SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Act like a stateman
Once the votes are counted all politricks and politicking of that election must end. The candidate elected must consider himself or herself as the representative of all the constituents. This should be done by every person elected, whether MP, MLA, Municipal Councilor or a Panchayat member.
There should never be any sort of revenge, retribution or high-handedness against those who worked against the winning candidate. Everything that happened during that election campaign must be buried deep under and the person elected should act as a statesman by reaching out in a special way to those who worked against in that election. Once the election results are declared everyone should work in unison for the progress and prosperity of the entire constituency.
In a democracy free and fair elections are fundamental but we don’t see it happening. Defections is another malaise that unfortunately is so rampant. The Anti-defection law must be amended to plug the existing loopholes. If a winning candidate wants to swing like a monkey to another party, he must resign and seek re-election and that too not before paying for the expenses incurred by the Election Commission on the election the candidate has just won.
It is high time that minimum education is also mandated by law for all those contesting elections. Persons aspiring to be MPs and MLAs must at least be a graduate. That would also enhance the quality of debates in Parliament and at the Legislative Assemblies. For those contesting Municipal and Panchayat elections 12std should be the minimum mandatory requirement.
India’s political turf must evolve and change for the better as challenging times are looming ahead. Especially in turbulent and uncertain days those in power must govern with added sincerity, precision and foresight.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Have a heart, Mr Power Minister
We are against coal transportation because we do not want to breathe coal dust for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And, it is not 10 (as you say) people who are protesting, sir. When was the last time you visited Vasco da Gama? No, it is not ten people but lakhs of people who are affected by the coal dust as of now - and want the transportation of coal stopped fully! If you doubt me, then please address a meeting and explain your confused thinking at a mammoth meeting (it will definitely be on a grand scale) you can be sure of it!
People do not like to have coal pollution where they live, they do not like to have coal enter their living space, nor do they want to see the white walls of their houses turn black. Not ten people, sir, but ten lakh people are against transportation of coal in Goa. If you do not believe me hold public meetings in all the big urban areas in our state to get a more comprehensive and panoramic view of the problem.
We have a lot of solar energy and can use this power to generate energy. We do not need coal unless we want to destroy our bodies and then die a painful death.
I hope the Power Minister is not suicidal? The people of Goa are not.
Joao Barros Pereira, by email
Name change
It appears that several people resident as well outsiders settled in Goa have made requests for change of names to the Civil Registrar. Notices have appeared in local dailies, as is the requirement, announcing the old names as well as the new names to be adopted by the applicants. What is surprising is that the names have been fully changed from the earlier Hindu and Muslim names to the new Christian name. No reason has been given such as conversion or embracing a new religion or whatever.
Can the Government allow such requests for changes considering that this is not rectification but a totally new and different identity? Shouldn't the applicants be asked to give a valid reason for requesting such changes in the names specially when they are adopting them from other faiths. A photograph of the applicant published alongside the notice would also be appropriate for public scrutiny.
The authorities must act fast in the matter and lay down strict procedure to ensure that such requests are made with bonafide intentions.
Jonas Correia, Aldona
The IIT enigma
For a very long time the prestigious IIT project has become a political slugfest between the state government and the opposition.The engineering campus was initially to be set up in Canacona but due to local opposition it was shifted to Sanguem, the initiative hit a speed breaker when the late Parrikar (himself an IIT Bombay alumnus) was diagnosed with cancer.
Now an independent MLA is voicing his opinion about shifting the project back to Sanguem... that begs the question, why did he not facilitate the land acquisition earlier? With elections approaching this issue has become a political football. The politicians and the local populace should realise that having an IIT in the state would not only add to the prestige quotient but also generate thousands of jobs downstream thus aiding the local economy.
It is high time that parties took a holistic view of the matter, balancing environmental concerns with educational needs and sat down with all stakeholders to find a solution to this vexed issue, else the Board of Governors of IIT might recommend shifting the campus to a neighbouring state much to the embarrassment of the powers that be.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Cleansing the legislature
It is reported that in the Bihar Assembly polls, 31% (328) candidates have declared criminal cases against them, out of which 23% (244) have serious non bailable criminal cases against them! That is a big number, and the BJP 72% (21 out of 29) declared criminal cases against themselves) out of which 45% (13) serious! This is not to say any other party candidates are likewise promoting "winnable" candidates.
On talk shows their spokespersons blame the laws, but they make the laws? We are not talking of election rules broken or political vendetta charges but hardcore criminals who will be making the laws for the EC and courts to implement. In draconian legislations they have passed like UAPA, anyone can be arrested without restrictions and jailed on the charges of national security or threat to government and they are guilty unless proved innocent, but elected politicians with criminal charges are innocent until proved guilty and once elected they ensure they remain innocent using the law.
Whilst the courts and the EC seem helpless, we the people in our democracy seem not to want to or are not permitted to cleanse the system! Do we want a Banana Republic ?
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Sand dune parks will beautify beaches
It is heartening to note that the sand dune ecosystem is set to get a new lease of life as the World Bank has approved a project proposed by the Goa State Biodiversity Board that will see India’s first sand dune park in the state. It is understood that around Rs 3 crore has been sanctioned to the state under the program. The steps to be taken will include building bridges of nature-friendly material to reduce trampling of sand dune vegetation, setting up of sand dune vegetation which will enable greenery to appear where vegetation has become extinct.
The vegetation on sand dunes is an important part of the ecosystem and are the first line of defense against huge waves, storms and winds. Sand dune parks will also add to the beauty of the beach as it will introduce flora and fauna on the beach sand. This step will be a big boost for the Goan beaches as restoration, conservation and management of coastal sand dunes are seldom attempted in the country.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
