Credibility crunch
SND Poojary, Miramar
Ever since Dr Binayak Sen was awarded life imprisonment for sedition, by a trial court at Raipur, on 24 December 2010, there has been a barrage of criticism against the judgment. Some of the famous lawyers, ex-chief justices of the Supreme court, activists, and politicians have denigrated the trial judge, and judgment for what they feel, was a miscarriage of justice.
As usual, some of the TV channels and newspapers have gone overboard. Legally speaking, some of these worthies could be prosecuted for contempt of court. Judgment by a trial court, is not the end of the road.
Why is there such a hue and cry, when the higher courts can file an appeal? By constantly criticising a judgment, are we not lowering the credibility of our judicial system?
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From bad to worse
Arwin Mesquita, UAE
Today, the main area of the Colva beach appears to be telling us that something is seriously wrong about Colva. The beach is now divided into two areas, which is mainly facilitated by the sewage let out by the specific restaurants/hotels in the area, various illegalities, and lack of action by relevant authorities, etc.
The division is symbolic of the people of Colva, whose loyalties are divided or enslaved between two prominent south Goa politicians, who enjoyed powerful positions in the government and with whom the village has turned from bad to worse.
Battered, but yet mute
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
The Aam admi, is reeling under the burden of sky rocketing prices of essential commodities like onions, garlic, vegetables, fruits, oils, pulses, etc. The food has been allowed to rot in godowns and no rational explanation has been offered. Which party in power or the Opposition, has shown any concern to the problems of survival?
The Congress party at the centre is in a fire-fighting mode deflecting criticism on 2G, CWG scams, Adarsh society blunders, CBI inefficiency in the Aarushi murder case, and the ghost of Bofors gun kickbacks.
Those at the centre have become immune to common man woes like price rise, hoarding , profiteering, black marketing, as they are well taken care of.
In the meanwhile, he will have to wait for prices to stabilise and will have to suffer in silence.
Shoddy shuttle service
Stephen Dias, Dona Paula
Every time one visits the Kadamba transport bus stands, whether in Panjim or Margao, people are seen waiting in queue, for several hours, to purchase tickets.
There is no special counter for senior citizens or for ladies, which makes the situation even worse. In addition, there are no special seats for the above named people nor are any seats designated to them. The conductor is least bothered to attend to their woes.
Th KTC is busy making arrangements to paint all buses with the same colour in face of stiff opposition from the All Goa Bus Owners Association (AGBOA).
The Transport minister should first solve the common problem faced by commuters on a priority basis, rather than embarking on an arrangement of uniform colour for buses.
Protecting the guilty?
Jose Maria Miranda, Margao
Whereas it is very important to respect and protect the reputation of a person, it is also equally desirable that those, whose actions adversely affect the general public, should be exposed, no doubt only when caught in the act and not where accusations are just levelled. This could sometimes be frivolous.
We have observed that your newspaper has, of late, omitted the names of establishments and people involved in illegalities affecting the general public. Perhaps these outlets and the people involved are reputed and hence their names were not published. These people should realise that their responsibility towards society is greater and trust of the people cannot be betrayed. However, names of accused in murders, thefts, rapes, etc are published even though they may or may not be involved.
Road safety
Augustus Alphonso, Vasco/Kuwait
The transport minister is sincerely taking a keen interest in reducing road accidents and necessary steps have been initiated, in this direction. He has also stressed the need to educate all school students on road safety and traffic rules, so that they, in turn, can educate other persons on safety aspects.
It is a good idea to educate school children as it is usually the formative years of an individual that nurtures and carries forward most of the morals and virtues, throughout life.
Also, we must concede that as our roads are not carefully taken care of, from time to time, it results in accidents at various places.
In conclusion, the traffic police must earnestly focus on traffic management and educating the public of proper traffic sense.
PE differs from PT
Gustavo S Godinho, Nagoa-Verna
Many a time, people in schools and elsewhere, have mistaken PE, as PT, which is incorrect. PE stands for physical education and PT stands for physical training. Physical education is taught in schools and not PT. Sometimes, even the physical education teachers are called as ‘PT Masters.’ Many years ago, when the education system was not that developed, special army personnel were deputed in schools to teach physical exercises to the students, to remain healthy. They were not qualified teachers but had knowledge of fitness exercises and they were known as PT masters.
VIPs visit
Marcos Alemao, by email
Why should we Goans be harassed whenever VIPs like our President or Prime Minister visit Goa? The visit of President Pratibha Patil to Goa, along with her family, is purely a personal visit while motorists, and scooterists destined for Colva or Vasco, via Benaulim were diverted via Margao at Voltar Benaulim.
VIPs are most welcome in Goa, anytime and can stay here as long as they like. The diversion in traffic puts the onus of travelling longer distances, on Goans. It also entails higher fuel costs, what with the very high cost of petrol and diesel. Is this not harassment?
The visit of VIPs is ok, but it should not affect Goans.
Am I wrong in asking?
Francis Fernandes, Margao
I was operated in a city private hospital in February 2007 for a fracture of neck of femur (L) and prosthesis was inserted. The operation was a total failure. I was immobilised for the first eight months. For the next sixteen months, I used a walking stick or a person for support. The report of CT scan-hip which was done in Feb 2007 stated fracture of left neck of femur but had no significant displacement of fracture fragments. Xrays did not reveal any fracture.
As the pains continued to be unbearable, I was ultimately forced to undergo total hip replacement (THR) in February 2009 at GMC, Bambolim which gave me some relief.
I wrote to Chief Minister and Governor of Goa in July 2007 and requested to have government control on the functioning of private hospitals. I have not received any communication. Have I done anything wrong?
More tears will flow
Pachu Menon, Margao
Onions continue to throw the ‘kitchenomics’ of a common household haywire! The bulbs are set to bring more tears to one’s eyes.
According to Pakistani reports, its export of onions to India, by land, has been banned, as otherwise its prices there would hit the roof. Following an alarming rise in prices in the domestic market, the Indian government had banned exports of onions till January 15. India earlier had exported thousands of tonnes to Pakistan earlier when the country was recovering from the after effects of disastrous floods. We now face a crunch situation as the crop is destroyed in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
