Strengthen community amity
It is heartening to see the efforts of ‘Goenkar, Ek Paavl Ekcharachem’ (O Heraldo Oct 26, 2023). My heartiest congratulations to the convenor Anant Agni for his exemplary efforts and unwavering commitment to promoting communal harmony. This is a pivotal role in strengthening the bonds that unite our communities.
The initiatives need to be supported by everyone to bridge the gaps, educate, raise awareness and strengthen seeds of a harmonious and united community that have existed with the Goans over the years. Goenkar, Ek Paavl Ekcharachem is a beacon of hope in these times when communal discord and division are all too common.
All peace loving Goans should turn out in large numbers to support the programme called by this NGO at Lohia Maidan, Margao on October 31, for communal unity and amity.
G R Crasto, Navelim
Israel must vacate occupied territories
This refers to the letter, ‘Give peace a chance’ by Lino Baptista Dourado (O Heraldo, October 26, 2023). While the brutal attack on Israel by the Hamas should be condemned, Israel’s occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, Sinai, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights cannot be endorsed. Around 15 million Palestinians have been suffering the brutalities of Israel’s oppression for decades.
The Holocaust was a severe injustice against the Jewish community. Yet this cannot be a justification for the occupation of a neighbouring country. Israel must vacate their occupation in accordance with the two-state solution of the 1993 Oslo Accord. There must be peace talks for a lasting solution and peaceful existence of the two states.
Sujit De, Kolkata
Delay in implementing of Women’s Act
The Indian Parliament had passed the Women’s Reservation Bill, known as Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, to reserve one-third of seats in the lower house of Parliament and state assemblies for women. It is the seventh attempt since 1996 to get the Women’s Reservation Bill passed. But the bill is facing a prolonged and uncertain implementation process, and the timeframe for its implementation. This will address the concerns of women empowerment and gender bias in politics, national policy formulation and governance.
The government has stated that the Act will be implemented after a delimitation exercise based on the census, which will be conducted next year. The Act will be implemented only after decadal census and delimitation. This means, Modi government has probably closed the doors of women’s reservation till 2029. Does BJP want to use it has poll gimmick?
K G Vilop, Chorao
Dog is man’s best friend
Dogs give unconditional love. They protect their owners with fierce loyalty. We too need to protect them. However, we must take necessary steps to ensure they do not harm us or others. Recently, a child was mauled to death and a businessman lost his life trying to ward off an attack by strays. We have many dog lovers, but the problem is that they feed strays in isolation.
On the issue of feeding strays, there must be some give and take. Dogs living in a housing society need to be fed by society members in a corner of the society. However, feeders must take the responsibility of vaccinating and sterilizing the dogs. Stray dogs too need to be fed. I suggest that dog lovers should form ‘mohalla committees of dog lovers’ and manage the dogs.
Robert Castellino, Calangute/Mumbai
Is Goa’s financial health sturdy?
Treading with caution during hard times is of utmost importance. By and large, Goa is fortunate not to have seen a financial crises, but it would be prudent to ponder as to why Goa has borrowed Rs 20,000 crore to tide over its expenses. It may be stressed that one in every 22 Goans are government servants which adds to about 70,000 Goans of the 15 lakh population. Salaries consume a large portion of expenditure. Besides there are about 20,000 pensioners.
Also two of the most availed of social welfare schemes is eroding a large quantity of funds. Assuming that 50,000 senior citizens, widows and differently abled persons are drawing Rs 24,000 each per year by way of the Dayanand Social Security Scheme, the state exchequer has to dish out about Rs 120 crore towards this scheme.
More importantly about one lakh housewives are drawing the Griha Aadhaar dole to the tune of Rs 18,000 each per year, which consumes Rs180 crore towards this inflation linked welfare scheme. Major tax generating income such as GST and excise duty seems to be stable but at the moment they are a little subdued. Under such circumstances it calls for prudent fiscal discipline and austerity to tide over these hard times.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Use helicopters for VVIPS
It is seen that these VVIPS who come to visit the state, jeopardize lives of citizens with closure of roads, traffic jams and severe inconvenience is caused to the business. The police too have to stand on duty in hot sun for hours.
Such drills are not required and it is very unfair to create such drills and stop all activities as security measures are already taken before their arrival. VVIPs should be like normal person traveling or they should use a direct chopper to the venue if they are so concerned about their life rather than disrupt normal life in our State of Goa.
Ashwin Caeiro, Cansaulim
