FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
Scrap IIT project
For a considerable period of time the villagers at Melauli-Sattari have been constantly opposing the IIT project at their jurisdiction. Even after holding protests on several occasions, the state government seems unmoved to their regular demand of scrapping the IIT project.
Recently the Public Works Department (PWD) in Ponda issued a tender for the construction of compound wall around the site marked for the said project. Soon the locals visited the PWD office to demand scrapping of the said tender. The villagers have now requested a special Gram Sabha to insist the village panchayat not to issue NOC for the construction of the said compound wall. Of course, with such a firm decision on the part of locals, it would be appropriate for the government not to go ahead with the said project.
case the IIT project is not scrapped, adverse consequences are bound to follow and the government would be solely responsible for the resulting consequences. After all it is the voice of the masses that needs to secure due consideration before any project is being executed at the concerned jurisdiction. Of course, the government cannot impose any project forcibly thereby hurting the sentiments of the local population. It is time to exhibit some understanding at this moment and scrap the IIT project at Melauli altogether before the matter takes an ugly turn in days to come.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
Reopening of schools
A lot of news appears in the newspapers regarding the reopening of the schools on voluntary basis with the permission of the parents. The fact remains, that attending the classes in the schools may not be a good idea for everyone in view of the present crisis. Many parents may not send their children with the fear of the spreading virus. Only the bright students may opt to solve their difficulties, the others may not. The weaker students and those who till day have not succeeded in taking the advantage of online classes due to various reasons viz, lack of smart phones, mobiles, connectivity etc, may be required to attend the classes by observing the protocol.
The question remains, will the reopening of the schools benefit the students? How many parents will opt to send their children risking their lives? The only solution remains a) All the students irrespective of their year’s performance, that is, the assessment and evaluation done by their respective subject teachers through online classes ought to be promoted or else b) Allow all of them to appear for SSC board exams in March-April 2022 after the teachers have completed the portion of the existing syllabus. It is better to lose a year than losing one’s life. Presume better sense prevail in the authorities concerned.
Aureo Cunha Gomes, Mapusa
Is it safe to attend schools?
Is Goa ready to open its schools or the higher classes for the students of standard ninth to twelfth to solve their difficulties and queries? We had the highest number of deaths (14) on Monday and eleven deaths on Tuesday in a small state like Goa which is unacceptable. This indicates that Covid-19 situation is very critical and is going out of control due to sheer mismanagement and recklessness of this government.
As per the center's latest guidelines, students are permitted to interact with teachers from September 21 onwards, but parents aren't willing to send their children to school as they are worried that their children might get affected by it. There are some students who arrive to schools using public transport and for them there's a higher possibility of getting infected. You may not know who is the asymptomatic carrier of the deadly virus as it is spreading very fast. Even if only one student is affected by it obviously that student will spread the deadly virus to his or hers entire family.
The current situation will turn all the more worst. Parents don't want to risk the life of their children. Though online classes are currently going on and there's are some concepts which can't be understood on internet and need a personal touch but, is it advisable for students to go to school in this point of time? Goa's statistics are already high, the state has to exercise extreme caution in ensuring that the spread must not go further and therefore the state should wait a little longer before taking the decision in this matter.
Princy Gonsalves, Quepem
Reopening of learning institutes
In a welcome move the Goa government has decided to recommence operations in all 13 ITIs from September 21 onwards while strictly adhering to SOPs regarding social distancing, hygiene and sanitation. The state also plans to conduct classes from 9th to 12th standards in consultation with PTAs and other relevant stakeholders as the centre has now permitted reopening of educational and vocational institutes outside containment zones, physical attendance in classes being voluntary.
An entire ecosystem such as books, stationery, uniform, transportation and tuitions are nurtured by schools, besides the schools themselves are a source of revenue for local administrative bodies in the form of taxes, fees and surcharges.
Unfortunately some ministers in the present dispensation are working at cross purposes with the government's decision citing Covid and immunity issues. No one knows for sure when the pandemic will end and as we have all witnessed, online teaching has been a flop show in the state. We cannot indefinitely postpone opening up the educational sector, the state has taken a correct decision and it should be implemented in toto regardless of subjective opinions, half measures won't do.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Not an easy task
We understand that managing the Covid-19 situation especially treatment of patients in hospitals in not an easy task. The situation is such that the bed capacity in Government hospitals is not sufficient for the rising number of patients.
Few weeks ago it was reported that patients had to be on the waiting list to get admission to the hospital. Patients having to comfort themselves on hospital floor for want of beds has also been reported. Since treatment for Covid-19 has to start immediately, people are forced to look for the only alternate option of taking treatment in private hospitals. This option too has now been killed by the Govt by fixing exorbitant rates for treatment. How can even a middle class patient pay lakhs of rupees for 14 days treatment? That too mostly in cash and in advance. Are these rates people-friendly or hospital friendly?
Common people are caught between the devil and the deep sea. If the Government is really for the people, it should review the rates immediately. It should also consider increasing substantially the benefit admissible under the Deen Dayal scheme for the treatment of this unexpected deadly virus.
Rodney de Souza, Assagao
People fail to take precautions
It’s very sad to see so many deaths in Goa due to COVID. The government does not seem to be in any control over the situation, with people in constant fear. In public places people can be hardly seen following social distancing, nor wearing proper masks. This is the main cause for the rise in COVID infections. Even in this pandemic time, we saw media reports of parties being held. How can one expect the COVID cases to fall with such behavior?
It would be good if the police fine people for not maintaining social distancing, and for not wearing masks. The government needs to do thorough checking of people entering the borders. Above all the government needs to listen to the advice of the medical fraternity.
Newton Mendonca, by email
