White paper on
road safety needed
This has reference to the editorial “How many more shall die on Goa’s roads?” O Heraldo, September 16. It was indeed a black Saturday. Goa’s killer roads continued to snuff out lives, as on the day four persons reportedly died in two separate accidents reported at Mandrem and Bicholm.
In the first accident that took place at Mandrem involving a truck, goods rickshaw and two-wheeler, two sisters-in-law died while another teenaged girl was seriously injured. In the second accident reported at Nanora in Bicholim, two youths lost their lives after their two-wheeler collided with a car.
Yet another fatal accident on Monday morning at Virnoda left one person dead. Fatal injury from road accidents represents a significant public health issue. It seems prudent for the Goa government to come up with a white paper on road safety. White papers typically present information to help understand specific issues in traffic control and reduce incidents of road accidents.
The white paper can be used as a guide and framework for the authorities to work on a strategy to prevent road accidents. This includes safe infrastructure, strict implementation of road safety practice, emergency medical services to victims of road accidents. The white paper needs to be prepared by experts in the field who should offer strategies and initiatives that, if implemented, would move the state towards zero road fatalities by adopting a culture of safety. The state cannot afford to lose more lives on the roads.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Bleak future for female
athletes in Afghanistan
It is highly unfortunate that female athletes in Afghanistan are increasingly facing dire situations and endure harsh conditions under Taliban rule, as they are not allowed to engage themselves in sports.
Consequent to the restrictions, in fact, many Afghan female athletes have left the country due lack of sports opportunities. Thanks to UN experts, as they called on national and international sports organizations to take decisive action against this ban.
The experts described the prohibition as part of the regime’s institutionalized system of gender discrimination and oppression, warning that it would amount to crimes against humanity. The cessation of female sports in
Afghanistan is part of a broader
effort by the Taliban to marginalize women and girls in all aspects of society. The Taliban’s actions have not only stripped women of their right to engage in sports but have also further deepened the social and economic divide in Afghanistan, leaving the future of female athletes in the country uncertain and bleak.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Hats off to the ‘Goldsmith
turned veg vendor'
This has reference to the report ‘Goldsmith turned veg vendor…..’ (Herald September 16, 2024). What a transition, from a goldsmith to a vegetable vendor! Commendable, one should say. COVID-19 seems to have had a positive effect on Sanjay Rivankar. We must salute this man for his thoughts. Yes, today's vegetables and fruits seem to be filled with chemicals. The humble banana for instance, I recall in my younger days, we could have a meal only with bananas. Today with the bananas turning from green to yellow I don't know what a banana tastes like, it has lost its taste. It's heartening to note therefore, that Sanjay is striving to change the situation by getting only chemical-free produce into the market. And he's right when he says, money alone cannot provide you a healthy life. Hats off to this man!
Melville X. D'Souza, Mumbai
War of words over Modi's
visit to CJI's home
PM Modi's presence at the Ganesh Puja celebration at CJI DY Chandrachud's residence on September 11 has sparked significant debate and controversy. Critics argue that such a meeting compromises the independence of the judiciary and is in violation of the principle of separation of powers in democratic governance. The wide publicity and sharing of videos amplified the situation.
Balancing public figures’ participation in religious and cultural events needs to be a private affair sans publicity. Prominent figures, including senior lawyers have voiced their concerns about the public display. On the flip side, BJP supporters see it as a cultural and religious event, emphasising the importance of unity and tradition by drawing parallels to former Congress PM Manmohan Singh
attending iftar parties.
The raging debate does not end there as some critics who fear that the CJI being on the last leg of retirement might be seeking post-retirement benefits as is evident of past CJI’s who got largesse from the executive for favours granted.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Root out malaise of back
door entry into govt jobs
The back-door appointments in government jobs has become a burning issue. Obtaining a government job by paying bribes and using political clout is thought to be ubiquitous. It has seen highest number of recruitment scams. The government't jobs is like a profitable business in addition to regular salary and a govt servant never wants to miss the opportunity.
The recent allegations made by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on LDC recruitment came under a dark cloud with allegations from every quarter of massive irregularities, demands of cash, and bypassing of established procedural norms. There are undeserving candidates provided jobs through backdoor in the past, saying that jobs are only being given to deserving candidates. The backdoor entry in public services violates the fundamental rights of those aspiring for public employment.
It should stop such appointments in public services in order to ensure that equal opportunity is provided to all eligible candidates through an open, competitive process. There should be no room for backdoor appointment to government jobs and those who hooked a post through favouritism and nepotism should get the boot.
When the entire selection is stinking and conceived in fraud and delivered in deceit, individual innocence has no place and the entire selection has to be cancelled. All laws are flouted and in matters of public employment people without facing any required procedures for employment are made to hold government job. Goa will continue to regress unless this chronic illness of “Backdoor appointment” is addressed.
K G Vilop, Chorao