FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
Lokayukta post must be filled
While we are all battling the COVID-19 pandemic which has to be everyone’s a priority, we cannot also ignore the fact that the much needed now vacant post of the Lokayukta cannot remain deserted given the rampant corruption and mounting cases of rank mal-administration that Goa is witnessing.
The hardcore and so low calibre of our current ruling politicians stands exposed with the revelation that even during the lockdown that they did not hesitate to enrich their pockets with the now infamous labour scam.
Goa cannot remain without a formidable Lokayukta who has to vigilantly oversee the working of this now faltering government and maintain a check on it’s every wrongful act of omission and commission.
The Goa Lokayukta Act was enacted in 2011 to provide for the establishment of the Institution of Lokayukta and to inquire into grievances and allegations against Public functionaries in the State of Goa. And this we and the now comatose government cannot lose sight of.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Amended Motor Vehicle Act
It is understood that the amended Motor Vehicles Act with revised fines is likely to be implemented in the State from October 1. However the execution might be delayed as the state is reeling under the COVID-19 crisis.
The State had reportedly recently published a notification in the official gazette maintaining the original notification of the Motor Vehicles Act passed by the centre without reducing the quantum of fines except for some minor changes made in the penalty relating to minor offences. It is pertinent to note that under the amended Motor Vehicle Act vehicular drivers will have to pay a hefty fine for traffic violations, like not giving way to an ambulance or a fire-brigade will attract a fine of Rs 10,000.
A new Section 199 A has been introduced according to which if a juvenile is caught driving a vehicle, his guardian and the owner of the vehicle would be deemed guilty and would have to pay a steep fine of Rs 25,000 with imprisonment of up to three years and the registration of the vehicle will also be cancelled. Given the number of accidents involving juveniles driving the vehicle many of which have ended in fatality in which young lives have been lost, this punishment for the guardian and the owner of the vehicle appears to be a step in the right direction.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Careers for students
While schools are still in the shutdown mode it would do well for students to reflect on career choices. In the past the openings were limited to students in Goa. Choices were often made on availability. Today however new career choices have emerged and students can even select a career based on their interests and talents.
For instance, if someone doesn't drink, he could be a barman. If someone likes to drink, he could be a sommelier. If someone has a talent for finding faults in others, activist. If someone is a bully, policeman. If someone wants to provide justice, a lawyer. If you want to run away from home, shippie. If someone loves racing, Formula One driver. When an unfortunate speedster meets his end there could be need for an Undertaker. If someone is a bottom-pincher, nurse. If a person is trustable. That is someone you can depend or bank on, he or she could be a Banker. I wonder why banks are collapsing these days? If someone is broke, broker. If you are in shutdown, Start Up!
The possibilities are endless and as the saying goes, "Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life."
Vinay Rodrigues, Margao
Capping of rates for COVID treatment
Apropos editorial in Herald, (September 18), "Caping of rates in private hospitals a farce". The Government ought to be transparent on the criteria adopted for capping of rates of private hospitals for treatment of COVID related cases as the slabs fixed for general ward and ICU appears to be exorbitantly high and beyond the reach of the common man who have been suffering from the pangs of economic slowdown ever since the lockdown was enforced in March 2020.
While the MLAs and bureaucrats are given state-of-the-art treatment in private hospitals by even summoning specialists from the premiere medical college and hospital, the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), at tax-payers expense, the locals are meted out step-motherly treatment. Under the circumstances, there ought to be a level playing field for all and sundry in so far as holistic medical treatment is concerned across the gamut of ailments without discrimination.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Our safety is in our hands
Widespread mask use and data-driven social distancing measures in India may help prevent over 200,000 Covid-19-related deaths by December 1, according to a modelling study which shows the disease will continue to pose a major public health threat in the country.
The study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in the US suggests that there is an opportunity to further limit the toll of Covid-19 in India. It highlights the critical need for people to comply with face mask use, social distancing, and other Covid-19 prevention guidelines as advised by the public health authorities.
Mask wearing and social distancing are crucial to mitigate the spread of the virus. The mask wearing and distancing measures will significantly slow the progress of the disease while protecting vulnerable populations.
Sahili S Sawant Dessai, Curchorem
