Break of only one
week for schools?
In what appears to be a face saving exercise, the government has reportedly announced that the upcoming academic year 2025-26 will commence from April 7 instead of April 1. The government has proposed to grant one week break between the end of the existing term and start of the new academic year.
This appears to be a case of too little too late. The main reason for the demand to start the term from the month of June is the unbearable heat that is prevalent during the month of April and May unlike in Delhi and other Northern states where the warm season commences in June. Since the start of the new academic year has been postponed by one week, the question that arises is whether the climate will be cool after the first week of April.
Children do need a break. It means going out on a vacation with family members, joining music classes, dance classes, joining coaching classes in various sports and doing things school children always wanted to do after a hectic academic year. Will all this be possible in just one week? Going on a vacation for a rainy reason may not be a good idea. School children may be voiceless to protest against the injustice being meted to them. However, parents have protested. It is for the Education Department to listen to the demands of all stakeholders and continue the new academic year from June as has been the case for decades.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Govt‘s assurance
proves hollow
The Goa government's attempt to transplant a 200-year-old Banyan tree has ended in failure, with the tree succumbing to the relocation process. The tree, which was uprooted from its original location, was replanted in Panjim's Campal and Porvorim areas, but unfortunately, it did not survive. This incident has raised concerns about the government's understanding of environmental conservation. It is alarming that officials were unaware of the potential consequences of uprooting a tree of such magnitude. The Banyan tree played a crucial role in absorbing groundwater, and its removal is likely to cause disputes over water scarcity in the surrounding area.
Moreover, the tree was a habitat for numerous birds, providing them with shelter and protection. The transplantation not only destroyed the sentimental value attached to the tree by locals but also deprived the birds of their natural habitat. This incident highlights the need for the government to engage in more thoughtful and environmentally conscious decision-making to avoid such losses in the future.
We urge the government to reconsider the flyover plans and find a way to preserve this natural treasure for generations to witness.
Siddhant Fogueri, Bicholim
Women's safety still
a pressing concern
Goa, a place celebrated for its breath-taking beaches and vibrant nightlife, harbours a harsh reality. Women's safety remains a pressing concern. It's not just tourists who feel vulnerable; even local women live with fear. Cases of harassment, eve-teasing, and even assault continue to rise, especially in nightlife hubs, deserted beaches, and isolated roads. Despite laws and awareness campaigns, many women hesitate to report incidents due to social stigma and ineffective law enforcement.
The main reason for this issue is the mindset that often blames the victim instead of the culprit. Weak law enforcement, poor lighting in isolated areas, and slow legal action make things worse. This gives offenders the confidence to repeat their actions. Women's safety should not be only their responsibility. It is something everyone must work towards. The government should increase police patrolling, improve security in public transport, and ensure strict punishment for crimes against women. Until society takes this issue seriously, the beauty of Goa will always be shadowed by fear.
Bhumi Upendra Deshprabhu, Mapusa
Degradation of coastline
is indeed in full swing
The Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) in a memorandum submitted on Thursday to the Chief Secretary, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and other officials has called to take immediate action on multiple complaints regarding violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules and the Environmental Protection Act (EPA).
The memorandum has listed multiple alleged violations, including irregularities in the renovated Aguada Jail Complex, CRZ breaches by builders in Candolim, building permissions granted based on false documents, and destruction of sand dunes and beach vegetation.
Well, the degradation of coastline, right from Candolim, Calangute, Baga is indeed going in full swing and the officials are deliberately seen turning a Nelson's eye despite of several complaints being filed before the GCZMA regarding the blatant violations of CRZ rules and the Environmental Protection Act, 1986.
I think that as long as people appointed in the above departments are not taken to task for promoting all types of illegalities, nothing is going to change even in the near future in Goa.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Pakistan tasting
its own medicine
The brazen hijacking of a train in the restive Balochistan province highlights the growing unrest in Pakistan. The incident has shocked South Asia. Interestingly, China, who is Pakistan’s all-weather friend, is watching the insurgency activities closely as its workers are regular targets of the BLA militants. Successive Pakistani regimes have long been accused of exporting terrorism to India, failing to recognize that their own policies have destabilized their own country more than others. The escalating insurgency has exposed the state’s weakening grip over its restive provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. On the other hand, the Taliban, the creation of Pakistani military bosses, is now biting the hand that fed it.
The Jaffar Express assault shows that time may be running out before the separatist insurgency spreads further. Pakistan must act now to save Balochistan without pointing out India’s involvement in the hijack incident.
Gregory Fernandes,
Mumbai