Clarify on new beach shack policy
Traditional Goan shack owners (the pioneers who had started the shack business in the state way back in the early 80s) are reportedly upset with the State government’s recently cleared new Beach Shack Policy 2023 – 26 which states that only those within the age of 18 – 60 years can apply for a shack licence in Goa.
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Well, it looks like the government of the day has indeed inserted this mischievous clause of age with the sole intention of somehow keeping all the traditional Goan shack owners permanently out of business and henceforth promoting all its own close chamchas in this same business in Goa.
Hey, when politicians who are in their sixties and seventies can still contest elections and become Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, cabinet ministers for donkey years in our country, then why our traditional Goan shack owners (who are also above the age of 60) cannot and shouldn’t be allowed to run their own shack business in Goa in future?
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
New beach shack policy is unjust
It’s a sad truth that the shack owner’s age is restricted between 18-60 years as per the new beach shack policy. What a nightmare! There are altogether 575 traditional shack owners who are unable to apply due to the age restriction. However, 95 are from South Goa, and 480 are from North Goa. Sadly, they are left out with a bleak future and no option for a decent livelihood. They have been dependent upon this traditional business for ages, and now it’s a hard blow on their face.
No doubt, age and experience enhances one’s skills and is counted valuable in business. Moreover, is this their age to shift businesses? Isn’t it their age to enjoy the fruits of their well advanced traditional business? Nevertheless, most of them have no other source of income and it’s also a matter of great concern. Simultaneously, the government should have a lenient view upon the said policy, and implement appropriate action for the benefit of the shack owners, especially the 575 ones who are left out. Let the lifeline of these 575 traditional shack owners keep going, without any disruption in it.
Joseph Savio Desouza, Rajasthan
Mad race for instant publicity
It is generally seen that most of the politicians from the opposition side are on spree to get instant publicity. The simplest way is to make some controversial or stupid statement on the religion of another community. Lo and behold one appears on the front page of all news and TV channels with all types of comments, accusations, debates, discussions from idle experts and so on. If found counterproductive just regret and blame the media for presenting it wrongly. On both counts that guy remains in the limelight in print and visual media.
The situation at the local level is no different. An MLA from south realising that he is losing support in his constituency makes himself available in Panjim expecting the public will come to him leaving the Minister from that area. No opportunity is wasted to constantly blame Govt and be in news, make absurd statements like option is available with him to replace invincible MLA of Margao. Another person of a political party back on payroll is known for making false and vague accusations just to create sensation. Others also do their bit by blaming the process. Public has become wise enough to know such publicity stunts which are not going to yield results. Instead they need to concentrate and solve day to day burning issues affecting the masses.
B V S Priolkar, Margao
Colva’s brown tap water
Earlier this week, for about on to two days, I noticed dark brown water coming via the Govt PWD line through the taps! This was at Colva, a very prominent village in Goa. I dread what must be happening in other parts of Goa.
It’s a crying shame that a Goa govt which keeps spending crores of taxpayers money on marketing itself as doing an amazing job; in all possible Media ie TV, radio, outdoor, social media etc can manage to ensure basics like quality of water flowing through the taps!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
India is Bharat and Bharat is India
In an unprecedented twist, the name ‘India’ has been swapped out for ‘Bharat’ on the Government of India’s official exclusive dinner invitations.
The name ‘India’, evokes a lot of respect globally and has an indelible ‘brand value’ in the comity of nations.
As far as Indians are concerned, India is Bharat and Bharat is India.
If we start changing names, there will be no end to it. Like the English language, the word ‘India’ has taken deep roots in Indian society and culture. Every Indian identifies with it. If we start cancelling everything with foreign roots, we will have to stop drinking tea and eating potatoes and chillies.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
Due date for payment of electricity bills
The due date to pay the electricity bills for August 2023 is September 26. In view of Ganesh festival and holidays for the electricity departments, there may be delay in delivering the original bills to the residents. It is requested that the electricity department should enhance the dates for payment to avoid the penalties, especially for those coming from the remote areas.
Aureo Cunha Gomes, Mapusa
BJP not following Gandhi’s legacy
This refers to the editorial ‘Mahatma Gandhi is India’s true identity’(O Heraldo Sept 12). Day two of the just concluded G20 Leaders’ Summit in Delhi saw world leaders visiting Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. The leaders were welcomed by PM Modi with a handloom khadi shawl and led to lay wreaths on Gandhi’s samadhi. The US President Joe Biden voiced a heart-felt tribute to the Mahatma’s notion of ‘trusteeship’. BJP has used the Mahatma’s spectacles to publicise Swachh Bharat mission and PM Modi has been photographed spinning a charkha symbolising the Mahatma.
However, in contrast the ruling party appropriates Gandhi and his legacy to build its image abroad among international leaders, at home, it glorifies Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse. It may be recalled that BJP’s Bhopal MP Sadhvi Pragya Thakur praised Godse in 2019 as a patriot, the remarks for which she was later forced to apologise. Though PM Modi disliked her remarks, no action was taken against the erring MP.
Unfortunately, India under the BJP is being made to forget Gandhi’s core teachings. Gandhian principles are not followed as seen in the rather brazen way governments are toppled and defections are engineered, for the same of securing power.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Intensify surveillance and contact tracing
The Nipah virus has returned to haunt Kerala again! The virus claimed two lives in Kozhikode and infected two more in the district, including a nine-year-old child. Nipah can be transmitted to humans from animals such as bats or pigs and other humans. The Central government has responded to the situation in Kerala by rushing a team of experts to assist the state government. The authorities have done well to establish a control room and intensify surveillance and contact tracing.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
