SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
Pat on the back on majority Goans
While the doctors, nurses and support staff as frontline warriors have been leading the COVID-19 battle from the hospitals, the police have been engaged tirelessly in manning the dicey situation on the streets while ensuring that the current lock-down is enforced.
The entire Goa Police headed by acting DGP Jaspal Singh and his whole team at all ranks have performed outstandingly in such trying times with anxious citizens understandably showing signs of unrest. Along with the medical staff the Goa Government ought to also duly recognise the contribution of the police in these critical times by giving them too a handsome monetary allowance.
The services being rendered by the two District Collectors along with their subordinate officers and staff who have also been working very long hours tirelessly, dealing with various critical issues arising during the lockdown also needs due appreciation. A big pat on the back for the overwhelming majority of Goans who realised the seriousness of the situation and made huge sacrifices to respect the stringent lockdown measures to fight the virus.
It seems that this war against this vicious virus is going to be a very long drawn one. The poor and downtrodden in particular need our helping hand, so also the helpless migrant labour who have been the worst hit. Out of appreciation and respect for everyone, the government and the authorities must continue to plan and implement measures with urgency, clarity and without fear or favour, based on sound, pragmatic, medical, scientific, economic policies to return Goa and Goans back to near normalcy as possible.
Let’s remember and act on the wise words of the late President John F. Kennedy, ‘As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.’
We may be in for the long haul but with unity of purpose, determination and transparency our faith and human endeavour can and must overcome these extremely dark days that have dawned on humanity.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
No alternative to holding X, XII exams
Amidst the unprecedented scare of coronavirus pandemic all over the country and the imposition of lockdowns one after the other, life in all perspective has no doubt experienced turmoil but it has terribly impacted the education system particularly with regard to the conduct of examinations.
In schools up to class IX there is no hindrance in resorting to mass promotions. Likewise in colleges and universities, students can be permitted to proceed to the next level except at the final stage, where conducting examinations is inevitable for grading their performance and providing a gateway to the higher levels of education or while seeking employment in any field. Most of all the conduct of examinations at the Class X and XII stages is simply inescapable no matter what the excuses could be. After passing Class X the students seek admissions to the higher secondary level in the reputed institutes and that is purely based on their performance. If the exams are not conducted on what basis will the students be evaluated for entry at the next stage?
Even more crucial is the holding of the Class XII examinations, particularly with respect to seeking admission to the professional programmes. The student appearing for NEET or JEE or any other competitive exam or seeking entry to other courses has to pass Class XII. Hence the decision taken by the government for conducting of Class X and XII examinations without further delay is the right course and there obviously is no alternative to it. What is important is to conduct the examinations in a systematic manner keeping in view the threat of coronavirus.
Michael Vaz, Merces
Incompetent governance
That our Chief Minister cannot stand up against the Central Government to secure the interests of Goa & Goans is unacceptable & shocking to say the least. He has lost all moral authority to be in office having failed Goa & Goans.
While Karnataka despite having thousands of cases has barred entry of people from 5 COVID- affected States & taken many other steps to insulate itself. Our CM couldn't stop the halt of Rajdhani train until there was a huge public outcry due to which there has been a sudden rise in cases from zero. That Nizamuddin train still halts in Goa reflects on his incompetency to take up with the Central Government which is his own party government.
While Goans are being harassed by Goa Police for stepping out for essential needs, private motorcycles & cars from outside States can be seen freely roaming.
Nelin Dias, Margao
Children and masks
Though it may take some more time for schools to open and normal classes to begin parents and teachers have to now think of methods and ways to make children, especially those below six years of age, on how they are going to cope with wearing masks as covering the nose and mouth has become mandatory and one of the safest way to protect ourselves from the transmission of viruses especially when one is in public places.
Small children who are yet to enter the classrooms for the first time in their life and those returning to school post-COVID may sometimes find it difficult, odd and strange wearing masks. So before these kids are taken to their schools parents will have to make them understand the purpose of wearing masks and have them adjusted to the new way of living. Rather than forcing or frightening them to wear masks it is better to convince small children the advantages of wearing so.
To convince small children it is better parents and elders at home wear masks to make the little ones confident and feel at ease. Pictures and videos of children, their own age, wearing masks can be shown to make children feel comfortable. Teachers on online duty can also advise and encourage children to use masks. To make them happier and comfortable wearing masks, colourful ones with their favourite heroes and animals can be used.
M Pradyu, Kannur
Uncertainty over schools reopening
There seems to be a lot of uncertainty as regards the reopening of schools for the new academic year on scheduled which is less than a month away. If the lockdown continues after May 31, it is understood that schools will reopen in the month of July instead of June. If the situation does not improve by then, it is believed that the new academic year may begin with online classes. However school students in the rural areas may not have access to the internet or may not possess a desktop/ laptop.
It is also understood that as and when school commences there could be classes on alternate days for students who are divided into batches as social distancing may not be possible in the limited space of the classrooms. However a late start to the academic year coupled with classes being held on alternate days could leave teachers with little time to finish the portion for the year. All said and done attending school will not be the same again. There may not be recess and playtime for the students. Getting students to school and back home in the school-bus by maintaining social distancing will be a challenging task.
One cannot keep playful little children apart for long. When many adults do not understand the importance of social-distancing, how will little children understand?
Adelmo Fernandes,
Vasco
