break laws of their countries of origin and help park their illicit wealth in Switzerland. Swiss bankers are telling their rich clients that Switzerland’s tax and information exchange treaties with India and other countries are mostly limited to funds in customers’ savings, deposit and investment accounts, and do not apply to the safe deposit boxes. As a result the demand for safe deposit boxes and 1,000 Swiss franc banknotes has increased to high level. One thousand-franc banknote is worth about Rs 60,000 in Indian currency, making it easier to store large amount of money in form of these notes.
Swiss Parliament gave Suu Kyi a standing ovation for  her fight for human rights; on the other hand allows its banking system to accept deposits of dictators ,tyrants , drug lords ,terrorists  etc.,   some of whom have not only suppressed the rights of their citizens but also plundered the resources of their country . This is nothing but double standards. The fight against terrorism should start with the Swiss banks that have unaccounted funds.
DC Dias, Taleigao