01 Mar 2021  |   04:57am IST

Letters to the editor (01 March 2021)

Letters to the editor (01 March 2021)

State of the Goan economy

If all goes well the Goan Economy will fare well. Else it could be farewell. Simply put it is a matter of social welfare.

In spite of the lockdown there is a sizable growth curve. On the downside it's around the waistline. Hopefully we can counter that with sufficient exercise. Or we could increase our revenues from Excise. 

GST may at times seem in excess. Added to that is various Cess. In spite of this cesspool the economy is in a state of recession.

Many businesses are still recovering, but the markets are flourishing. This is likely because the markets are connected to our dreams rather than with reality. During the lockdown demand was elastic. Supply however was drastic.

All our ill wills are caused undoubtedly by blockages in the system. The solution to this endemic problem is soothing policies that serve as a laxative.

Miramar beach missed out on getting a blue flag certification. On the positive side Baina beach and locality lost their red-light certification. This may not augur well with all, but certainly with an august gathering.

Tourism had some footfalls. More of swadeshi and less of firangi. That was fine. Less of emotions running wild. Less of beer is a cause to cheer. Tourism rates fell minus the surcharge or was it overcharge?

The Goan Economy can still recover. All it takes is some Boost. If preferable, Horlicks is fine. We need more of workaholics and less of alcoholics.

The Economy can move forward, provided like horses it is given side blinds. 

Vinay Rodrigues, 

Margao

On students riding two-wheelers to school

Noting that many students ride the two-wheeler rashly and recklessly, it is learnt that the State Education Department has banned school students from riding two-wheelers to the institution. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has reportedly written to the heads of the institutions to ensure that no students ride two-wheelers to school.

The State Road Safety Council has also raised concern over reckless riding by school students. This is a step in the right direction as school children are seen riding mostly gearless two-wheelers. For gearless vehicles less than 50cc, the minimum age required to get a licence is 16 years in India according to MV Act. However, nobody cares about the engine capacity of the vehicles. Those under 16 years of age with a driving licence could be riding a two-wheeler of much higher engine capacity.

In order to hoodwink the school authorities, there is every possibility that the students could be parking the vehicle away from the school premises, and walk to the school. Hence the onus of not allowing their children to ride to school on a two-wheeler lies solely on the parents. This matter needs to be discussed threadbare at the PTA meeting of the respective school. If need be, the school authorities could even take an undertaking from the parents that their ward will not be allowed to ride to school on a two-wheeler.

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco 

Students’ ban on  two-wheelers welcome

The quick response by the DoE Santosh Amonkar banning students from riding two-wheeler is a welcome step. Asking the heads of the schools to act like traffic police to check on any of their students who bring motorbikes to school is uncalled for. These students do not park the motor bikes in the school premises but anywhere away from the school one can find parking in nearby compound or road side.

The DoE should write to the Government to introduce the Traffic Sentinel scheme with protection. The government can also install CCTV cameras to capture these students who violate the order otherwise this is just a waste of time and one dept passing the buck to another, that's how the Good governance functions. 

The last time I had written to the DoE regarding the Petrol pump being proposed near the school the DoE didn't find it important to take up the matter or support the people. Let the traffic police do its duty while leaving the school staff to do its teaching duty.

Gregory E D’Souza, Siolim


Swayampurna Goa, season’s flavour

Swayampurna/Atmanirbhar Goa is the flavour of the season and the State must do all it can to achieve self sufficiency in major fields. Goa's private sector needs to look beyond the traditional manufacturing and services industries, entrepreneurs need to focus on agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and food processing utilising the available skill sets. Acres of land lying fallow could be put to better use by planting high value horticulture crops or setting up food processing ancillaries.

Also the government needs to provide single window clearance to reputed private educational entities for setting up vocational colleges to provide Goan youth with industry ready skills, also upskilling and reskilling of workers needs to be facilitated. The government needs to improve its 'ease of doing business' index by speeding up decision making and formalities pertaining to land, electricity, water and trade licences. 

Actually the government has no business being in business and it would help if veteran industry leaders are consulted before framing policies to make Goa 'atmanirbhar', tapping into that talent pool will be a win-win situation for both the government and the State.

Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim 


Ligia’s appointment, proud moment

A very proud moment for Goa and every Goan with the elevation of the daughter of our soil Dr Ligia Noronha as the Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the New York office of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). Had the privilege of knowing Ligia in the 70’s during my student days as a wonderful and always beaming human being.

Ligia has achieved the rare distinction of being a leading economist while also attaining excellence in the complex field of environmental issues.

The world is grappling with serious issues concerning the environment including climate change with only empty rhetoric talk by those in Power. 

In these critical circumstances it is proven achievers like Ligia that can act as catalysts to deliver the much required change to ensure a better and healthy environment.

Her elevation now to the coveted position at the UNEF is a ray of hope for our country’s environment and more particularly the rapid environmental degradation that our Goa is going through. 

At this crucial juncture Ligia’s role with passion and commitment can usher some much needed expectation and hope for the future generations. 

May she and her phenomenal achievements act as a role model and impetus to the youth of today who are conscious and rightly concerned about issues concerning the environment and the catastrophic consequences that lie ahead if radical measures are not taken. 

Dr Ligia and her husband Dr Peter Ronald De Souza who has been an acclaimed academician and intellectual are great Goans who par excellence have excelled in their fields. 

This widely travelled couple have in their own way worked fervently and so dedicatedly on a laborious mission for the betterment of humanity. Their very positive contribution and outstanding achievements will go down in the history of Goa.

Aires Rodrigues, 

Ribandar



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