There is whole lot of noise going on out there as the youth of Goa speak on the different
issues that need to be highlighted before the new members come in power.
Today’s youth are dynamic and smart; they believe that power comes with
responsibilities. Hence they put forth their list of expectations to create
awareness on what the new electoral representatives should focus on. A number
of issues have come up like less job opportunities for the youth, transport
inconvenience, pollution and garbage problems, and mining. Let’s see what the
youth have in mind.
Unemployment
“It’s a new chapter, a new beginning for Goa and chance to
improve a lot of things. I would like the government to have a consensus, a plan
and follow it,” says Jessica Sharma a Host. According to Jessica, it’s not
only about the infrastructure of Goa that needs to be given all the attention,
there are many underlying issues. “Obviously, the infrastructure is currently
being taken care of, but there are other issues that are hidden and no pays a
heed to them. One of them is job opportunities for youth,” she states.
“There’s a huge talk on how Goans are
leaving the state and going abroad to work. Well, if that’s the case, then we
should have more job opportunities here, especially considering the youth.”
Similarly, Olavo Rodrigues– Goan pop singer says, “I believe
Unemployment should be the main focus. There are a lot of educated graduated
students struggling out there.” He is also unsatisfied with the current
candidates contesting elections.
Garbage Control
“I need new faces; I’m tired of the same Old story where no
actions are taken,” says Jaylee
Katkar an event planner.
Jaylee is from Panjim and she talks about her difficulties,
“Garbage is collecting day by day and no one cleans it. If you want the people
to keep the city clean, instead of giving long lectures on ‘Swacch Bharat’,
dustbins should be provided on every lane and street, so that the bin is in
people’s sight and they can throw it at that moment.” She even talks about how
the St Inez creek has been ignored all the time and the residents have to
tolerate the awful smell; during rains the water rises up along with all the
garbage floating and flooding the roads near Madhuban. “So many fall sick
during summers due to the stagnated water with garbage,” she says.
According to her, “In politics everyone takes ‘paisa’, but if
you do your work properly people will always support. I am definitely going to
vote, but I am not excited about it as I know the same old story will bubble
up”
Non Corrupted Government
According to Prajyot
Verlekar, Media person, a good
leader is the one who is always approachable and reachable to the Public in a
good manner. “My only expectation from the candidates is their image should be
clean without any criminal grounds. They shouldn’t favor the rich criminals and
law breakers by taking money from them,” he explains.
“I am happy with some Candidates who are young and active in
social work. This election somewhat shows the result of Youth Empowerment.”
Unlike all the other elections, Prajyot is convinced that this
year will be better as they have so many icons supporting campaigns and
different activities to promote voting, instead of earlier where only the representative
would put up their big poster at public areas.
Transport Facilities
Coming from the village Carambolim, Jane Pereira, sales associate at Delhivery suffers a
loss of time due to the few buses available around Goa. “Fine, I get it there
are Kadamba buses, and there are buses from Panjim bus-stand to Miramar and
Don-Paul frequently, but in other places there are very few buses. When I was
in college I used to get late every day, and now I get delayed to work,” she
complains.
According to Jane, the private buses should follow certain rules
where 11 standing is written, 11 should be standing instead of people stuffed
up inside. “I have literally seen the conductor hanging from the bus. It also
becomes uncomfortable for us girls who are constantly being pushed and touched
by any random guys in the bus when it is overly crowded. I feel the government
should make sure that the RTO looks into these details.”
She suggests that at least more buses should be provided so that
it lessens the crowd. Jane hopes that the new candidates of the government will
take initiatives and make things better.
Broader sense of development
“He should be a patriot, honest and work selflessly for the
needs of the society,” says Nivedita
Naik, Junior Engineer.
Nivedita feels that the elected candidate should focus on the
overall development of the society, state and country. “Presently the
development is restricted to opinions of builder lobby and streetlight. The
leader should think beyond that such as solution for unemployment, they should
have concrete plan to every problem and should function accordingly.
Nivedita isn’t happy with the current contesting candidates,
“Because the candidates are chosen based on legacy rather than individual
potential” According to her a good leader is the one who will take the people
and the nation forward along with him; The one who will decide every action by
taking public view. He should be for the people and for the nation.
While voting, every youth is very enthusiastic and innovative,
just need to channelize their thoughts in proper direction.
Mining
Nicole Maciel a student from Goa University claims that
mining is one of the most important issues that should be looked into. No, not
putting a ban on mining but instead initiating it.
“I
feel the government should look into the mining issue now. Mining once used to
be a booster to Goa’s economy. I understand it contributes to pollution but
there are hundreds of people dependent on mining right from employees in mining
firms to truck owners and little tea stalls. Today Goa depends on the Casinos
and tourist which in turn cause more pollution. So yes I feel the new
government should look into issues like these and help the unemployed.
