Case of missing files
in Municipalities
Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA has reportedly lodged a complaint with the Mapusa police over the increased incidents of missing files and alleged mismanagement of the Municipal Council. It is learnt that several files related to public works have disappeared from the municipal office and in many cases citizens were forced to submit duplicate documents to get their work done.
Such episodes of files going missing is not restricted to only the Mapusa Municipal Council but is also witnessed in other civic bodies across the state. Last year the frequent disappearance of important files and citizens’ records from the Margao Municipality had raised serious concerns about the civic body’s administrative efficiency and accountability. Such lapses need to be addressed in order to restore public confidence in the civic administration.
In the past, there have been several cases wherein even important files from the office had gone missing. What could be the reason for files going missing in the civic bodies? Is it negligence on the part of the authorities concerned or is it a deliberate attempt to shelve a particular project. Is it due to corruption that is plaguing the particular civic body?
It must be said that once the file is given inward, it becomes the responsibility of the municipal staff. File tracking system plays a critical role in safeguarding important paperwork. People should not be made to come to the municipality several times to get their work done. Such a situation reflects badly on the municipal administration. Disappearance of important files invariably puts spokes in the wheels of development proposed by the municipal bodies and is a matter of grave concern.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Show of strength
by Southern states
The excellent manner in which the Fair Delimitation Meeting of the Chief Ministers, Dy Chief Ministers and other leaders of all the Southern states, Punjab and Odissa has been conducted by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has proved his organising capabilities and his talent to bring all the leaders of the states that are going to be affected by delimitation process if given effect at the format envisaged by the BJP government at the centre under the same roof.
The response to the clarion call made by CM Stalin has been overwhelming looking at the participation of all the leaders invited which included Chief Ministers and Dy Chief Ministers and tall leaders of the respective states.
The deliberations were proactive and pertinent to the issue and all leaders unitedly objected to the efforts made by the BJP government to disrupt the federal set up of our nation through delimitation now proposed by them on the basis of population.
Realising the dangers awaiting all the Southern states and few other states in the North, it was decided in the meeting to suggest to the central government to postpone the delimitation exercise by another 25 years which sounds very reasonable. However, it is unfortunate that leaders of the TN unit of the BJP like K Annamalai and Tamilisai Soundararajan have objected to the efforts taken by the TN Chief Minister to stall the delimitation process. Does it mean that for them their party is more important than the interest of the people of Tamil Nadu?
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Commission for
senior citizens
Kerala has become the first state in India to pass a law creating a commission for senior citizens. This new commission would focus on protecting the rights, welfare and rehabilitation of the elderly. Today's elderly face a lot of difficulties, including neglect and abuse and in many cases denied safety and peace of mind in the last phase of their lives.
The commission will address the hardships and problems faced by the elderly, including neglect, exploitation, and loneliness. It will be responsible for providing the necessary guidelines to tackle issues faced by the elderly. This initiative worth emulating helps in tackling the challenges of the aged. The commission besides safeguarding the elderly ensures their rehabilitation, legal aid, and social integration. The commission will be playing a vital role in matters related to the aged - advising the government on new welfare programmes for senior citizens, address complaints related to elderly abuse, denial of rights or violence against them and also provide legal aid through authorised agencies in cases where elderly citizens face rights violations and overall monitoring of the well-being of the elderly. The commission no doubt will act as a saviour to senior citizens.
M Pradyu, Kannur
True wealth is not
measured by money
Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, has always maintained a unique stance on wealth. Unlike many tech giants who chase financial success, Wozniak has openly expressed his dislike for excessive money, believing it can corrupt personal values. In a 2017 interview, he shared that he intentionally distanced himself from wealth to maintain his integrity and principles.
When Apple went public in 1980, Wozniak demonstrated his generosity by giving away $10 million worth of Apple stock to early employees who had contributed to the company’s success. He felt they deserved to benefit from Apple’s growth, even if they weren’t initially allocated shares. His decision highlighted his belief in fairness and loyalty over financial gain.
Despite being one of the key minds behind Apple’s early innovations, Wozniak never sought to amass extreme wealth like his co-founder, Steve Jobs. Instead, he prioritized engineering, education and philanthropy. His actions continue to inspire entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts worldwide, proving that success isn’t solely measured by money.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Steps to prevent
railway stampedes
After the NDA government took over, shrill cries over privatisation of Railways grew in some quarters. When the government opened up new projects and technology for private players, the cries only grew louder. It was believed that privatisation would bring into being a semblance of order in an elephantine public sector unit mired in disorder.
That said, Railways is a huge employment provider and privatisation posed a serious threat to job security and job opportunities. Be that as it may, recent stampedes at different stations called for an urgent action and the Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a slew of measures in that direction.
It is planned to allow only bonafide confirmed ticket holders onto the platforms at 60 important stations and a pilot project is being undertaken at 4 major north Indian stations. Sealing of unauthorised entries, setting up of war rooms and multiple cameras at strategic locations, and appointment of a station director, with full independence to control of ticket sales, are a few other proposed steps.
One problem with the Railways is the issuance of too many tickets and the provision for station director may sort out things. Working on practical implementation of the proposed changes is, however, critical for changes on the ground.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola