Tourists arrivals by chartered flights has fallen by 35%. The situation is unlikely to change. In addition to the many reasons, Goa is just too pricey for foreign tourists who are flocking to Thailand, a clean country where they can holiday for less than half the amount. However, domestic tourism has shown an increase during the year. There are roughly 10 domestic tourists for every foreign tourist in Goa. The problem is that most of these tourists are ‘fly-by-night’ single male tourists who come by SUV and contribute nothing to the state economy. The government and the tourism dept must go all out to attract families and couples who can help revive the economy. Gujarat, West Bengal, Mumbai are some of the areas that need to be tapped in a big way. That the authorities are not interested in the domestic market is evident from the following example; A few days ago I travelled to Mumbai by the new super-fast train which is fuly AC. It was empty! The TTE told me that the average occupancy of the train is less than 15%. These are the trains that can bring in families who will spend in Goa. But the authorities have not bothered to market the train. Incidentally, on the same day the Konkan Kanya train to Mumbai had a waiting list of over 150 for AC tickets!
Prof Robert Castellino, Mumbai
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Time for goodies
Everyone is aware about the role of money in elections. The two national parties pretend to be hypocritical and deny that money is distributed during elections. Kejriwal’s remarks to take money and vote for AAP have generated a storm. The limit on expenditure, vigilance and monitoring have only led to distribution well in advance and totally in discrete manner, to circumvent the law. That people must approach them for its their own dues accumulated by politicians through corrupt means, It is true that agents approach politicians claiming vote banks. Inducements like TVs, motorbikes, washing machines, mixers, grinders, mobiles, saris are too cumbersome and leave a trail of proof but are selectively given. Money for petrol and bashes after elections are not factored in. Voters who refuse such bonanzas can be targeted later as non supporters. In fact the money is distributed without asking only to such poor voters and not to middle class and affluent population. Can anyone without money and muscle power honestly hope to win in elections?
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Lock the transformers
Although transformers at various locations in Goa have been provided with a door, proper latches for these doors have been lacking. Hence during winds, the door gets opened. Under such circumstances, the exposed transformers pose great danger to human lives. Pedestrians including school children proceeding along the main roads are likely to come in contact with the live electrical wires. In Ponda, an exposed transformer was recently noticed behind Ponda Commerce
Centre at Tisk and another behind the market complex at upper bazaar. Even adjacent to Ganganath Shopee at Varkhandem, the existing transformer is often noticed in a similar condition. At some of the transformers, the door is tied with the help of a string or wire.
Unless a proper locking system is provided to the existing transformers, it will be extremely difficult to bring the present degrading condition under firm control.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
Shun differences
On January 26, 2015, India will observe yet another Republic Day. But the land of milk and honey has turned out into a democracy of corruption and scams. Corruption has reached the highest level even after Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister of the country.
Prices of all commodities, including that of food grains, LPG, bus fares, train fares, auto-rickshaw and taxis have sky-rocketed. As a result of this inflation, the common man has to bear the brunt of the price rise as his/her salary does not increase in tandem with the surging inflation. Although India has achieved both independence and republic, it is one of the most corrupted and polluted nations in the world. Unemployment is at an all-time high.
Majority of the states in India today are fighting among themselves and people, irrespective of caste, creed, colour and religion are being persecuted for no fault of theirs, while the ministers and politicians are misusing the common’s man hard-earned money. Unless and until we rise above our differences, India will not become a prosperous nation.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
