Keep road contractors on a tight lease
It is common knowledge that the roads built in Goa including the National Highways deteriorate in quick time as it develops pot-holes, especially during the monsoon season. For too long, the condition of Goa’s roads has been a subject of criticism with recurring potholes and lack of safety measures leading to accidents and, at times, even loss of lives. As per the estimates, the annual maintenance contract costs the state exchequer approximately six crores.
During the defect liability period, the contractor who has constructed the roads has to carry out the repairs if any defects occur. It is learnt that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is considering doubling the defect-liability period under engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) contracts to 10 years. This proposed measure aims to reduce the government’s expenditure on road maintenance. It is also expected to prompt contractors to improve the quality of construction, thereby reducing road accidents. While the contractor is responsible for maintenance during the defect-liability period, under the Engineering-Procurement-Construction (EPC) mode, the maintenance of highways is the responsibility of the central government after the defect-liability period is over. Maintenance of national highways by the Centre is reportedly financed from the Central Road Infrastructure Fund. Given the extent of damage the roads in the state suffer, it would be in the fitness of things to extend the defect-liability period in the state as well which will reduce spending of public funds on road maintenance.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Much talked about upcoming LS polls
Lok Sabha 2024 Elections are round the corner. Come Elections be it ZP, Panchayat, Municipality, Assembly or LS, we come across many individuals classified as political analysts, party heads, ticket aspirants so on making statements against the affairs of another party as whole or an individual (aspirants) – this is nothing new.
What differentiates between the past and the present is that with much awareness being created via print, social, digital media there is this kind of swing in understanding of politics, to an extent, by even the less educated person but, finally which factors and what circumstances influence the final verdict (vote conversion) is something different and at times even those so-called exit poll experts are left puzzled.
The point I wish to make here is as election nears, each party gets in top gear to market itself the best. One of the most common and frequent style is to pull influential leaders from other party. This strategy is adopted so as to weaken a particular party, create confusion in the mind of ground workers of the party that is affected and confuse the voter to show that a particular party is weak or there is lack of respect/trust or lack of growth…..and so on but the pity is it happens only when the elections approach and certain parties and/or individual ticket aspirants manage to make fools of us voters time and again by playing these tricks? In the bargain who benefits the most well, the voter realises it late when all cools down.
Voters need to remain focused on core issues that affect our daily lives, across all sections of society, be it employment, increased cost of living leaving, law and order, better health care facilities etc. Ultimately, it is the party with mandate that can make or break our future in the 5 years; with its policies (note that five years is not a short period)
Let each one think wise and vote wisely that will make our lives and the lives of our future generation secure and fruitful.
Edwin Fernandes, Aldona
Need to safeguard Right to Education
Child labour is a blatant violation of the fundamental right to education. Despite significant strides in advocating for the right to education, the unfortunate reality persists that numerous children are denied this basic right due to engagement in labour at a young age.
The Right to Education is a cornerstone in the development of a society, fostering intellectual growth, and breaking the cycle of poverty. However, the prevalence of child labour undermines this right, as many children are forced to prioritise work over education, depriving them of a chance for a brighter future. It is imperative that we address the root causes of child labour, including poverty, lack of access to quality education, and societal norms that perpetuate this cycle. Advocacy for stronger enforcement of laws prohibiting child labour, coupled with initiatives to make education more accessible, are essential steps toward ensuring every child’s right to education.
Furthermore, collaboration between government bodies, non-governmental organisations, and communities is crucial to create a comprehensive approach to eradicate child labour. By working together, we can provide educational opportunities for these children and break the chains that bind them to a life of exploitation.
In conclusion, it is our collective responsibility to advocate for and safeguard the Right to Education, ensuring that no child is left behind in the darkness of child labour. By addressing the root causes and fostering collaborative efforts, we can build a society where every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
Lisa Fernandes, Quepem
‘Kaavi’ art is an example of unity in diversity
The word ‘kaavi’ has its roots in Tamil and refers to the colour saffron which is symbolic of Hinduism and used in religious rituals and dresses worn by saints and sages. In South India, kaavi powder is readily available or can be made by mixing dark soil and brick powder. Adding water to this brick-red compound results in a semi-viscous liquid in which a cloth is dipped and the outline of the white colour ‘kolam’ (rangoli) is highlighted.
This practice exists since thousands of years. Kaavi is also made by powdering the ubiquitous red-colour laterite which is commonly found along the coasts of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Through a special process, people use kaavi to make fine artistic designs and murals in temples, houses and churches. Kaavi (whether for rangoli or for art), is another example of India’s motto of “unity in diversity.” It is heartening that the Governor of Goa has given a fillip to the dying art of kaavi by patronising and arranging a four-day workshop at Raj Bhavan.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
All colleges must have anti-ragging cells
Ragging has reared its ugly head in a college in Odisha’s Berhampur district where a first year medico was beaten up by his seniors on February 9. This certainly is not an isolated incident in the country. Despite the best of governmental effort, the menace refuses to die down. Though most states have anti–ragging laws in place, lack of uniformity in implementation is disturbing. Most ragging incidents are swept under the carpet by colleges and the students are advised to compromise with their tormentors. Besides, some students do not come forward with complaints out of fear, and unwilling to put their future at stake. It is time the anti–ragging rules and regulations in colleges are cemented.
The Centre should come out with authentic facts and figures on the functioning of anti–ragging committees across India and on the number of cases that have reached their logical conclusion in courts. One wonders whether most of the anti—ragging panels are relegated to paper while the students suffer in silence.
The committees will serve no purpose without efficient functioning. All colleges should constitute anti-ragging cells and prominently display the names and mobile numbers of members at different places on the campuses. Students, during admission, should be asked to give an undertaking that they would not promote, or participate in, ragging.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
