FRIDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2023
Refusal to stay HC order is in the right direction
The Supreme Court of India on Monday has refused to grant a stay on the High Court order directing the Goa government to notify the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding areas as Tiger Reserve in three months time. This means that the Goa government will now have to declare Mhadei as a tiger reserve within one month notwithstanding the Goa government’s challenge to the High Court.
Well, the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant a stay to the High Court order must have come like a tight slap on the face of our Goa government and in particular the Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane who was instrumental in filing a special leave petition (SPL) challenging the above High Court order in the Supreme Court and was dreaming of auctioning Mhadei and its surrounding areas to all the builders lobby under some pretext or the other in the long run by misguiding Goans in Goa.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Honouring Prophet Muhammad
Eid Milad-un-Nabi marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), the last Messenger of God. He was sent as a messenger to the entire mankind as a guide to show them the right
path. His teachings are still prevalent and followed by many people around the globe. When we speak about the best of the creation we need to learn about His teachings and behavioural conduct. He was very kind and compassionate to people. Prophet (pbuh) put an end to all the cruelties that were practiced towards women. Throughout his life, He quelled the
fallacies of people who believed that Islam does not treat women equally.
His life stories attest to the reality that no differences were made between men and women. He said, “The best of you are those who are best to their women”. They were given their rights and freedom and were treated with dignity under His advice. He also had a distinctive personality who showed justice and fairness even to His enemies. Furthermore, in the times when racism was at its peak, He rejected it and promoted equality.
He followed the teachings of the Quran and later preached it to mankind. It was said by His wife Aisha, “Verily, the character of the Prophet of Allah was the Quran.” His teachings that encourages us to love and respect each other, treat the women fairly , promote peace and rise above enmity.
Simran Shaikh, Ponda
The exploitative contract system
The editorial, ‘Give justice to contract workers’ (O Heraldo, September 27, 2023) rightly suggests the government should discard the contract system and hire employees on a permanent basis only to avoid such chaotic situations.’ Unfortunately, India is heading more and more towards contractual employment anarchy. This has enhanced exploitative practices like withholding of wages, debt bondage, holiday hijacking, emotional, physical and sexual torture.
Informal workers are highly vulnerable as no record of contract has properly been maintained giving ample opportunity to the employers to adopt use and throw methodology. Many contractual workers have been living their lives like slaves. Can walls made during Trump visit or G20 New Delhi summit cover such horrific display of human rights violations?
Sujit De, Kolkata
Give national bravery award to daring boy
A 12-year-old boy showed exceptional courage and presence of mind in saving the lives of hundreds of passengers travelling by train. The boy reportedly prevented a major train accident in Malda district of West Bengal as he waved his red shirt to an approaching passenger train after spotting a damaged rail track. The loco-pilot picked up the boy’s signal and applied the emergency brake immediately to stop the train in time. It is learnt that the boy named Mursalin Sheikh, son of a migrant labourer of the nearby village, was present in the yard with the railway staff. It is learnt that the portion of the track was damaged at a location where soil and the pebbles were washed away by the rains.
The portion of the track was repaired and the operations were resumed later. It was by providence that the boy was wearing a red shirt. Railway authorities reportedly rewarded the brave boy with a certificate and cash award for his valour. The 12-year-old braveheart deserves all the accolades that come his way. He should be felicitated by the West Bengal state government. It would be in the fitness of things to recommend his name for the ‘National Bravery’ award for next year’s Republic Day. The Railways could also promise him a job when the boy completes his studies.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Check mid-day meals before serving
Mid day meal at school has been always a nightmare for our innocent school children. Parents get worried over their children health and sometimes children have even been hospitalised after such incidents. Parents should avoid such meals for their children as these are prepared in bulk and no quality food can be prepared in bulk and give them home tiffin. School principals and teachers should check the meals before feeding them to innocent children which can lead to food poisoning and even death. All schools should end by 1pm so that children can have good lunch at home.
Ashwin Caeiro, Cansaulim
The Canadian dream is fading
Indian students have overtaken their Chinese counterparts in seeking admission to Canadian universities. The lure of good education, permanent residence (PR), good jobs and affordable housing is driving students to apply for admission to colleges in Canada. But now students are having second thoughts. The tuition fees are very high-- four times more than for domestic students. Room rent has increased considerably and so too has the cost of living. Besides, students arriving in Canada this year are facing a huge accommodation crunch as the demand for accommodation far exceeds the supply.
Many small colleges, some with dubious distinction, have sprung up to cater to the growing demand. The quality of education imparted in these colleges, leaves much to be desired. Students realise this only when they come to Canada. While most of the students are likely to get PR, they are unlikely to find jobs commensurate with their qualifications. Most end up working for jobs that are unrelated to their qualifications and in call centres or as salesperson in malls. Buying a house after college is virtually ruled out now as the average cost of a house has shot up to over a million dollars. But what will hit Canada most is the sudden increase in house mortgage payment from 2% to 7% making it virtually impossible for anyone to go in for a new house. The monthly payment eats up one person’s salary. Much of the second salary (of the spouse) goes towards mortgage payment of the car and insurance which is very high, leaving very little for other expenses. If interest rates do not come down the Canada dream is all but over.
Robert Castellino, Calangute/Mumbai
