Need for infrastructure in schools
Education is of paramount importance for the development of children across the world. It enhances one’s mind and build one’s personality to lead a victorious life. We live in a civilized society and education helps us to learn the traits of a civilized society.
In view of the current situation, certain schools across Goa lack proper infrastructure/ computers/ internet/wi-fi facilities, thus creating a type of void for effective learning. Computer skills is a must in today’s world, but if the children lack the opportunities to master these skill in schools, then it can definitely hamper their career growth in the competitive world.
This substantial lack of facilities in schools has been persisting since long, as everyone is turning a Nelson’s eye towards it. The concerned authorities need to implement prompt action for the utilisation of funds, for the development of these schools. Eventually, this can go a long way in making children shine as stars in the near future.
Joseph Savio DeSouza, Rajasthan
Have fish market near the beaches
The closure of the wholesale fish market by 10 am by the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) seems to have left the traditional fishermen in the lurch and fish lovers are denied fresh fish. It is learnt that wholesale fish traders have resorted to roadside sale of the catch due to the restrictions. It is pertinent to note that there is no fixed timing for fishing activities. Fish being a perishable food item, needs to be sold in quick time. Local fishermen do not use formalin to preserve the fish.
It is learnt that several fish eaters descend on the beaches along the Colva-Benaulim coastline to lay their hands on fresh fish netted by the traditional fishermen which is sold at a low price. Traditional fishermen have to work hard and could be spending the whole night out at sea. Hence they need a dedicated space to sell the fresh catch. The government could come up with a policy to open mini wholesale fish-markets not far from the beaches along the entire coastline where fishing activities take place. The traditional fishermen could sell their fresh catch at these local wholesale fish-markets near the beaches instead of taking it to the wholesale fish market at Margao. It will be a win-win situation both for fish lovers as well as the traditional fishermen.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Strategic mistake by Hamas
For years there have been warnings about a potential Palestine group-Israel multi-front war. If this is the beginning of one, the deaths and destruction may top anything the world has seen in recent decades. Hamas has proven itself more operationally ambitious and tactically capable of taking on Israel. The casualties that Israel suffered now add up to a bigger blow than the one the United States experienced on 9/11, and the Israeli military response will reflect that reality. The likely result will be a significantly degraded Hamas and substantial destruction within Gaza. And just as 9/11 proved to be a long-term strategic mistake for Al Qaeda, 10/8 will likely prove to be a similar strategic mistake for Hamas. The coming days and weeks are likely not only going to drive the future of Israel’s security, but they may drive the future of its place in the region.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
An abject lesson for totalitarian regimes
The co-ordinated attack by Hamas on Israeli territory on October 7th was another episode of ‘fire and fury’ added to the already chaotic situation prevailing in the world. Think Syria, think Ukraine, think Afghanistan, think Somalia. The Israelis were caught by surprise. It was an utter intelligence failure, both elint and humint. Complacency of the Israeli political leadership, flawed decision making and needless chest thumping jingoism further contributed to this aggressive move by the Palestinians. Israel has also been considerably weakened internally by the nation’s profound divisions over the judicial overhaul being pursued by the ultra right coalition of PM Netanyahu. It was a classic case of ‘shock and awe’ tactics employed by the Palestinians.
How is it that the siege occurred despite the watchful eyes of drones, satellites, reconnaissance balloons, the world’s best army, aerial surveillance and what have you. The famed Israeli ‘Iron Dome’ , an anti-missile defence system simply collapsed under the sustained onslaught of a determined army. The conflict can very well escalate to a full-fledged war considering that the Israelis also have the Lebanon based Hezbollah and Iran to deal with. Iran has vociferously spoken in favour of the Palestinian cause all these years and has reiterated that they support the latter’s ‘right to self-defence’. Israel has been oppressing the Palestinians residing in the Gaza strip for more than 35 years now, denying them the right to a peaceful existence or a future for their children. Such a situation was bound to happen sooner than later. For brutal right wing totalitarian regimes across the world, this should be an abject lesson in karma and a nudge towards consciously following a policy of peaceful co-existence with your neighbours. Just praying that this does not escalate to World War III.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Restart Sanjeevani sugarcane factory
The sugarcane industry is a significant source of employment in India.
It is so very unfortunate that Goa’s only sugarcane factory Sanjeevani has been inoperative for some years. It would be beneficial for our Goan sugarcane cultivators, and the economy of our State if the government could take concerted measures to revive this much needed factory instead of burdening our cultivators to take their crop to the neighbouring States. The production of sugar locally would incentivise our growers to grow more and ensure a readily available product with multiple uses, at a favourable price for consumers. The operation of the sugarcane factory, when it restarts would have to be restructured and run efficiently as a profitable venture and not as a white elephant.
It is hoped that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will take the necessary steps to ensure that our sugar factory is fully restored, updated, and equipped with adequate human and technological resources to take full advantage of a thriving and lucrative national and global sugarcane industry. Let’s enjoy the sweet taste of success from a local thriving sugarcane industry as soon as possible!
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Tax exemption for seafarers
The government has imposed taxes as per income tax act 1961 on seafarer working on ships abroad. Since a seafarer works under a contract system for six to nine months they should be exempted from income tax since seafarers do not pay any taxes around the world. Being a seafarer is a very responsible job as they voyage through various countries reaching the cargo and passenger safely. Also there are risks involved such as collision, fire, sinking, flooding, engine failure, attack by pirates etc. Only a seafarer knows the tough job at sea. The India government should exempt seafarers from all taxes and give more benefits.
Ashwin Caeiro, Cansaulim
