Beef shortage ahead of festive season
It is learnt that consumers in Goa will reportedly have to bear with shortages of beef as the standoff between traders and vigilantes, which has disrupted supplies to local markets, is showing no signs of ebbing. Though the meat traders source their stock from slaughter of animals at the Goa Meat Complex, the number of animal slaughtered government-owned abattoir in Usgao is not sufficient to meet the daily demand of the state.
Many meat traders in Goa rely on the meat of lawfully slaughtered animals in Karnataka which has proper certification from a veterinary doctor before the animal is slaughtered. Beef is a staple food in a majority of Goa Christian homes, especially the lower and middle income families who consider it a cheaper source of protein.
The festive season as well as the wedding season is set to commence in Goa after the withdrawal of the South West monsoon. Goa’s hospitality and restaurant sector also requires large quantities of beef to cater to the demand.
It is learnt that the Goa Meat Complex has reportedly assured to meet consumers’ demand by boosting the supply of beef amid rising demand by increasing the number of animals slaughtered daily. With the Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier round the corner, thousands of devotees and tourists from across the globe will be coming to Goa. Imports of beef from neighbouring states under strict hygienic conditions may be needed to tackle the shortfall.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Cyber fraudsters
running amok
The trend of small-time fraudsters deceiving the gullible through scams and blackmail is now almost obsolete in India. These are the days of “digital arrest” or “digital house arrest”.
Typically, the offenders exploit the nerves of an individual in digital scams. Impersonating a law enforcement official, most commonly a CBI officer or a Customs official, the tricksters speak in an “authoritative voice” to make the victims believe that they had defied the law.
Accusing the individual of sending or receiving “drug” or “contraband” parcels, the scammers often invite the unwary to video calls and force them to remain online the whole day, or more, forcing them to part with large sum to “clear” their names.
By the time the harassed citizen recoups himself, the fraudsters would have vanished without a trace.
One should note that government agencies never ask an individual to come over a video call or other social media platforms. Nowadays, the cyber cell of the government is quite receptive to people's problems.
Victims should rush to the local cyber police station or report to cybercrime.gov.in or utilise the cyber helpline number 1930 without delay. Also, the bank account from where the fund has been transferred should be immediately frozen.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Jobs scam in Goa
have surged
The classic example of Pooja Naik itself shows that many people are willing to pay for unadvertised job promises. This serves as a stark reminder of the rampant corruption that plagues recruitment processes in the State.
Doling out jobs has been a traditional practice. Even ministers have made job promises in every election to placate their vote bank at respective constituencies. The key ministers have been opposing the Goa Staff Selection Commission.
But in real, 80% of the jobs in Goa are not given on merit, but by accepting bribes. Some politicians are downplaying the job scam by giving lame excuses. The unemployed youth are facing intense competition for limited jobs. The prevalence of such scams not only adds layers of frustration and hopelessness, but also tarnishes the reputation of legitimate public service roles.
The very systems designed to facilitate employment opportunities are instead becoming breeding grounds for corruption. Persons belonging to high social/political status get jobs, even if they don’t have proper knowledge.
Nobody should be allowed to play with the future of the educated unemployed youth. But the Goa government has not taken any steps till today to ensure transparency and integrity in employment process. To end nepotism, favouritism and corruption, there needs changes in recruitment system. In Goa, without political clout/influence in any field, nothing can be obtained by people at ease and it is the norm.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Tradition and heritage well kept
A unique tradition and heritage practice is well maintained in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram. Flight services from the international airport here will be suspended for five hours on November 9 to make way for ‘Alpashi Arattu’ procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here. Now what has an airport to do with a procession? The annual procession traditionally taken on a route to the seashore crosses the runway of the airport.
The practice of the procession traversing the current path to reach the seashore for the holy bath of the idols began centuries ago. The runway at the airport remains closed twice a year for the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple procession to pass through.
It has to be noted that this ritual continues even after the airport was established in 1932. When the airport was constructed , the then Travancore King, Sree Chithira Thirunal had made it clear that facility would be open for public for 363 days in a year and two days for Lord Padmanabha, the titular deity of the royal family.
Thus every year for decades the centuries old grand procession of the shrine pass through the runway, highlighting that the culture and traditions of the region remain intact.
When in this modern era tradition and practices are just ignored and sometimes sadly forgotten, the ceremonial practice followed here is something that reminds us that culture, tradition and heritage are things to be preserved and maintained.
M Pradyu, Kannur