Parliament intrusion pushed under carpet
The intrusion of two persons with smoke bombs into the Parliament on 13 Dec 2023, it seems has been pushed under the carpet with the BJP not able to prove any links that these intruders were associated with the Opposition parties. The confirmed link with the BJP MP Pratap Simha the government has preferred to ignore since it would be a source of embarrassment to the BJP. While Opposition MP’s were suspended from Parliament for raising the issue of an investigation into the incident, the BJP MP Pratap Simha has gone scotfree without even being suspended for his role in giving entry passes to the intruders. This is how the BJP and the incumbent government handles an important issue like a security breach into the hallowed precincts of Parliament.
It is also surprising that the Opposition parties have been silent on the issue which could have been converted to be a major source of embarrassment to the BJP and the present government. This was another missed opportunity for the Congress to push the BJP on the backfoot.
Srinivas Kamat, Alto St Cruz
Imbibe safe driving habits in youth
Every new day brings in more deaths on the roads in Goa. The weekend of 17 February began with the deaths of 2 young friends on a bike mauled by a truck, followed by the death of two young cousins in the tourist belt when a rent-a-car door was opened carelessly thus lunging the bikers under an oncoming truck causing their deaths. Another accident and death due to collision with cattle on the street. Every day brings more accidents and deaths including the deadly one of a young biker catapulted into the Mandovi after being hit by a rent a car in speed.
So many families have lost their only bread winner, many are injured or maimed for life, the victims’ family suffers an irreparable loss and there is also a heavy moral burden on the society at large. The year 2024 apparently is trying to break all records with more than 50 deaths already. Is Goa aiming to be the accident Capital of the country per capita considering its small size? It can be assumed that most road deaths in Goa take place of 2 wheel riders.
Most of the accidents can be attributed to human error such as: over speeding/reckless driving, use of mobile phones, distractions, drunkenness, road rage, lack of foresight, low driving skill, tiredness, etc. Other causes: Bad road designing, pot-holed roads, cattle obstruction, lack of proper signage, overcrowded streets, unfit vehicles, etc. In spite of the risks involved motorists still do not use safety equipment properly, like the helmet worn but unstrapped, seat belts not worn in the car in the front as well as the rear. People have a casual attitude towards safety which is never the case in any advanced country. In his article titled ‘Can we be a little more humane on our roads?’ (Herald, 8 February) Mr. Jose Maria Miranda puts it perfectly about being ”Little bit humane on our Roads” He brings out every possibility which causes so many accidents on our roads. But unfortunately, with the Whatsapp messages more dominating, reading habits are dying hard. It would be desirable of our schools to impart safe driving habits in youth and religious priests and Maulvis to add a piece of advice in their homilies and discourses so that more people become aware of their responsibilities on the road and drive their vehicles with a lot of concern for themselves and others who share the road with them.
Alwyn M D’Sa, Miramar
Restore powers of Goa’s FRRO
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant needs to be commended for promptly raising with the Central government the long-standing issue of Dual Citizenship, highlighting the grievances and hardships being faced by those opting for Portuguese Passports and while applying for OCI besides the dilemma faced by those Goans whose birth stands registered in Portugal.
It would be also appropriate for the Government to ensure that the powers of the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) Goa are restored. For the last few years, the office of the FRRO Goa has been stripped of all powers and has been acting as a mere post-office for FRRO Mumbai.
The FRRO plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of people visiting India and provides a central point of contact for registering foreigners and other services. Goa being an important tourist destination the FRRO in Goa must be able to carry out all the necessary functions.
Currently everything is being managed by FFRO Mumbai with even those applying for OCI having to travel personally to Mumbai for the appointment. Goa having a sizable number of diaspora overseas with Goans spread across the world, the office of FRRO Goa should be restored as a fully functioning hub to deal with affairs of those needing their services.
Let us hope that the Goa Government will act diligently and swiftly so that our FRRO becomes empowered and fully operational to enable Goans to get their work done without unnecessary inconvenience, delay and expense.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Encourage agri startups in Goa
The Goa government reportedly hailed the inclination of youth to take up farming which is in tune with Swayampurna Goa vision. Krishi Mahotsav 2024 was inaugurated at the Ravindra Bhavan in Sanquelim. It is essential for the government to promote youths to participate in agriculture.
This can be done by making sure that resources such as government subsidies, loans, and agricultural tools are freely accessible. Awareness needs to be promoted through various channels such as mass media and social media. Training, seminars, workshops, symposiums, etc. need to be organized in order to attract the youth towards farming.
Youngsters taking up farming, instead of looking for white-collar jobs, government jobs or migrating to other countries for better prospects, will go a long way to bring down the unemployment rate. Technology is pivotal to this transformation. It can help agriculture by improving both how it is perceived and its productivity and can also attract tech-savvy youth.
This includes precision agriculture, use of drones and data analysis. It can inspire the younger generation to perceive agriculture as a technologically advanced and progressive field. Government also needs to encourage agricultural startups. These startups are developing innovative solutions for various aspects of agriculture, including precision farming, supply chain management, and marketing. These technologies can help improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase the income of farmers.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
