Cash-for-job scam
will fizzle out
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Chief Minister Pramod Sawant while speaking to media on Tuesday said that his government will initiate process to give back money to the victims amounting to crores of rupees taken under the pretext of providing government jobs, by seizing the properties of the accused involved in the multi-crore cash-for-job scam.
He also asserted that no one will be spared, irrespective of their political affiliation and urged the opposition not to take this as a political opportunity to defame BJP and its leaders in Goa.
Sawant is well-known for issuing many such hollow statements to temporarily excite a few gullible Goans over a variety of issues and finally doing absolutely nothing on the ground in the end in Goa. Hey, let’s face it. Has CM ever punished or has sent any land-grabber, murderer, rapist or those who have gone to kill many innocent people in road accidents to jail permanently so far in Goa?
I therefore personally feel that the State government itself will slowly go to release all the scam operatives who have (are still) been arrested so far on bail to somehow protect the kingpin and some of its own powerful ministers involved in this whole cash-for-jobs racket in Goa. Yes, this ongoing drama of arresting people in the cash-for-jobs scam will go on for a while and then slowly fizzle out like those sparkler fireworks in Goa. The end result will be finally zero and it will be business as usual, but maybe with some new faces taking over and continuing with the same racket with the full backing of some ruling politicians in Goa in future. Because finally it’s big business and due to which the show will continue to go on forever.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Police-public relationship
It was a pleasant surprise to note that as part of Goa Police’s new initiative to address public grievances, some citizens reportedly met Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar on Tuesday.
The walk-in initiative wherein the public can directly meet the DGP without prior appointment is a highly appreciative step. It is learnt that the DGP will meet citizens on Tuesdays and Fridays for an hour. In case the DGP is unavailable at that time due to prior commitments, then the Inspector General of Police or Deputy Inspector General of Police will conduct the hearing.
According to a study conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, people for various reasons feel reluctant to lodge complaints with the police. The relationship between the citizens and the police plays a vital role in combating crime in society. The police should act in a way that earns and maintains public respect and confidence. This includes being courteous and well-mannered, being impartial and dependable, sensitive and non-judgmental. The police should strive to promote harmony among the people. They should not abuse their authority and should respect the rights of others. The walk-in initiative to meet the DGP of Goa will go a long way in improving police-citizen relationship. Such an initiative could be extended to various police stations with the respective police inspector addressing grievances of the public under his jurisdiction once a week.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Cash-for-job scam turning murkier
The tentacles of cash-for-job scam keep extending. It’s surprising that people are paying lakhs of rupees for government jobs which are elusive and not even published.
The scam was exposed following a series of cases registered at police stations. These accused prey on job-seekers for cash which is condemnable. The tragedy is a stark reminder that this scam is not just about money as it has started taking a toll on human lives. Goa has come across such countless allegations in the past also within and outside political apparatus which has been conveniently overlooked all this while. Fairness and transparency in recruitment have been compromised.
The rot in job scams is deeply rooted and exposes the vulnerabilities in the system. Moreover, those who are paying bribes is a criminal offence and also need to be taken to task. People say that 90% of jobs in Goa are not given on merit. It is a malady which has been aggravated by the increasing number of unemployed youth. The Goa Staff Selection Commission was sidelined to stripping the deserving youth of a fair chance. The youth are disillusioned as they have been deprived of fair employment opportunities.
Where have the crores collected by the scam operatives vanished? The cash-for-job scam including the arrests of various persons has created panic among the educated youth of Goa who feel that there is no scope for merit in the government recruitment process. This scandal reveals the extent of corruption and political links. And the arrests made were only the small fish.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Ensure protection of children’s rights
Children’s Day, which is celebrated on November 14, is significant because it serves as a reminder of the importance of child welfare and the need to ensure that their rights are protected.
The day emphasises the need for proper educational facilities and learning environment for children, regardless of their socio-economic background.
This is a day to make children feel special. Celebrating Children’s Day on Chacha Nehru’s birthday is a tribute to his commitment to child welfare and education.
In the words of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru: “Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow.”
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
Cash-for-job scam: Thorough probe needed
In another case of job scam, a lady from Porvorim and school teacher from Dhavali were arrested by police. The scam is around Rs 1.2 crore apart from previous scams on the pretext of providing government jobs.
The chain of arrest continues and is more likely to be in the net as the case is becoming more serious with complaints filed by victims and job seekers.
The said scam cannot be done without support of influential persons and more action is likely to be taken. The Opposition is demanding that a commission be set up with retired High Court judge to deliver justice to the victims and give them back their huge amount. On the other hand, the government is saying properties will be confiscated from those who are involved in the cash for jobs. It’s like demolishing the illegal structures after completion and no action taken prior or in the course of construction at the initial stage. The demolition of houses is on cards after these are found to be illegal on completion.
The arrest and action are taking place after the scam has reached the sky limit. There should be a thorough investigation to recover the lakhs of rupees from the culprits.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
