SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Goan youth deprived of govt jobs
When one reads the news item "K'taka origin staff in WRD annoys environmentalists", (Herald, June 17), there are two things that jump at you immediately: one is that, despite the fact that in this land of ours engineers abound, the Goa government sees it fit to appoint non-Goans to government jobs. This is a confirmation of what Goans have been saying regularly that in the Goa government outsiders find it easier to be employed, whilst Goans are made to languish without employment.
There are sufficient grounds to believe that such employment is available only to those who can meet the considerations, other than those of merit, sought by the interviewers.
Secondly, that the Goa government is least concerned in protecting the interests of Goa and Goans, is made evident by the fact that engineers or officers originating from Malaprabha, Karnataka, who would naturally have an inclination to favour their state of origin, have been put in charge of representing Goa in the Mhadei river dispute with Karnataka.
How criminal is this behaviour on the part of the Goa government and of the Chief Minister heading it, who makes pronouncements to the contrary, whilst permitting the undermining, at each step, Goa's case and its interests? Is it any wonder that Goa is flooded with non-Goans?
Antonio Lobo, by email
Repair roads that have been dug up
Besides the numerous pot holes that dot the roads in the State which is causing hardship for the road-users, several roads have also been dug up for laying underground power cables, sewerage work and other work which requires digging of roads. Much of the work which had commenced earlier has not been completed and now with the monsoon having set in, the roads that have been dug up have become slippery due to the mud which can prove dangerous for motorists, especially two-wheeler riders.
It is pertinent to note that there is a 60-day ban on digging and cutting of all types of roads during monsoon in Goa as these activities pose imminent danger and disruption to the life of motorists, pedestrians and the general public. These roads include National Highways, State Highways, major district roads, road-shoulders, lanes, thoroughfares, etc. It is pertinent to note that work of laying underground cables which had started nearly six months ago in places like Anjuna, has come to a complete halt due to the incessant rains.
It is prudent for the concerned authorities to repair these dug up roads at the earliest in order to prevent any accidents due to slippery road conditions during the monsoon season. These roads can be dug up again for the underground power cabling, sewerage work and such other work after the monsoon recedes.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Demand charter on poll reforms
Political turmoil usually seen in Indian states is now being witnessed in other countries like recently in Nepal and Israel. Even India has witnessed such political disturbances in past with short-term Prime Ministers like Chandrashekhar, Inder Kumar Gujral, HD Devegowda, etc. Such political turmoil results in instability of governments adversely disturbing governance. India can become a world-leader by taking up the matter with United Nations Organisation (UNO) by suggesting a detailed charter on poll-reforms to be adopted by member-countries of UNO.
Need is to devise a system whereby Prime Minister (and Chief Ministers) may be elected simultaneously with Speaker and Deputy Speaker through secret and compulsory votes of all members of the lower House through EVMs equipped with VVPAT on nominations signed by at least 34 per cent members. Members not participating in elections may lose voting-right in legislative body though retaining membership of the House.
Such a system will take auto-care of unrest usually seen within ruling parties with part-bosses compelled to field persons for posts which may also be acceptable to opposition.
Unnecessary by-elections can be effectively avoided by formulating a system whereby those resigning mid-way or getting votes less than None-Of-The-Above (NOTA) may not be allowed to contest any election for next six years. Those appointed ministers in States or at the centre may auto-lose membership of the earlier House just on taking ministerial oath.
Subhash Chandra Agrawal, Delhi
Air monitors?
The Centre for Science and Environment reported that there were 1396 deaths in Goa due to air pollution in 2019 accounting for 13% of all deaths! Do Goans know that air pollution is killing them? Now that we know what would you say we require? The Govt is now going to put ‘low cost’ air monitors developed by IIT to track the same! FYI the Govt. has already 16 such installations. Do these monitors ‘reduce’ air pollution? Should we rather not concentrate on measures to curb air pollution?
With the current online mode, the Govt. is pushing for increasing mobile tower population. We have seen how the Govt. clandestinely allowed only one provider to build its towers in traffic islands and Govt. property eliminating the need for security. China built a 100 m air purifier tower running on solar energy and reduced pollution in a 10 Km radius. Should we not innovate such towers to double up as air purifiers?
Who should take the initiative? NGOs? GCCI/TTAG? Note that Vedanta, a major air polluter, was actually squabbling on the ‘location’ to fit the Court mandated air monitors! The ISL organisers insisted on using highly polluting fireworks at each game even after Delhi Dynamos shifted their home ground because of unbearable air pollution. Though I had called for a stop in the same in Goa, no daily published the letter. We want the tamasha not clean air! The TTAG is a major user of such polluting fireworks!
What is wrong with us?
R Fernandes, Margao
Recruitment in govt departments
With the State government having lifted the ban imposed on mass recruitment in government departments, the selection process for the vacant posts in various government departments would be held in July 2021. With the State assembly elections scheduled during early 2022, youth desirous of government jobs would be lured in the process.
The MLAs and the cabinet ministers would now be busy in preparing a list of candidates of their choice for filling up the existing vacant posts. Of course, there would be no consideration for efficiency, educational qualification, knowledge of local languages, experience etc. during the selection process. The really deserving and efficient candidates have no chance of securing the government jobs. However, by the time the recruitment process starts in July 2021, it is absolutely necessary that the state government equips the Goa Staff Selection Commission with the necessary facilities and adequate staff.
Selection of candidates on the basis of influence should end once and for all. What should count more is the efficiency of candidates during the selection process. Public at large visiting the government departments should receive exemplary service. Selection of candidates by the Goa Staff Selection Commission would mean selection of only the efficient candidates for the said vacant posts. CM Pramod Sawant should ensure that recruitment is strictly done on merit basis rather than influence. No doubt, it is the efficient candidates only that should secure government jobs at all costs.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
