03 Jun 2023  |   05:02am IST

Letters to the editor ( 03 June 2023)

Prioritising Maths Level 1

The Goa Board asking the higher secondary schools (HSS)to prioritise the admission of Maths Level 1 students admissions, is a welcome step. Having woken up from their slumber, this year will ease the tension of the parents and boost the confidence of the students who had opted for the Maths Level 1 at SSC.

Last academic year many of the studious students who had answered Math level 1 had a tough time to get admitted to the HSS of their choice in the desired subject stream.

Reputed schools had admitted Level 2 students and kept these Level 1 students on waiting list as no proper guidelines had been issued by the Goa Board regarding this new Mathematics options. As advised by the teachers at the SSC level  many  students worked very hard in clearing this Maths Level 1  keeping in view of their future goals.

These students in spite of getting in first class were kept on waiting list and denied admission as the seats were full with Level 2 students. This denial of admission was a big mental blow to the young minds, who were dejected of not getting into get the HSS of their choice. Many had to opt for any stream and any rural HSS at the last minute due to non admission in city HSS.

Clarence Alvares, Sangolda


Car dashboard camera is a necessity

Technology has evolved at a rapid pace, when it comes to car accessories. One such important accessory is the car dashboard camera. In a country like India, with chaotic road conditions, a car dash cam has become more of a necessity rather than a luxury. Dash cams can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident, allowing drivers to prove who was at fault. The footage captured by a dash cam can also be used by law enforcement to investigate accidents and prosecute reckless drivers. 

There are aggressive/rash drivers on the roads. Such drivers can cause harm to others and to themselves. With a dashboard camera, one can note down the registration number of the vehicle, and if necessary, can report the vehicle to the traffic police. Until now, there is no specific law against the usage of dash cams, and hence, one can install it without fear of any legal consequence. A dash cam is similar to a CCTV, and there should be no issue as long as it doesn't violate anyone's privacy. Road rage is common in India. With a dash cam, one will have the video proof to confront or take action against the offender. Many drivers also use a smartphone as a dash cam. In order to save on the cost. A smartphone can double as a dash cam and record the drive.

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco


Temporary truce in Rajasthan

The Congress High Command is said to have worked out a temporary truce between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and party leader Rajesh Pilot in Rajasthan. A combined Mallikarjun Kharge--Rahul Gandhi effort seems to have clicked albeit for the time being, but will it last long?  Kharge reportedly advised Gehlot--Pilot duo to emulate Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar who buried the hatchet before the all important Karnataka elections. However, it has to be noted that the two Karnataka stalwarts never washed dirty linen in public. 

If at all, theirs was a cold war, confined within four walls, unlike the Rajasthan leaders who not only have no love lost between them but none has been circumspect in their rivalry. Also, neither Siddaramaiah nor Shivakumar have ever spoken lightly about the Congress or its leaders unlike Pilot who has been vocal in his diatribe against some leaders.

Gehlot reportedly said that he was not ‘after positions’. A strange remark because his affinity for the CM's chair was so palpable when he was reluctant to accept the Congress chief's post. While Pilot has been asked by the Congress bigwigs not to make unwanted noises that may lead to bad blood, it is doubtful whether the youthful leader will mind his own business unless he is offered something concrete, leading to the assembly polls. If the Congress high command thinks both Gehlot and Pilot ‘are nothing without the Congress’, it is badly mistaken. The BJP will leave no stone unturned in openly embrace either of these leaders with open arms. Much persuasion and sober advice is the need of the hour, and Kharge has the knack of infusing sanity among warring leaders.  However, the last word has not yet been spoken on the Gehlot--Pilot rivalry. 

Ganapathi Bhat, Akola


Let’s save water

Water scarcity is a pressing issue today that demands immediate attention. By adopting efficient water conservation practices, we can make a significant difference. Emphasising the importance of responsible water usage, promoting rainwater harvesting and implementing modern irrigation techniques can conserve this vital resource.

Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives should highlight the significance of water conservation, encouraging citizens to adopt simple yet impactful habits such as fixing leakages and reducing excessive water usage.

Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai


IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar