FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
he recent Delhi assembly elections have bought out one very pertinent truth of Democracy, which is indeed the very purpose of democracy. That’s people want a government and governance which cares for their needs, facilities and comforts. All this lofty talk about development or progress has no meaning for them as they don’t see any benefit by such so called developments except that they see that most of these politicians have become richer and richer and not that they have doubled or tripled their wealth in a five year term but most of them have multiplied their wealth/income fifty times or hundred times and even more. All the rhetoric about development is not just an eye wash but that these politicians derive numerous benefits out of such, what they call infrastructural development, which often has no contextual necessity.
Take the case of Goa itself, what is the utility or benefit to local population with such huge, unending highway, constructions, when the local roads in the villages and town areas remain not just uncared for but in most dilapidated conditions, often narrow, dusty and full of potholes. Then with all the talk of development not only the basic essential items have become costlier and beyond the reach of not just the poor but even the middle class, be it the price of cooking gas, vegetables for day today use and the most miserable situation is that of electricity and water.
Leakages and breaking of water pipe lines have become common occurrences, mainly because of defective and substandard works by the contractors, since they had to pay heavy bribes for every job, cost cutting and use of substandard material has become the norm for any government work.
Take the case of electricity, one of the most mismanaged commodity, with government granting permission for constructions of umpteen buildings and flats even in remote villages, with no necessity nor demand for any, in such locations, water supply and electricity connections are given just for an asking provided the ‘palms are greased‘. Not only causing unrequired and unnecessary pressure on land and the resources but causing much inconvenience and a threat of peaceful existence to the local residents.
For whom do they do this of course, for themselves and why do they do it, because these are ways of quick and fast personal enrichment.
If there is a single reason for Goa’s deterioration and degeneration, there is only one single answer and that is Goa’s political class, who for their own benefit, have ravaged the State in every way possible. Be it the destruction of Goa’s pristine environment, unhindered and illegal mining, the joblessness of Goa’s youth, rampant cases of drug use especially among the youth all these have a political origin. What baffles is despite knowing the extent of corruption & destruction of Goa by these politicians, election after election, people elect the very same persons. Among the residents can’t any one find if not 40 at least 20 honest and sincere persons, who are willing to sacrifice their personal agenda of enrichment and just work for the betterment of Goa and its people.
It’s time Goans look at themselves and stop being fooled by the high frequency political discourse and look for people who can provide them the minimum for a peaceful life and secured future for their children by bringing into Goa good and quality education at all levels, so that children of Goa, build their capabilities, their values and knowledge ensuring not just employment but a future of hope to the people of the State.
Carry out the basic required developments, like good roads, drinking water and electricity at affordable costs even to the poorest of the poor and in the remotest of remote villages of Goa. Provide medical services and hospitals, not by encouraging private players as is being done who more than the treatment fleece the people, but government sponsored, prompt and efficient services at reasonable costs.
Lastly and most important guard and protect Goa’s environment and ensure no unnecessary and high sounding projects are undertaken in the name of development.
In fact anyone with a bit of sensible accounting knowledge would admit that best way to govern the State without excessive tax burden is to drastically reduce the Government flab, be it comforts of the ministers or foreign tours without casinos if common sense can prevail.
Though it might be just a dream, Goa can flourish and prosper only if the present political class is undone by electing people who are concerned for the people and land of Goa.
Next Assembly polls Goa should change the political dialogue by trustworthy and capable men and women coming forward to contest and well-meaning organisations should come forward and encourage & support such well deserving individuals not for their own interest but in the interest of Goa.
If the people of Goa live up to their standard as educated and cultured people, then may be Delhi would be just a history.
