FRIDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2023
Women’s bill, all optics?
Is the Women’s Reservation Bill that has been introduced in the new parliament mere optics? Only time will tell. It is to the credit of the late Rajiv Gandhi who made the 30 percent reservation rule apply to Panchayats many years ago, and which was truly path-breaking. It is at the Panchayat level that women can make a huge difference. It also enables women who are truly at the grassroots (sub castes/ OBCs/tribals who do not matter in a major way) to enter into politics and make a difference.
At the level of Parliament, candidates will be chosen keeping in mind some sort of motive or ‘celebrity’ factor to emphasise and therefore create a buzz. So why wasn’t this bill introduced earlier, why in the last year of this government before 2024 elections ? And with all the buzz around this, has Manipur been conveniently forgotten? It took two humiliated women for the government to make a statement in Parliament. Launching reservation bills with fanfare is easy, giving the true nari the shakti requires a lot more vision, empathy and true commitment.
Brian de Souza, Margao
Women’s Reservation bill passed
After long pending demand for women’s reservation, the bill was passed by the union cabinet on Monday. The bill required amendment to the Constitution and can be passed only if two thirds majority approved it. The bill is now passed and will provide for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and in the States.
In Goa the we have 40 MLAs and the bill will have seat reservation of 13 seats in the state assembly. In Goa it is a person for whom people vote rather than the party to which one belongs. With this bill the chances of women entering the politics has increased and they will be part of decision making and policy making. Women are better administrators and planners hence their contribution towards society will be important for the benefit of people and women. Presently we have many elected women representatives in Lok Sabha and with this reservation we will be able to hear more women’s voices in Parliament and in Goa Assembly too.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Women Reservation Bill — a historic move
In a historic move after the Special Session moved to the new Parliament House on Tuesday, the Narendra Modi government introduced the women’s reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lower House and the State Assemblies for women. Will nari shakti be really visible in Parliament and assemblies?
The crux of the issue is why political parties whether it is BJP or Congress, or any other party do not give tickets to more women candidates in Lok Sabha and assembly elections? For that they do not need any legislation. Another question that arises is rotation of reserved constituencies in every election may reduce the incentive for an MP to work for his constituency as he may be ineligible to seek re-election from that constituency the next time.
MJ Azizi, Hyderabad
One Nation, One Election not feasible
The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’, is not feasible and pragmatic for a huge democracy and a secular nation such as India. Such a theory involves not only practical challenges, but also complex legal and constitutional considerations. Our Constitution prescribes fixed terms for various legislative bodies, making the harmonization of their election schedules a constitutional matter. It also necessitates cooperation and consensus among States, each with its unique political dynamics and concerns. The current diffused system allows each State to push its individual agenda during State elections, something that would be difficult to do in collective polls. Also, separate State elections allow regional parties to attract voters in the gap between central polls, since one would be voting separately for the Union and the State. ‘One Nation, One Election’ will impact the voting judgment of the voters and this new process shall also require manpower and machinery on a humongous scale.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Play national anthem before Konkani Tiatrs
It is a known fact that the national anthem is played in cinema theatres before the start of the film show. Those in the auditorium stand in rapt attention in spirit of patriotism and love for the country. The national anthem is mandatorily played at public functions. The Konkani tiatrs draw large crowds of Goans to the auditorium to enjoy the show. It would be desirable for the national anthem to be played at the start of the tiatr show with all those attending the show rising on their feet in a show of patriotism. We need to show our respect and love for our country and one way is to play the national anthem at every occasion where there is a large gathering.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Privacy concern over digital transactions
Digital transactions have increased in the country but the scope of cybercrime has also increased. According to a government report, data of 2.1 lakh bank accounts has been stolen in the country, since January to March 2023. And it is possible through insecure storage and collusion by employees of banks and insurance companies.
People also must be vigilant while performing online transactions. It is the duty of banks and insurance companies to protect customer data. The government should implement it legally, otherwise the digital revolution in the country may suffer a setback.
Jahangir Ali, Mumbai
Administration lacks humanity
‘Ruthless’ could be the right word to use to describe the demolition of the house at Verna, leaving the people of Goa heart broken during the peak monsoons.
Words couldn’t mean much as the authorities slammed the doors to justice. No respect was either given to the senior citizens nor the pregnant woman. Even the religious articles were not taken care of, inspite of cries from the members of the house.
No notice as such was given to them. Whereas we see so many Communidade lands being given way to housing for migrants. No action is taken against them. Why? First preference and priorities are given to them. This remains a big question mark?
Targeting poor Goan families on Goan soil does not make sense. This should be sorted out somehow and at a certain point treat every human equally, without dividing people.
Jane Fernandes, Oxel
Nations should promote peace
The words peace, friendship and cooperation are used so frequently that they have become a cliche in certain quarters. “Peace” denotes friendship without hostility at all levels: individual, societal, country, and world level. It is a celebration of culture and ideals of togetherness. The United Nations (UN) began observing International Day of Peace from September 21, 1981. The war-zones, or the conflict-zones, are more or less experiencing a brief “lull” thanks to the concerted efforts of global leaders. When weapons and insolence pave the way for harmony and tranquillity across the globe, then the world would be a far better place to live in. Every nation has the responsibility to promote peace.
On September 21, a minute of silence is the best way to throw one’s weight behind the peace guardians. It is a way to recall the contribution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and its peacekeepers, towards fostering and retaining world peace.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
