Significance of GI tag
It is understood that the government aims to register more products from Goa as Geographical Indications (GI). It may be recalled that Goa’s traditional festive sweet dish ‘Khaje’, spicy Harmal chilli and the Moira Banana have obtained the GI tag. Prior to this Feni and Khola chillies were given the Geographical Indication tag.
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The GI tag provides legal protection thus preventing unauthorized use of the registered GIs by others. It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory. Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 products followed by Tamil Nadu which has 39 products with GI tags. A geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The protection of GI tags builds a global reputation for the products. People around the world notice various GI products from different regions and get motivated to visit those regions and use such products.
Therefore, it helps in the growth of the tourism industry of that particular region as well. The Goa government needs to aim to register more products of the state as Geographical Indication. The protection of geographical indications leads to the overall economic prosperity of the manufacturers and producers.
Furthermore, the marketing and promotion of the products with the GI tags enhance the economic activities in that specific region, which in turn boosts the regional economic development.
Adelmo Fernandes,
Vasco
Surge in Covid cases
The Covid situation in the country is going, from bad to worse. It s not surprising at all when the politicians themselves are holding the mega rallies and then blaming it on festivals, why will not the cases increase? They said contact tracing, whom are they going to trace when mammoth crowds gather so close to one another. All are selfish they are in such a hurry to conduct elections. If all are going to die enmasse then elections, for what? . Has everyone lost their senses.?
The very people who are supposed to protect us are putting our lives in jeopardy, a hundred percent. No one thinks of the doctors, nurses and others who are serving the public, the sick, the pregnant women children, the elderly etc. I, like many others are aghast at the criminal negligence of all concerned. I think the medical fraternity should open up and say what this carelessness is doing to them and their families and the scant infrastructure in our country to handle this surge.
I pray good sense prevails, and everyone starts thinking of another . Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin. My rights should not impinge on another’s rights.
Francisca Mesquita, Fatorda
Covid? ‘Bivpachi Garaz Na’
A blabber mouth minister and owner of several hotels in North Goa has candidly admitted that enforcing health protocols would deter travellers from coming to the State; he also opposes something as basic as an insistence on Covid -ve certificate from tourists.
According to him Section 144 does not apply to them, I am sure the ‘mantri’ has no fundamental understanding of law or pandemic emergencies. Our CM saheb has also mentioned that the State is ‘closely monitoring’ the situation but has no intention of imposing a lockdown, in the same breath he states that Section 144 does not apply to religious functions which traditionally sees the largest number of people congregating.
Very interestingly the aforementioned law does not apply to casinos, clubs, restaurants etc. as per our CM who flippantly declared that the government was not concerned with what happened in people’s homes or hotels. Perhaps the massive outbreak of Covid in a floating casino and at prominent restaurants in Margao and Panjim was a minor event not worth his attention or concern. I fail to understand why even make a pretence of imposing Section 144 when every event/activity which is a potential Covid transmitter is excluded from it’s ambit. The government has left the citizenry to fend for themselves. Atmnirbhar and Raam Bharosey. But Hey!Bivpachi Garaz Na, all is well.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Mining fiasco
Few years ago when there was no control of Goa Government on illegal mining people came on the roads because they have faced difficulties and even diseases due to this illegal mining effects.
At this stage NGOs and enviromentalists came into picture who bought the actual scene before the eyes of the Goa government. As a result Shah Commission came into existence to investigate the mining fiasco. The Shah Commission did their work and submitted the report to the Goa Government.
The report said that there are many illegal mine owners doing mining illegally due to which there is a loss of 35 thousands cores of rupees to the Goa Government. As a result the whole mining activity was stopped to find out who is legal and who is illegal. And to recover the loss caused. Lakhs of Goans were jobless. Finally the case landed in the Supreme Court. People of Goa are still waiting to know the names of illegal mine owners. Its time to punish those illegal mine owners and recover from them the huge loss of 35 thousands crores. And pay the same amount to the jobless Goan workers.
Our salute to Sanjay Singh, Member of Parliament of Aam Aadmi Party who raised this issue in the parliament couple of days ago. Our Goan MPs are sleeping. Goans are demanding the resumption of mining but only legal mining and punish those who were doing illegal mining in Goa and recover from them the loss caused. Once the legal mining starts Goa Government should keep an eye on all mine owners so that the same mess does not occur again.The Supreme Court orders are still awaited.
Natividade Fernandes, Cavelossim
Good Friday, day of reverence
Among all the days of the Lenten season, Good Friday is the most pious day. One of the greatest tragedies of all times – the ‘Crucifixion of Jesus’ is enacted on this day. A day of great reverence and humility, Christians remember the sufferings that Christ went through and his death at Calvary. One of the most important highlights of Good Friday is the commitment of Christ towards service. As Matthew 23:11 proclaims “He that would be greatest amongst you must be the servant of all”.
Anish Esteves, Mumbai
God forgive them
PM Modi has compared the LDF Government in Kerala to Judas and said that they have betrayed the people of Kerala how Judas betrayed Jesus.
Before comparing anyone to Judas, PM Modi must look at himself in the mirror and reflect on his past.
All that we can say is, “God forgive them, they do not know what they are saying”.
Matias Lobo, Tivim
Karnataka ban, a right step
The Karnataka State government’s decision to ban all protests and rallies for the next two weeks and initiate strict action against those who do not follow COVID-19 protocols is a step in the right direction. But the government will impose no lockdown or curfew.
Given that Covid cases are increasing at an alarming rate in Bengaluru, the government has appointed an IAS officer for the eight BBMP zones to monitor the Covid situation.
NJ Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
