Insatiable demands of taxi-operators
While the tourism related countries like Thailand including our homegrown Kerala with backwaters like ours are exploring opportunities to expand their outreach to seize economic benefits, our government is saddled with the unrelenting taxi operators frivolous demands who are holding the State to ransom.
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It is time that this contentious issue is settled once and for all without political interference by keeping in mind that tourism is the mainstay of the state economy after mining and agriculture which has taken a backseat. The Goa Miles App initiative was appreciated as the first responder between the tourists and the app-based taxi service with competitive fares.
There was a common refrain that more such app operators would throw their hat in the ring for a healthy competition. But contrary to perception, these black and yellow taxis follow their own diktats in collecting passengers at their whims and fancy keeping in mind the ‘susegad’ mentality. The transport department would do well in taking a leaf out of the neighbouring Mumbai transport service where even the autorickshawalas are run on app based service besides being spoiled for choice with reputed app aggregators of the like of Uber, Ola and Mehru cabs in addition to the ubiquitous rickshaw which plies on the road 24×7. With the decennial exposition of the sacred relics in November, the state should capitalise on the mega event which will attract pilgrims and tourists worldwide and a resolution prior to the spiritual event is the need of the hour. With Mopa Airport shrouded in eerie tales of paranormal activity and the ongoing issues of taxi drivers the state appears to be jinxed.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Are victims hypnotised by conmen posing as cops?
While several citizens have fallen prey to chain-snatchers who speed away on two-wheelers, a more disconcerting trend is the sweet-talking conmen who pose as police officers and swindle gullible citizens of their cash and gold jewelry. On Monday a 72-yr-old-man, who works as a cashier in a private company, lodged a complaint with the Fatorda police after being deceived by two individuals posing as policemen. The culprits reportedly stole gold ornaments worth approximately Rs 2.5 lakh and 58,000 in cash. The culprits convinced the senior citizen to hand over the gold which they wrapped in a white paper for safe keeping and returned to him. When the man reached home, he found that the thieves had replaced his gold with metal chains and had also stolen his cash. This is a common and well known modus operandi employed by these thieves-on-wheels in order to relieve the gullible citizens, especially women and senior citizens of their gold.
What is indeed baffling is how people fall prey to such conmen. Why don’t the victims check their gold items after they are wrapped in a paper and returned to them but check them only after they reach home? How do the victims fall prey to the sweet talk of the conmen? Are the victims hypnotized by these thieves? Does this effect of hypnotism wear off once the victim reaches home? The police need to look into whether the victims are hypnotized by the conmen before robbing them.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Battle lines drawn for US polls
With US Vice-President Kamala Harris formally accepting the Democratic Party’s nomination, the battle lines are clearly drawn for the November 5 presidential election. Her rival, Republican Donald Trump, had a smooth sailing till last month — he defiantly pumped his fist after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt and couldn’t stop smirking as President Joe Biden’s campaign went from bad to worse. However, things have changed drastically ever since Kamala Harris was nominated in place of Biden, who was forced to opt out of the race. The Democrats are now truly back on track, and Trump has every reason to feel jittery.
As the election campaign turns to its final season, Harris enjoys both the attention and the momentum. However, whether Harris can sustain the lead much longer is anyone’s guess as the next round will witness if she still enjoys the support and the enthusiasm that was on display at her party’s convention in Chicago. Her stand on key issues mainly immigration, inflation and Israel-Hamas conflicts will be scrutinized by both parties and the nation’s voters.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Start ‘ladies special’ buses on main routes
The Transport Department and the Kadamba Transport Corporation should start ‘ladies special’ buses on all main routes during peak hours.
Large number of college girl students along with working women travel daily especially in the morning, afternoon and in the evening peak hours.
With regards to the recent happening in the country, there can be cases of harassment and molestation while travelling in public buses. It has also been noticed that a large number of migrants travel by public buses also during peak hours whose antecedents might not been known. Adding to this are the young male tourists who think that “Goa Mein sab chalta Hai” attitude. A ladies special bus will be a blessing to the female population travelling in the state
Wilson Da Costa, Quepem
