Let’s think
before we click
This has reference to the article ‘Think before you click’ by Rohan Khaunte (Herald 8 February 2023).
Now, that is interesting, we have an ‘Internet Safety Day’! And, I think it’s appropriate to highlight such a day. There is no doubt that the Internet had brought the work closer to each other and is said to have made life more comfortable. At the click of an icon, we can get whatever we want, at our doorstep. We do not need to move our feet, just our fingers. Yes, there are many advantages of the internet, in fact today, the Internet is running our lives.
But, needless to say, we need to be cautious while using the Internet. One wrong click and you’re in for disaster. I know of an investment adviser who advises his clients, especially senior citizens, not to use the Internet for banking services.
If you need something from the Bank he says, it would do you good to take that little extra walk to the Bank. Besides, there has been a rise in the number of cyber crimes in recent times.
At the end of the day, we need to be cautious, we need to use restraint, our discretion while using the Internet. Let the internet not rule out lives. It is said, ‘money is good servant, but a bad master’. So also, the Internet is a good servant, but a bad master! By the way, while we use the Internet, have we thought of that ‘personal touch’? You cannot get that feeling of a personal touch while relating to others through the internet. So, let’s Think before we Click!
Melville X D’Souza,
Mumbai
Are MPs funds used
or misused?
The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) has not quite managed a life-saving performance. It still faces scathing criticism that had begun right at its inception on December 23, 1993, when the then Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao announced the scheme in Parliament. Under the scheme, each MP has the choice to suggest to the District Collector to work to the tune of Rs 5 cr per annum to be taken up in his constituency.
The unspent balances of a particular year can be utilized in the subsequent year. It is of course the tax-payers money and comes out of the budget.
The culture of doles and dispensation has changed the quality of discourse. Elected representatives no longer discuss policies, new or old, and their implementation. Besides, there culture of doles and dispensation has changed the quality of discourse.
Rather, there is a need to work on the loopholes and take corrective measures for its better implementation. It is also seen that much of the spending by the MPs happens closer to general elections.
There are a number of issues which plague the scheme. There is a need to expedite utilisation of MPLADS funds.
Political and policy related issues have taken a back seat and the discourse with constituents now in large parts of the country is no longer on politics or policies.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Love and
service
14th February, Valentine’s Day! A reminder of love and service.
Love is universal. It has no boundaries of religion, caste or creed. No boundaries of state, nation, region or continent. No boundaries of age, colour or race. So why not celebrate the day of love? World is burdened with sufferings, pains, persecutions, pandemics, war threats and what not? Not only world population is divided but each nation, each state, each family is divided within itself. A sad curtain of loneliness hangs around each individual. Festivals here and there occasionally bring some delight. Of course, all the festivities may be not within the reach of all the people. Financial constraints always dampen the spirit of the festivals. Nevertheless, a celebration always need not be related to financial status. To celebrate day of love, one has to have just the attitude to love; attitude to love his family, society, nation, friends, the downtrodden, orphans, sick and also the people lost in loneliness. Therefore, let us take this opportunity to love and celebrate day of love, the Valentine’s Day!
Satish Shivram Phadte, Porvorim
S P Valsan is a shining example to us all
By way of a Super Cop, Goa is so fortunate to have this young IPS officer Nidhin Valsan serving our State. This dedicated and committed officer is an inspiration to us all.
As a Stage IV cancer survivor his battle against the dreaded cancer is amazing. His relentless positive mental attitude is something for us all to inculcate. Despite his health concerns he has faced up to the challenges and got on with his life and commitments and responsibilities cheerfully and bravely. Today he has four posts to manage as SP North Goa, besides SP Crime, SP Cyber crime and he is also heading the SIT probing the land grabbing.
With a firm belief that most cancers can be cured, Nidhin Valsan advises that being calm, positive, and optimistic goes a long way. He believes that the dreaded disease can be overcome by having a positive outlook with a strong heart and mental strength to battle it head on.
Battling cancer may not have been an easy task for this very suave Police officer who today besides ably handling the four hectic duties assigned to him finds the time to regularly jog and keep himself fit to discharge his duties as a Senior Police Officer in a crime ridden Goa.
Let us pray that the Almighty God keeps the very cheerful Nidhin Valsan and his family blessed with good health and happiness and every success in his quest to discharge his enormous responsibilities for the common good.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Fulfilling dreams
of senior citizens
The Goa government, has recently unveiled a flagship scheme called the “Mukhyamantri Devdarshan Yatra Yojna” which aims to provide one-time travel assistance to citizens above 50 years of age to visit sacred holy places outside of Goa. The scheme has received widespread appreciation from the citizens of Goa for its efforts to reach out to and impact even the senior citizens who are often overlooked.
The scheme, which is completely free of cost, takes care of all the expenses, including meals and boarding of the pilgrims during the tour. The state government has taken extra care to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims by providing them with a doctor, a caretaker, and a policeman to accompany them on the tours. The pilgrims get to visit some of the most revered shrines of the country including Tirupati, Shirdi, and Vellankani.
The scheme has been a dream come true for many aged citizens who have always wished to visit these holy places but have been unable to fulfill their wishes. The vision of Pramod Sawant has made this possible and has won the hearts of the senior citizens of Goa. The positive reviews from the recent returnees are a testament to the success of this scheme.
It is commendable that the Goa government has taken this initiative to reach out to its senior citizens and provide them with an opportunity to fulfil their spiritual pursuits and deserves all the appreciation for their efforts in notifying this pilgrimage scheme and for bringing happiness to the lives of many senior citizens. The blessings of these senior citizens will surely be with the government for its selfless and noble efforts.
Vaman Sankhalker, Harvalem
