Joao Barros Pereira
With the State Legislature Assembly moving slowly but surely and only a few months away it is a good time for politicians to put not only their ears to the ground but also to open a window or two in their hearts for the voter to say what s/he thinks and wants before it is too late.
Power cannot become a substitute for creativity. Governments need to listen to the voices of the people as what is best for Goa does not always emerge only from the brains of the MLAs in power. Even people in power need to listen to expert committees and the ordinary man and woman on the street for the good of Goa and Goans. Otherwise, the results might be tragic.
While a lot of people — elected and non-elected — have an expertise in a particular subject no one is an expert on several, and for this reason we have expert committees. There is one drawback, though. Experts who are often from outside the state take a long-term global view of everything without considering the impact or the needs of the local community who are the real stakeholders. Do we really need to pay experts pots of money only to have them do this to us? Unfortunately, it is too often the case. And, finally, the all-important question: Are all expert committees honest? Our government needs to keep a watchful eye on them.
Among several problems in Goa today is the problem of transportation and traffic. People are dying unnecessarily but penalties and fines for breaking rules and regulations are low, much too low. Reforms are unlikely to emerge from the brain of the Transport Department as it apparently does not put high enough value on human life, Goan life, to make owners of vehicles who are young or old to think twice or three times before indulging in delinquent road behavior. Is life in Goa so cheap? If not please bring in the necessary reforms as it is still not too late.
Cars are relatively new in Goa and there is an urgent need to create a road and car culture which is at present sadly absent. But, whose job is it? Common sense, Bernard Shaw, once slyly observed is not common at all. Unless ordinary Goans doggedly pursue reforms don’t expect anything to change for the better. Our elected representatives of various departments and governments unfortunately have shown us again and again how they have their own agendas which don’t always have much in common with the people of the State, and what is good for Goa and Goans isn’t good enough for them as they have their own priorities. Nothing new, though.
Suggestion boxes are needed for Goans to be able to send the appropriate MLA or minister or whoever their suggestions. We also need to be able to question why a good suggestion has not been acted on, and instead, something which is far inferior has replaced it. As some politicians have a hidden agenda, a wise move might be to send a copy to several newspapers so the person concerned can be quizzed on the subject, if necessary, and his or her explanation printed in the newspaper bringing the debate into the public domain.
It will encourage a working relationship between the media and the local community for the good of Goa and Goans aside from strengthening democracy.
