SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
Love jihad
In the last few years the usage of ‘love jihad’ has come into usage because of inter-religious marriage. These two contrasting words are being misused and people have been troubled. Let us not go into the controversy of the pros and cons of love jihad.
Recently the government of Uttar Pradesh has come out with an ordinance banning love jihad and has proposed penalties and even jail terms. Interestingly and as per Article 21 of India's Constitution the High Court of UP is not in favour of this new law. The news is that Madhya Pradesh may also implement such an ordinance.
The moot point is would the new law be used against politicians, high profile people, film actors, socialites and others of influence if they go in for inter-religious marriage? Hope it would not be a case of “All men/women are equal but some are more equal than others.”
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Covid cases mounting
The COVID-19 pandemic is still raging across the world. The scenario in the United States of America is scary. The only saving grace is that after all his tantrums Donald Trump faced with the reality has finally backed down. So Joe Biden’s transition as the next President will now be a smooth affair while he focuses in battling the virus which has already claimed almost three lakh lives in the USA itself.
Across India the number of COVID cases is mounting and should be a matter of great concern. Caution and no complacency is the key as we are battling a vicious virus. The government would have to take swift measures to improve the health care facilities across the nation. As a means to protect our environment it would be imperative that we stay away from setting up any polluting industries. There has to be a consistent thrust on maintaining sanitation and cleanliness all over while social distancing and wearing of masks will now be a way of life at least for the near future. But let us not be blind folded to the fact that we need to be kind, concerned and compassionate at all times.
In bracing the future our country will have to innovate new ideas and policies to move ahead in this current pandemic which has dazed the entire world. We would have to look to ways and means to prudently move forward. The political leadership at all levels needs to be a much matured one while maintaining the rigours of absolute transparency and accountability in all that is done. The fundamental principles of our Constitution must be adhered to at all times by ensuring that the values of a participatory democracy thrive.
The Civil and Public service besides the Judiciary must at all times be of the highest calibre and ought to always be independent of the government, defending its neutrality and impartiality and not used or abused according to the whims of the political bosses. This is vital for good governance if the public who are the real paymasters are to have any faith and trust and feel that they are getting value for money and a good return on taxes they pay.
Through an upgraded educational system we need to also invest in our young boys and girls so that the young are given a chance. The power, diversity, and potential of our youth could energize the nation to tow it out of the woods.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Online class for MLAs
The Kerala Government has approached the Supreme Court regarding the privatisation of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to Adani Enterprises. Earlier the HC rejected the same on grounds that they were challenging a Central Policy. After an all Party meet the Government approached the SC against the, ‘arbitrary and illegal action of the Airports Authority of India, in attempting to prefer a particular private concessionaire.’
Points to note: 1) This action comes at the very beginning of the anti-people sentiment - unlike the double tracking, which is almost complete or Mhadei water diversion or other projects
2) The SC was approached after an All Party meet! In Goa, even now there is no such meet or consensus: the BJP is adamant.
3) MPT pulled a similar stunt by leasing out berths to particular companies. Many Goans are reported to have opted for VRS than be made party to such favouritism. MLAs all ‘supported’ by omission.
4) The Centre has a new strategy to suppress dissent; change the laws at the Centre: be it ports, rivers. Now one knows how important freedom and the Rajya Sabha is. People are still holding tight to their chairs!
R Fernandes, Margao
One nation, one election
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again reiterated on the idea of "One nation, one election" formula and emphasized the need to introduce the formula to save time and money of the country.
The Prime Minister said that "One nation, one election" is not a matter of debate only but is the need for the nation. Elections being held in every season in different regions effects governance, consumes a big amount of money and manual work . Besides, smooth functioning of governance is not possible as planned and it hampers the developmental work. Modi has been reiterating the idea of "One nation, one election" since he first became Prime Minister in 2014. Though there may be some impediments in making this idea a reality once the doubts , differences and difficulties are sorted out the "One nation, one election" policy is definitely one that can give an impetus to the progress and development of the nation. It would reduce the cost of holding elections, and limit all elections to a single season. Preparing separate lists, as it is done now, for different level of elections are a wastage of resources. A single list can avoid wasting time, money and manual power. Smooth governance at all levels will be possible and elected members and leaders can stay focused on public welfare assignments, fulfill the promises made and make their developmental plans a reality.
M Pradyu, Kannur
