Trace origins of
cholera outbreak
It is learnt that Cutbona-based boat owners have expressed their strong reservations to the warning issued by the government that a compensation amounting to Rs 25 lakh will be sought from the boat owner in the event of further deaths of migrant crew.
The boat owners have made an appeal to the government to reconsider the decision, and rightly so. It is pertinent to note that for various reasons there has been a decline in fish catch by the mechanised boats as well as the traditional fishermen as they return from the sea either with a poor or no catch.
If made to pay such a hefty compensation of Rs 25 lakh for death of a labourer henceforth, most fishermen will be left with no option than to wind up their business. Imagine the plight of the boat owner, if there is death of two or more labourers working for him. There could be a migrant labour board in place to look into the problems faced by migrants.
It is alleged that the outbreak of cholera-induced diarrhoea originated at Karwar Jetty, and trawler owners have claimed that the disease has now spread to Vasco and Malim jetties.
According to the allegation, the outbreak was caused by crew from fishing vessels that had anchored in Goan waters due to adverse sea conditions. Hence having to pay compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the death of migrant crew occurring henceforth seems inappropriate.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Waive off GST on
health insurance
Recently there was demand to withdraw GST on both health insurance premium and LIC premium paid by the policy holders.
However, the move is to reduce the same to 5 per cent. At present, GST on health insurance is 18% on premium - 9% SGST and 9% CGST.
The government has also reduced the GST on cancer medicines. Now, the GST Council will meet again on September 23 or 24, to decide on the same. There is also a demand to reduce the GST on real estate, housing prices. The land prices in Goa are soaring, which is beyond the reach of common man, and the same is brought by the real estate developers from other places such as Delhi and Mumbai. The GST Council should withdraw GST on health products as the premium is high. As the age increases and senior citizens pay high premium on health insurance as per the age. LIC premium is basically to cover one’s life and also plays as savings for policyholders, which assures returns on sum assured after a certain period. Since common man takes policy as part of security in both health insurance and life insurance, GST should be waived off and GST on casinos and games should be charged as per present rate, as the same is beyond common man's reach. The GST Council should consider the same and give relief to the common man
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Create a society where
women feel safe
The upbringing of children plays a pivotal role in shaping their values and beliefs. Parents and close family members can instil respect for women in both girls and boys from a young age, regardless of the societal structure.
While feminism can be a powerful tool for promoting equality, it is necessary to strike a balance and avoid extremism.
Unfortunately, crimes against women, such as molestation and rape, continue to haunt the investigating agencies and government in our country since the Nirbhaya case, which rocked Delhi and the whole country.
Many cases go unreported due to the fear of the accused, political influence and even muscle power, or victim shaming. To combat this issue, it is vital for the public to demand stricter laws and effective implementation to deter the accused from causing such heinous crimes such as the recent rape and murder of a doctor in Bengal.
The police must investigate cases fairly without any bias to ensure that the victims feel supported and protected. Swift justice, including fast-tracked trials and appropriate penalties for the guilty, can help deter such crimes. Ultimately, a collective effort is necessary to create a society where women feel safe and respected.
Diomedes Pereira, Corlim
Chip making in India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that resilience of supply chains is critical for the economy. During his speech at the SEMICON 2024 conference, Modi made a pitch to boost investments in domestic manufacturing of semiconductors. A year ago, the Union Cabinet had approved a production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for semiconductor and display board production in the country.
Heavy surge in sales of electronic devices during the pandemic, and the indefinite closure of giant chip companies during the lockdown, had in fact, given rise to a crisis of scarcity of semiconductors in the global market. These chips are in fact the ‘life’ of millions of products in our daily life, ranging from automobiles to fridges and washing machines to computers and smartphones and so on.
Insufficiency of these chips slowed down the production of all these devices and machines. Though chip companies around the world have increased their production, it’s not quite enough.
The PM showcased India’s reformist regime, stable policies and a market that has tasted technology to make a strong pitch for investments in semiconductor manufacturing. He has also assured the world that when the chips are down, the world can bet on India.
India is all set to play a big role in driving the global semiconductor industry as work has already begun in a positive way.
Chip manufacturing in India no doubt will help many of our tech industries, cater employment and also make the nation self-reliant and sufficient in chip manufacturing. Several sectors that are now lagging behind because of shortage of these chips will get an opportunity to thrive once again thereby helping to boost our economy and enhance our GDP. Besides, these companies can also attract global buyers as Indian products now have an image of their own in the global market.
M Pradyu, Kannur