27 May 2020  |   05:11am IST

Letters to the editor (27 May 2020)

Letters to the editor (27 May 2020)

Swearing by ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh’

The Class X English paper on Saturday has left a trail of dissonance in the State. 

A question on the usage of reporting verbs showed a conversation between two people which tried to prove that Goans are opting for Portuguese passports as there are few job opportunities in the State and over that trying to justify that without influence and money it is very difficult for Goans to get jobs in Goa.

What are we trying to prove through such a question paper at the State level other than glorifying the craze of migrating and downgrading your own State and country as being corrupt? 

Even worse an image is being created that it is difficult for Goans to get jobs in Goa, implying that through unethical ways outsiders are intruding in Goa. 

A lot has already been communicated on this topic by politicians and academics that the matter went unnoticed by the hierarchy supposed to go through the question paper before clearing it for printing. 

Michael Vaz, Merces


What’s more important?

This is with regards to the so called ‘blunder’ that was made concerning the SSC English paper. 

While the BJP government proceeds to scrutinise and seek out who the person is who set the question paper, thousands of people continue to test positive for COVID-19. 

So, the government is rather more concerned about keeping a good reputation, than have its name spoiled by truth. It’s rather concerned about trivial matters than on making the lockdown more strict and tightening rules concerning the pandemic that is leading to many deaths per day within the country. 

When will the government learn to accept the truth that there is widespread corruption within the State and that it is true that there is unavailability of sufficient jobs in Goa and that taking Portuguese citizenship is indeed a good idea? 

It doesn’t entail that the government has to go into a frenzy about the whole matter. Whatever happened to freedom of speech and expression?

Ezekiel Carvalho, via email


Quality time in quarantine

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we are all doing our part by staying indoors and practicing social distancing. 

Quality time in quarantine is an excellent opportunity to spend time with your loved ones who are at home and to reach out to those that are not. 

We are often so busy with work, school, social events, and our electronics that we do not spend enough meaningful time together. This does not need to be a stressful season if we choose to be intentional with time given to us.

When you are presented with the opportunity to stay at home 24x7, you can make it enjoyable with your family members around you. Try to involve yourself as much as you can with family discussions. 

Focus on spreading laughter and taking the same in return. If you used to spend a significant part of your time in office, it is a perfect chance to make it up with family.

Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai


Shame lies in bribery

This is in response to the news item in Herald on the SSC question paper in English mentioning Goans acquiring Portuguese passports, to go abroad for jobs. 

To put it figuratively, it is since time immemorial that Goans are known to go out in search of greener pastures because we in Goa never attained the optimum level of employment and because of this scarcity of jobs Goans preferred to go abroad.

I don’t understand why a few persons had to make this a big issue when it is a fact that so many Goans are acquiring Portuguese passports because it is become a mode of employment and to get not only much better income in the West but also it has become a symbol of respect and dignity. 

Every Indian who acquires a Portuguese passport is aware of this.

If our government was capable of providing jobs for our citizens then nobody would acquire a Portuguese passport. 

There is no shame in acquiring Portuguese passports but shame is there in charging lakhs of rupees for providing jobs. This is not only shameful but disgraceful where no government is thinking to put a ban on it.

A Veronica Fernandes, Candolim


Have clear SOPs for tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown open new challenges. How do we keep each other safe and do business to feed ourselves and keep the State economy running? 

Goa is a tourist destination and the SOPs on tourism have to be clear. We need health workers various health committees at panchayats getting involved in creating awareness. 

Our Niz Goenkar will be returning to their homes and families. Some stay in housing complexes, others in houses. Others own second homes in Goa and they would love to leave their Red Zones to come to Green Zone Goa. 

While the tourist will book tickets to Goa, most of them will stay in housing society complexes on rent or some have second homes. 

How does the government assure the residents of the housing society without clear SOPs and norms for home quarantine? 

As per the SOPs just released and read on local dailies speaks about travellers and getting themselves tested and home quarantine if the second test proves positive then the family will be institutional quarantined. 

This is fine for those living in single houses. 

What about the congested housing societies residents? Will the residents or the housing society being fully quarantined? 

Gregory E. Dsouza, Siolim


Creating tempting morsels 

There is a lot of mention of China and Pakistan along our northern borders. The blame falls completely on the BJP government at the Centre. Last August the Union government decided to divide the State of Jammu and Kashmir. 

One has to only look at a satellite map image of this area of the new UTs and Ladakh to understand the blunder made by the Indian government. 

It is known that Pakistan has its eyes on Kashmir. China too has for years tried to grab our states in the NE as well the NW. 

By dividing the State of J&K, the Central government has unwittingly created small tempting morsels which both China and Pakistan will find difficult to resist. 

The sabre rattling as reported in the press also would not be helpful if we were confronted simultaneously by these two countries. 

Carmo Costa – Viegas, Assolna


IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar