Goa has been blessed by a sea having fish in abundance, as a natural resource. It is an irony that though there are a huge number of trawlers operating on Goa’s coastline -gettimg a sizable catch during the season- fish hardly finds its way into Goa’s local fish markets. It is shocking that the prices of fish has increased tremendously, with an average Goan household having to spend at least Rs. 200 daily on fish.
Entire truckloads of fish, are being sourced to other states and the hotel industry through middle men for huge profit margins, leaving Goans to make do with the rejected lot of mainly Mackerals and Sardines. It is high time the government regulates the export of fish so that enough stocks are available for our fish markets, at a controlled price. Chief minister Manohar Parrikar has to come out with a policy to conserve and utilise our fish reserves for us.
Allwyn George, Carmona
Clerical MLAs
Our MLAs are to get a hefty raise that amounts to over Rs one lakh. Our MLAs are paid by the tax payer and that they are there to serve us. We should clear the cobwebs form our minds and stop believing that they are our masters. However, we do not pay our MLAs to do clerical work ,which is the case of them distributing Ladli Laxmi Yojana Scheme forms. This is a government scheme so, these forms should be distributed by the relevant government departments. Do MLAs distribute forms for all schemes? Why do we pay government employees a salary
DC Dias, Taleigao
Anna on a jaunt ?
It is always politicians who win in India. A good smartarian like Anna,having so called public support , ultimately losses just because his crusade against corruption is good in theory-on paper. The Lok Pal Bill is the demand of Anna Team but will it work?What is the guarantee that it shall not be a victim of corruption.
There are enough laws that safeguard against most wrong doings against national interest but their implementation in the right spirit is zero.
M. Kumar, New Delhi
All about anti-nationals
The State Governments official statistics, that, there are more Hindus students than Christian students, studying in Christian run primary school across Goa, has clearly proved the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch(BBSM) is on the wrong. Now it is up to the BBSM to clarify who are anti-nationals: whether the Christians who run the schools; whether it is the majority of Hindus who send their kids to Christians schools or whether it is the BBSM- who with their selfish attitude- trying to forcefully impose regional languages as medium of instructions on children. Konkani is the sole language and the identity of Goans. It survived through 450 years of colonial rule and will continue to flow through the blood of every Goan . Marathi is the language of our of Maharashtra and it is also a very beautiful language to talk, listen and write. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar took a wise decision by granting monitory aids to Christian run primary schools.
The best method to promote regional languages is by making Konkani/Marathi as a compulsory subject from primary to higher secondary level.
Julius Carvalho, Dubai-UAE
Hello, Health Minister
It was interesting news to learn that the State Government is planning to appoint a homeopathic and an ayurvedic doctor in each of the public and community health centres in Goa. (Herald dated August 4th).
No doubt this step will help the public in general to some extent, but I would like to remind Health Minister Laximikant Parsekar, to first inspect all the health centres in Goa. Their functioning is poor . Many of them lack in basic amenities. For example, Sancoale village has a facility, which cannot be called a hospital, a health centre or a clinic. It does not have drinking waterfacilities, toilets and essential medicines which patients need in an emergency. Although it has a landline connection, most of the time, it is out of order. The only good news is , it has a well qualified MBBS doctor. He is on duty all the time doing his job religiously. Sadly, this particular doctor is paid a meagre salary. Also, equipment worth in lakhs is lying in a state of disuse.
I am sure the Health Minister will look into this matter urgently and rectify the situation .
Lawrence Fernandes, Chicago, USA
Land filling
The assurance given by the Chief Minister, as regards to the filling of land and stringent punishment is most welcome. Let us hope it is carried out in letter and spirit. Similar action is also required as regards the cutting of hills. It is difficult to complaint to the TCP, who are generally influenced by local MLAs. Equal powers should be given to Police and Deputy Collectors. Else, the proposed amendment will not be effective enough. The Law Department should examine this aspect, before an amendment is enacted.
Antonio F.Fernandes, Arossim
Infrastructure first
I wish, our honourable Chief Minister (Minister for Town and Country Planning) instructs the Town and Country Planning Department to ensure infrastructure first, new housing projects later, as he has instructed the Education department.
