5th Dec Letter to Editor

The government has announced that the Consumer Price Index based retail inflation has been declining and currently is at its lowest for the last six months. Looking at the prices of daily needs prevailing in the marketplace this statement needs to be taken with a pinch of salt (which maybe is the only commodity that has held its price position!). If you take the basic necessity of people and that is dal-roti, the prices of pulses like tur and urad dal over just the last one month increased in the range of 12 – 15%. Thus, while the government may be giving the common man subsidized wheat and rice but he still needs dal and vegetables to put body and soul together. As for those who can afford to pay these rapidly escalating prices of daily necessities, the problem is that the same shoddy quality is being sold at the inflated prices. If you go anywhere abroad one does not mind paying higher prices for produce since you get good quality. It is also properly and attractively packaged ensuring that you get value for money. In India unfortunately this is not the case and the same vegetables which are not even fresh are sold at the higher prices leaving customers no alternative but to suffer this exploitation. 

This is in regards to the article ‘SAG-ing complex putting Margao out of game’. Margao MLA states that he will look into the matter which comes as a big surprise as the Margao MLA with his body guard, family and coterie are often seen taking rounds on the jogging track. It’s a shame that the former CM who has been the Margao MLA for the past 20-odd years is feigning ignorance regarding the dilapidated conditions of the Fatorda Stadium.

It’s a shame these long time legislators do not come forward to alleviate the hardships faced by those health conscious citizens of Margao and Fatorda Constituencies who come to the jogging track to maintain fitness and good health. The Margao MLA has presided over the ruin of the city with no open spaces left and even the Costa Ground – one of the last open spaces, passed off by the MMC to be converted into a concrete jungle much to the knowledge of the Margao MLA.

Many questions arise with so many burglaries taking places  in Goa. Even though there is police patrolling in the night, it proves to be ineffective as robbers are much smarter and using better communication than the police. It looks like they have even better mode of transportation. Why can’t the government install CCTVs in cities and make  municipalities responsible for its functioning and maintenance. The government must first invest in safety of the citizens rather than spending crores on events like IFFI.

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti’s remarks about the opposition parties and certain religions are not in the best interest of the BJP’s image. While she is expected to control her speech as she is in public office, it is welcome sign that she apologized for her remarks. It is unfortunate, however, that the Opposition is using this issue to stall the proceedings of the Parliament. 

Indian super league has proved to be terrific for Indian football and for Goan football in particular.  It has made the football lovers dance on their feet.  We have witnessed some young rising stars displaying their talents on the field. Most importantly the football loving state of Goa has been hyperactive in showing its support to the local team. People of Goa have turned up in large numbers and shown unity. Just another display of what unity can do.  How ideal it would be if we continue being united on social issues and strive for a healthy learning and educational environment in our state of Goa. 

The EIA report on Mopa is really shocking and the Goa govt needs to explain to the people the truth about the contents of the EIA report.  The most important point is the source of water for construction of the airport.  Besides, the other important points like the number of trees that will be cut down and also the number of houses to be demolished. The authenticity of the accreditation of the authority which has conducted the study also needs to be ascertained.

From the facts made known to the public so far it appears that the Mopa Airport Project is going to ruin Pernem and Goa and it’s still not too late to bring out the truth and prevent our politicians from fooling the poor people of Goa in the name of development.