Closure of Keri
SEZ issue
Last week, and after 18 years, the State cabinet agreed to take back 123 hectares (12 lakh sq m) of land which had been allotted to Meditab Specialist Ltd for establishing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Keri in Ponda Taluka. Since the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) had financial crunch and could not buy back the land, the government stepped in and decided to pay Rs 33 crore to the company for the land.
In 2006, as a part of the Goa’s SEZ policy, land was allotted to seven promoters, and one was Meditab. In December 2007, a white paper was issued by the government because the public had objected to the SEZ.
The report listed the concerns such as limited benefits of the SEZs, impact on water and electricity etc. In 2008, the SEZ policy was withdrawn and on June 24, 2008 an order was issued to cancel the allotted land. The promoters approached the court and in November 2010, the high court supported the State’s stand to withdraw the SEZ policy. Now the matter is in the Supreme Court.
The above information raises some questions. Why was the policy announced and land allotted before the preparation of a feasibility report / white paper? Since the government has agreed to buy-back the land at a price much higher than what it sold for in 2007, should it not ask the allottees to withdraw the petition? Or, do the allottees expect a better compensation from the Supreme Court. Hope it is a matter of who will blink first and not wink-wink and increased payment!
Sridhar D'Iyer, Caranzalem
‘Sopo’ collection
from matka bookies
It is a well-known fact that thousands of matka bookies employed by matka kingpins accept bets across the commercial capital, Margao along the lanes and by-lanes after paying the regular "hafta’’ to the law enforcing agencies. The authorities concerned were criticised for not taking sufficient action against illegal gambling, reflecting the broader concerns of the community. Matka bookies often target patrons near bars and restaurants, particularly post-working hours, exacerbating the gambling addiction problem.
Gambling has ruined families as it is an addictive game. It often affects the low-income groups who view it as a quick way to get rich. Citizens highlight the need for more stringent enforcement of gambling laws and greater attention from the authorities to curb the flourishing matka operations in Margao and beyond.
However, now it is learnt that the matka bookies will now have to pay a ‘’sopo” fees to the Margao Municipal Council or risk the attachment of the gambling tables by the Municipal market inspectors. MMC is obviously eyeing revenue from matka gambling activities. Other civic bodies could follow suit. The question that arises is whether this is a step towards legalizing matka gambling.
If the matka bookies are paying the necessary “sopo” fees then there is no way that the authorities can put a stop to matka gambling. The business which was till now an underground activity will now be carried out openly right under the nose of the cops and the concerned authorities.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Uniform laws must to
prevent illegal hoardings
Erecting banners and hoardings is the favourite pastime of political leaders and their sycophants. Banners glorifying the achievements of top leaders, welcoming them back home from abroad, and profusely wishing them on their birthdays, rule the streets. Many self--styled "leaders" go on to announce the marriage ceremonies of their kith and kin through colourful hoardings with the photo of top leaders to attract public attention.
Shockingly, footpaths and medians that divide the roads are pet areas for the small--time politicians to show-off their sycophancy. Posters and advertisement hoardings are mostly illegal with no proper permission taken. The danger of these hoardings is that they are not scientifically constructed. The loose, oversized and hanging banners cause perennial danger to lives.
Courts have regularly banned hoardings or have taken states to task for disregarding rules. But barefaced politicians are adept at ignoring court orders. States like Karnataka , Tamil Nadu and Delhi have laws in place to prevent illegal hoardings although their implementation has been lax. Uniform rules and regulations across the country for erection of banners and hoardings would not be out of place.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Budget falls short
of expectations
Despite some positive measures, the Budget 2025-26 falls short of expectations in some key areas. There is no mention in the budget on structural reforms, there are no offers of incentives to spur private sector investment, and importantly the budget has failed to introduce any new healthcare schemes.
Another major slip-up is the lack of a clear strategy to tackle inflation. While the Economic Survey projected an easing of inflationary pressures, the Budget did not outline concrete measures to address the root causes of rising prices.
In spite of the fact that inflation continues to squeeze the middle class, the Union government is yet to present a robust plan to mitigate its impact. Also, expectations were high for significant investments in railway modernisation, electrification, and new routes. However, the sector has received an allocation of Rs 2.55 lakh crore in FY 25-26 when compared with Rs 2.62 lakh crore allocated for the previous financial year. This underwhelming budgetary support is likely to slow down railway expansion projects and impact key stakeholders.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai