Traffic etiquette is the need of the hour even in a progressive state like Goa where we pride ourselves of a high literacy rate besides various other social indicators. But on the ground if we open our eyes and see how the traffic rules are flouted at every nook and corner as we do not care about the safety of the other road users nor our own. Hence the high rate of accidents for a small state and long traffic queues stretching from Siridao to Verna caused by just the breakdown of a single bus on the Zuari Bridge.
The Road Safety Week (Sept-8) besides tom-toming the use of helmets (even on village roads) should educate and enforce lane discipline, speed limits, setting up signals and visible road signage at important junctions and especially on hazardous and accident prone spots on priority basis and all highways reminding people to “Drive Safely – Your family is waiting for you at home”.
Instead of putting the spotlight on pubs and bikinis I strongly believe that road safety should be the given priority and must be taught not only in schools and colleges but also in government offices and private companies as a social responsibility.
Matias Lobo, Oman
Game changer
In the first clear indication of ‘acche din’ to come for the poor, PM Narendra Modi launched the ambitious Jan Dhan Yojana under which 1.5 cr bank accounts were opened on the very first day. These zero-balance accounts are unique in that each holder will receive a debit card allowing overdraft up to Rs 5,000, in addition to personal accident insurance of Rs one lakh and life insurance of Rs 30,000.
The scheme has the potential of becoming the greatest ever game changer in the history of the nation. The direct transfer of cash for subsidies (like purchase of gas cylinders, kerosene etc) and for welfare schemes (such as MNREGA) , will deliver a death blow to massive corruption that currently deprives the poor of their rightful dues and the government of crores of rupees. Women too will get more money in hand to keep the home fires burning, much of which is now squandered by husbands on alcohol . The scheme , aimed at eradication of financial untouchability may ultimately lead to the eradication of social untouchability, thus proving to be a better option than the ‘reservation’ policy.
Prof Robert Castellino, Calangute
Promising CM
During the Congress rule Manohar Parrikar had promised that if his party and his candidate was elected to power he would build Chorao bridge within a years’ time . Now half his tenure is over but no sign of the bridge. It remains just a pipe dream like the Zuari bridge, MoI policy ,garbage solution, Regional Plan, Special Status etc . Now every time he is questioned on any of these issues he keeps dragging on his promises by saying that it will be done after two, four, six months etc. Pressing issues are further postponed and people’s attention diverted. Parrikar can be rightly termed as the ‘Promising CM ‘ as he keeps promising by asking people every time to wait for few more months to solve their problems.
Napolean A.D’Souza, Saligao
Ragging in schools
The horrifying incident at the prestigious Scindia School at Gwalior (MP) once again brought ‘ragging’ into the headlines in both the print and electronic media. But this time the ragging has taken place in a school instead of a college or university. The first pointer is that our children are not safe even in elite school not just from the teachers, staff and management but among students who are 15 years and below. If it’s not physical and sexual abuse there’s merciless ragging in school while the wardens – in charge of daily routine – are oblivious of the goings on under their roofs. And Scindia School is an upmarket institute where the children of the rich and famous paying whopping fees.
Melba Antao, Porvorim
Helmet rule a pain
Arun Dessai, the RTO Director will never rest in peace, till the compulsory use of helmets for the rider as well as pillion rider putting the burden on the heads of riders to buy two helmets. Dessai does not understand the difficulties of the riders to carry helmets every time and everywhere. Dessai and the transport minister are not doing this for the love of riders who die on the roads, but they do it for their own greed. I want to ask Dessai whether those who died on the road were not wearing helmets? First keep the roads in good condition. Fine those who use mobiles while driving, over taking, driving fast, not using dim light during night time. All the riders should oppose this greedy move.
Marcos Alemao Varca
