WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
Penalising for not wearing a mask
Pernem police have been consistently booking people for not wearing masks in public places. The Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) has collected Rs 58,000 from locals as well as tourists for not wearing masks. It is learnt that people have been arguing with those issuing the fines ever since the fine for not wearing a mask has been increased from Rs 100 to Rs 200. This is a clear sign that people are feeling the pinch of paying the fine. However, not wearing the mask should also mean not wearing it properly.
Many people are seen wearing the mask on the chin. What is also important is the location where people are not wearing a mask. It seems prudent to penalise people only if they are not wearing a mask in crowded places. It does not seem necessary to wear a mask when a person is alone or a family is all by themselves far away from a crowd. It does not seem proper to fine those who do not wear a mask in isolated places.
People also need to breathe in fresh air which a mask can hamper. It would also seem desirable for the staff, as well as the police issuing the penalty, to carry some masks in plastic packets along with them which they can distribute to those not possessing one after making them pay the fine. This will send the right message to the violators.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Inflation and NITI Aayog
In a recent interview when Rajiv Kumar the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog was asked as to how much of a worry is inflation, supposedly replied, “Not a big worry since it is largely contained to food and fuel and it is not getting generalised.” Was he serious or making fun of the common people? These are the two vital components for the people and he is making light of the issue. Inflation in food and fuel upsets the budget of most people as we need to factor this aspect and try to spend judiciously.
Many a time it is sad to see bureaucrats (several of them pulled out after they retired as if there are no other capable persons in the country) who enjoy government perks speak so insensitively and without a bit of remorse.
Sitting in ivory towers it is really doubtful if they know the ground reality. Just by using some hi-funda terms about economy does not absolve them of the responsibilities towards the public and the nation.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Watch out for the AIDS scourge
December 1 is designated as 'World Aids Day' but this year Covid has undertaken AIDS as disease No. 1 in the mind space of people. HIV is a contagion worse than Corona but owing to the fear of contracting Covid the number of people getting themselves tested for the disease has dropped sharply.
Consider the fact that in the first ten months of 2019 @ 71000 tests for AIDS were conducted but the number for the corresponding period this year is only 46,000 a decline of 31%. Owing to the pandemic one on one counselling for HIV patients was not possible, yet 184 cases were added in Goa till October, there are many more which have not detected.
As with all diseases, late detection and treatment ups the fatality count and lack of counselling this year resulted in many patients being unaware of testing and treatment protocols. The fact that @ 80% of the medical fraternity in the State was deployed for Covid control also left very few medics for AIDS testing. HIV is unfortunately prevalent all across Goa and the raging Covid storm further lowered the immunity of AIDS compromised individuals.
Also many livelihoods were lost during these trying times due to which patients could not afford to get themselves tested at private facilities (government testing facilities are supersaturated )..private entities are modern day Shylocks anyway not missing any opportunity to make money off people's misery.
It is high time the State government put a coherent and implementable AIDS policy in place.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Dangerous and disgraceful
There are many Indian youth who are lured by Islamic State is a ominous development. Terror organisations are finding it easier to recruit this days as many are unemployed and finding it difficult to make ends meet hence this young people are lured with hefty monetary benefits to join them. How can we prevent it ? Is there a way out? Something has to be done by our intelligence agencies by keeping strict vigil and thwart such attempts by radical groups.
The mobilisation of jihad should not happen in India. The government should help the unemployed youth to get jobs by bringing in more Industries to bring an unrest to the growing unemployment problem. A religion should serve as a guiding force to peace and harmony and not violence. Any religion misuse should be dealt severely and nobody should be coerced into following a particular religion the whole world should join Unitedly to bring the IS to book and mete out exemplary punishment.
Diomedes Pereira, Corlim
Farmers not to give up protest?
The protests at the Singhu border in New Delhi appear to have taken a turn for the worst, with the farmers rejecting the Centre’s conditional talks offer and refusing to shift to the designated protest grounds in Burari, calling it an “open jail”.
Peasants, massed at the borders of Delhi, have threatened to intensify their stir and block the entry points to the national capital if their demands went unheard. The protestors equipped with beddings and food rations on their tractors mean they are ready for the long haul.
NJ Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
Bank frauds
The recent banks like PMC, YES Bank issues is indicative of the volume of fraud going on in Banks. It shows that people's savings are not safe. This is only a tip of the iceberg. Behind every major advance by banks, there are brains behind who take care of their friends. Banks demand multiple documents and sureties from common man making him run from pillar to post for even small amounts of loan.
Naturally such advances end in nonpayment and the borrower escapes to abroad without repaying. When there are checks and counter checks coupled with inspections and internal audit, how could this fraud have gone unnoticed.
How the tax payers money can be used for recapitalising the bank which is not well managed. If the government really wants to tackle corruption and crony capitalism, it must prepare a roadmap to privatise the banking sector. That's the only way we will see real governance reform for banks. As banks lend money based on the fraudulent letters.
KG Vilop, Chorao
Crushed by the Aussies Down Under
This refers to the report "Oz crush India for unassailable series lead" (OHeraldo, voice of sports page, Nov 30, 2020).
With the omission of opener Rohit Sharma in the Australia's tour, it was clearly envisaged that the Indian team will not be of the same calibre as it is, yet it was unthinkable that the results will be so startling. India's bowling have become a matter of grave concern since Australia set up a gigantic score consecutively in both the One Day Internationals (ODIs). Trump card Jasprit Bumrah was not seen in his rhythm and Yuzvendra Chahal who has an outstanding record in the Australian soil also seems to be out of form.
The Australian team must be looking for a clean sweep after wrapping up the ODI series. The Men In Blue ought to play with an absolute determination at Canberra to secure their pride.
Tushar Anand, Patna
