Unfair elections
Nowadays even panchayat elections are not fair in Goa. Money is freely distributed to the voters on the eve of the election. The Election Commissioner is responsible for this illegalities because he never takes the complaints in this regard seriously. He is certainly aware about those candidates who distribute money and goodies to the voters; yet he is hesitant to action against them. The election commissioner reveals ‘sensitive’ and ‘hypersensitive’ areas much before the elections are announced but fails to deploy police personnel where there could be cases of distribution of money. Due to the failure of the EC in this regard the candidates contesting in sensitive areas get a free hand to distribute money, and wrong persons are elected. The EC should be very serious about taking action to stop these illegalities.
                         Marcos Alemao, via email

Higher education
This refers to the letter ‘Higher Education’ by Dr G Shrinivas(Herald May 16, 2012). The development of Higher Education has been the top most priority of the Government of India’s 11th five- year plan. Major funding for higher education, especially for research and developments has been marked as an important area to be focused on in the 12th five-year plan. To implement the Government of India’s plan and utilize the budget alloted for Higher Education, it is essential that Manohar Parrikar’s Government provides the Directorate of Education with a full time Director of Higher Education, who can assess the potential for the development of higher education in Goa focusing on need based research and sustainable development of the State.
                              Amar Naik, Curchorem

Security risk?
There is a rule in force in Goa that does not allow cars to have tinted glasses beyond a certain limit. But then, there has been no enforcement of this rule by the law-enforcing authority. As a result one sees several vehicles on the roads with tinted glasses. What purposes does it serve not to allow cars to have tinted glasses? Is it required to catch some terrorist who could be moving about in a car with tinted glasses? How many policemen peep into a car, even without tinted glasses to see who the occupants are? And what stops a terrorist from moving about on a two-wheeler wearing a helmet? The hot conditions in Goa makes it necessary for cars to have tinted glass in order to keep away the hot rays of the sun. If the cars do not have tinted glasses the air-conditioner in the car seems less effective in its cooling effect. Even allowing filming of the glass up to a certain limit will not make much of a difference. So whether this rule will serve any purpose is debatable.
                         Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

Fishing ban
As a former diver-trainer, I’ve spent years taking people to see the sights underwater, mostly to the Bat and Grande Islands. During these trips underwater, I’ve personally witnessed the sharp decline in marine life around these islands.
I would recommend therefore that the authorities extend the fishing ban till the end of August.
Also, what would be ideal is for the authorities to declare the entire area around these islands a marine life sanctuary upto a one kilometre radius.
This would help regenerate the marine population and in the years to come, would prove to be a real boon to the fishing industry. As the fish population increases, activities like scuba diving and snorkeling will also get a boost, thus helping the tourism industry.
It’s time for firm action! Will the Fisheries Minister take note and do something in this regard?
                      William M. Gomes, Mapusa

Cortalim by-election
Many people have opened their shops to try and cash in on the upcoming by-elections at Cortalim, but had to abruptly shut them. Those shouting from roof tops have fallen flat even before the fight has begun. It was indeed a wise decision to backtrack after sensing the pulse of the voters. The lone contestant fielded as opposition candidate is like a sacrificial lamb that will not be able to retain his deposit. The voter’s mind had undergone a major change; they are in no mood to listen to the distracters and have got an opportunity to create ‘history’ in Goa .It will be most prudent if he listens to his conscience and withdraws from the fray and instead aids the election of a lady candidate unopposed. If this occurs, such an instance will be unparalleled and it will be a true homage to the departed soul.
                                
                              BVS Priolkar, Margao