In February this year, the Goa Directorate of Transport had commenced an innovative computer-generated complaint service for members of the public to register their complaints through a mere sms on the number 51969. But sadly, it appears that the department officials have not been properly briefed about this facility as complaints made to this number are not promptly acted upon with complaints made as far back as March this year, still pending with action being taken on them three months later only after a constant follow up with the higher authorities.
While previously, the reason being given was due to the Election Code of Conduct, now it appears to be a ‘system problem’ besides ‘lack of manpower and vehicles’ although no one within the Directorate of Transport wishes to come on record.
Also, as per this sms complaint facility 51969, it is mandatory that a reply is promptly sent to the complainant informing him/her of the action taken on his/her complaint. But instead the identity of the complainant is compromised with some of the unscrupulous transport officials such as the motor vehicle inspectors divulging the complainant’s mobile number to the accused bus operator. Thus, providing them an opportunity to make abusive phone calls and issue dire threats to the complainant.
Hence, it is vital that all the transport department officials are properly instructed about this newly introduced system since the public are still reluctant to utilize this newly launched facility, especially since these RTO officers are deliberately creating obstacles so as to discourage those who utilize this service.
Will the Transport Minister Mr Sudin Dhavlikar intervene and ensure that his department is prompt in responding to this sms complaint service that was started to benefit the public?
Gary Azavedo, Margao
Save Baina beach
It may be recalled that the authorities had recently demolished 74 hutments which had come up illegally near the Baina beach. But then nothing is being done to arrest the massive sand erosion that is taking place at the beach. It is observed that the water level now touches the retaining wall due to the incessant rains that the state has been experiencing in the past several days. Coconut trees are falling down in large numbers.
It must be said that the state is losing large chunks of land to the sea as a result of the sand erosion. It is seen that at the beaches in other parts of the state which has been experiencing sand-erosion, tripods are being used to minimize the effect of the sand-erosion.
No such step is being taken at the Baina beach. It is high time the local MLA sees to it that the beach is saved from further erosion. Otherwise a time may come that this beautiful beach will be non-existent as has been the case of the Khariawado beach also situated in Vasco. Save the Baina beach.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Special Status critical
It appears that the Indian Government is now not taking Goa’s deserving case for Special Status seriously. This is the time for Goans to get together and do what is necessary to ensure this is realized. The CM and all MLAs should have the will to stand up to Delhi which is not honoring it’s 1961 promise to preserve Goa’s Idenity. Since then beautiful Goa is being converted into filth, with its environment and ecology being destroyed; by highly corrupt India. It is well known that the real estate destruction in Goa is largely funded by corrupt cash from North India.
Should the Indian Government not take our genuine demand seriously and ignore it’s 1961 obligation then one option is for Goans to approach the United Nations and reopen the Goa invasion case of 1961.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Grow up
As a avid reader of your newspaper I read the paper from front to back. Coming up to 70 years of age this is the first time in my life i feel compelled to put pen to paper. Regarding the Indian tour of England and the controversy regarding Jadeja and Anderson. Don’t our overpaid and overrated cricketers look at the outside world and see what terrible things are happening and the BCCI pushing for a ban on Anderson. The money spent on lawyers could be utilised in a far better way. For goodness sake grow up.
Richard Isle, Dona Paula
