It is unnecessary on the part of the Social Welfare Department of the Goa government to direct the DSSS benefices to reapply with all the formalities for the scheme. Is it not harassment to the beneficiaries who are already in the list of those availing financial assistance under the DSSS? What is the motive of the government behind this? The beneficiaries have been given a cutoff date of February 6, 2015, otherwise the assistance they are receiving will be stopped. They are being made to run hither-thither to carry out the formalities of producing income and residence certificates again, which they had already done before. Why this harassment? Will the Chief Minister reply to this?
Marcos Alemao, Varca
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Reginaldo is the only vocal MLA
Bravo Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, MLA Curtorim, you are the only very active elected representative among all 40 MLAs, to fight for the issues affecting the common man. You were the first one to fire the present government on the issue of issuing notices to the DSSS beneficiaries, who are already receiving the financial assistance under the scheme (Herald Jan 31). It is not understood why the existing beneficiaries should produce the income and residence certificates again, when they have already done so at the beginning? This is not good. What is the chief minister doing? Why are all the other MLAs quiet and doing nothing for the common man?
Whiterose, Carmona
Will Jayanthi abandon the sinking ship?
Former Union Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan’s resignation and her slew of allegations against Rahul Gandhi are a matter of interest. If indeed Gandhi made any specific requests to her regarding environmental clearances, should she have not resigned from her office at that time? Or did she succumb to his requests? A thorough inquiry should be launched on her and the clearances issued during her stint heading the ministry. It is now worth waiting to see her next step. Several leaders like Jagadambika Pal and Krishna Tirath left Congress to join BJP. Will Natarajan also be like those rats who run away from a sinking ship?
Dr Brinda Singh, New Delhi
Ensure safety norms at industrial estates
The fire safety inspection report of Bethora industrial estate is a grim reminder of the fact that everything is not well in the industrial estates. The report points out to a glaring fact that the nine fire hydrants were not functioning. This is an issue of grave concern for the authorities and they need to pull up their sleeves so as to overhaul the present state of affairs.
Although Industrial accidents are very rare in Goa, they cause much damage when they occur. Further, such incidents also have a detrimental effect on the industrial sector and also induce a sense of fear among the workers. Precaution is better than cure and hence authorities need to undertake random checks and inspections of industrial estates so as to ensure that all the safety norms are conformed with. There is also a pressing need to enhance the penalty for violation of safety measures in order to contain violations.
It is time the authorities take measures to avert any untoward incident in the future.
Kapil Phadte, Margao
Avoid controversies on Secretary appointments
The opposition Congress has bitterly criticized the Union government for sacking Sujata Singh as Union Foreign Secretary. But Congress forgot that its own Rajiv Gandhi, as the then Prime Minister, insulted the then Union Foreign Secretary in 1987, when his exit was suddenly announced at a press conference where AP Venketaswaran was playing an active role.
Secretary-level postings are important sensitive posts where posted persons are required to be practically in tune with the policies and mindset of the political class. Rather than insulting the individuals already appointed as secretaries by their unceremonious sacking, a system can be formulated whereby any new government may decide to change the secretaries, if so desired, anytime within three months of coming to power. Or there should be some norms, guidelines or practices followed as service-rules for secretary-level postings from which a deviation may be permitted after proper reasoning. Controversies on appointments or sackings at such high posts should be avoided.
Subhash Chandra Agrawal, Delhi
Remove LPG cylinder in event of fire
There has been yet another cylinder blast as a result of a fire where two persons were injured. The destruction and injury caused as a result of a cylinder blast can be much more than just a fire engulfing a house or a commercial establishment. A LPG cylinder blast can result in destruction on a larger scale and in some cases even result in death of persons. Instructions should be given by the Fire Fighting Force to residents to first remove the LPG cylinder from the premises if a fire breaks out. Removal of the LPG cylinder from the premises immediately whenever a fire breaks out can prevent large scale destruction, injury and even death.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
