Act against illegal constructions
This is a serious proliferating problem of Goa’s most precious asset being vandalized/squandered and at last, thank God, the High Court has taken suo motu notice of illegal constructions in Arambol. It has also directing the Panchayat, GCZMA, GSPCB to conduct a joint inspection to verify the status of land use/illegal constructions and also seal commercial establishments running without the required permissions and file a report by December 20, 2023. This happens after a four storeyed hotel reportedly built in a No Development Zone and also operating without occupation certificate has been slated for demolition!
This is just the tip of the iceberg as to what is going on in real estate deals all over Goa! The fact that the Goa government has not conducted any survey/raids but enacted the Goa Regularization of Unauthorized Constructions (Amendment) Act 2023 seems more political than humanitarian based. Besides the builders/owners, and all authorities from the Panchayat to TCP are all need to be investigated by impartial enquiry for breaking the law. Action must be taken to ensure such illegalities cannot happen and justice is done to people and the guilty are punished. Will this government act and will heads roll?
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Costa’s resignation will strengthen Portugal’s democracy
The shocking resignation of Portuguese PM Antonio Costa from his post amid a widespread corruption probe has sent shock waves through the normally tranquil politics of the EU member. His resignation to cast aside even a suspicion of corruption will in the long term strengthen democratic traditions in Portugal. The country had been under dictator Antonio de Oliveira Salazar for a long time. Political scandals involving the top leaders have almost become a norm in Europe with former French President Nikolas Sarkozy facing corruption charges and has been indicted.
Portugal is not as powerful as other European nations and what happens in the country would not have much impact outside Portugal. However, the scandal might leave a scar on Portuguese politics but it will boost the spirit of democracy in the country leaving a shining example for the rest of Europe. Portugal might go through a difficult phase of uncertainty and turbulence in the wake of the investigations and the resignation of Costa as PM. But it will come through with greater faith in democracy and the rule of law.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Remove sign boards near Matanhy’s statue
I happened to see the advertisement issued by the Goenchea Ramponkaracho Ekvott inviting the public to attend the garlanding ceremony of the statue of late Mathany Saldanha at the Cansaulim Market circle on October 24, 2023 on his 75th birth anniversary. This way they paid great homage to the departed leader. In fact many other leaders should have taken initiative in this ceremony.
Matanhy was a crusader not only of Ramponkars but of general public since he had taken part in many agitations of public interest. I hope the ramponkars maintain this tradition every year and perpetuate his memory.
The other day I passed by the Cansaulim Market Circle and I was sorry to see different sign boards fixed at the foot of the statue. This is utter disrespect to the leader. These sign boards need to be removed, I hope the panchayat will take the initiative in this regard in all urgency.
Antonio F Fernandes, Arossim
Vehicular pollution, the new Frankenstein
There are no restrictions on the exploding vehicle population. As per the Economic Survey 2021-22, Goa with a population of 16 lakh has 15.27 lakh registered vehicles. On an average 57,000 new vehicles are brought on the roads every year. Government authorities may have enforced new BS-6 emission norms for vehicles but there is no cap on the number of cars or two wheelers that can be registered. This could prove very disastrous in a small state such as Goa where parts of the State are already reeling under dust haze and smog brought about by construction activity and tail pipe emissions.
We can learn and implement best practices from all over the world, but first we need to upgrade public infrastructure else the diseases triggered by the Frankenstein of vehicular pollution will devour us all bit by bit.
Rekha Sarin Trehan, Benaulim
Politicians should choose words carefully
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s recent remark about ‘culturally appropriate’ ways of disseminating ‘sex education’ has stirred a hornet’s nest. He has withdrawn his statement, but the damage has been done.
People in power have to be very selective in words, because they are under constant public scrutiny. Seasoned politicians such as Nitish Kumar, who are at the evening of their political careers, would do no harm to their reputation at all if they carefully pick and choose words especially on the floor of the assembly.
Coming to sexism, there are thousands of ‘leaders’ who ignore the fact that a woman is entitled to her personal choices. An individual discretion should always triumph.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Exempt working class from taxation
The Government of India has been taxing all working class people in every year’s budget session. The working class strives hard to earn their daily bread and contribute to the country’s taxes. The working class have educated themselves to achieve their professional degrees and technical education and work hard to achieve success in their career. It is unfair to tax them without consideration.
I kindly request the Centre to exempt the tax for the innocent working class. It is unfair that government of India should change this policy for their financial gains. The people sitting in government and making decisions show a callous attitude towards the working class by imposing heavy taxes.
Ashwin Caeiro, Cansaulim
GMC’s Neurosurgery Dept completes 40 yrs
The Neurosurgery Department at the Goa Medical College completes 40 glorious years. Dr V N Jindal has to be credited with giving birth to the Neurosurgery Department and taking it to immense heights. What started with four beds and no equipment at the Goa Medical College is today amongst the only 12 hospitals in India having super specialty training in Neurosurgery.
Dr Jindal retired as the Dean of Goa Medical College on July 31, 2014 after his long and magnificent association with one of Asia’s oldest medical colleges. He needs to be commended for the wonderful combination of both professional and personal attention with passion that he has been rendering to every patient. He has been a ‘God send’ invaluable gift to Goa.
The very distinguished Dr Jindal’s mission of saving lives through neurosurgery now continues under Dr Ponraj Sundaram who currently heads the Neurosurgery department at the Goa Medical College.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar.
