Administration has failed to tackle sex trafficking
The National Crime Records Bureau report for 2021 reveals that Goa has the highest rate of human trafficking cases per lakh population. Goa being a major destination for sex trafficking when compared to other types of crime, this issue raises its ugly head from time to time. Tourism brings all sorts of people to Goa. The NGO claims that most dance bars, massage parlours across Goa have become a pickup point for girls. The main causes of human trafficking are poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and the sheer vulnerability of innocent people who fall prey to the false promises of traffickers. Despite the presence of intellectual, legal and institutional framework regarding human rights, there have been continuous questions regarding the efficacy of these frameworks. India is a country where we worship goddesses. But human trafficking remains a significant problem and the women and girls pay the highest price. In 2020 Union Home Ministry had issued certain guidelines and suggestions to States and UTs, but nothing has turned out. Governments and civil society need to work together to make a difference.
K.G.Vilop, Chorao
Brittney Griner will be home for Christmas
US’ celebrated WNBA superstar and two-time Olympic gold medallist, Brittney Griner has been finally released from the penal colony where she was facing a 9-year prison sentence for possession of cannabis oil, was prescribed to her for pain relief. She was released by the Russian authorities in a prisoner swap with a Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was more infamously known as `The Merchant of Death’. Brittney was flown via UAE and is back in USA, where she is admitted to a military hospital in San Antonio. Earlier, Brittney had been lodged in a `gulag’ like concentration camp type penal colony which was meant for hardcore criminals. Americans and well-meaning people all over the world heaved a sigh of relief as Brittney was finally freed. She will be home for Christmas.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Felicitate braveheart women lifesavers
It is learnt that woman life-savers from Drishti Marine were involved in the successful rescue operation at Benaulim Beach. The rescued person was a 40-year-old female tourist. It is understood that three women lifesavers who were stationed at the nearest lifesaver tower, rushed to rescue two sisters who were drowning, using equipment including a rescue board and rescue tube. One of the sisters who had immense breathing difficulty was given CPR. The braveheart women lifesavers need to be felicitated by the government and other social organisations for saving the life of a female tourist. One may argue that saving people from drowning is the duty of lifesavers. However it must be said that the job involves a lot of risk and can prove dangerous even for these lifesavers. It may be recalled that in a likely first for India, five women plunged into a man’s world in April this year, in order to save lives by becoming lifesavers of Drishti Marine. The task they undertake needs to be appreciated. This will go a long way in attracting more women to become lifesavers.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
BJP must make
up its mind
If Gujarat results prove to be “common man’s yearning” for a developed India, then what does Himachal Pradesh results prove? That the electorate of the Himalayan State does not yearn so!
Despite the Congress triumph over BJP in Himachal Pradesh, it would be obviously rendered to as a mere footnote by zealously beating the trumpet of Gujarat where the BJP has not only got re-elected, but with a much wider margin decimating the Opposition!
BJP holds every right to celebrate the occasion. But is the party aware that interpreting the electoral victory as the “ultimate proof” of the “greatness” of the governance in Gujarat will automatically endorse the 34-year reign of the Left Front in West Bengal or the hat-trick triumph of Trinamool Congress in 2021 Bengal Assembly polls or the dominance of the Congress in the Centre for major time since Independence?
How is that the success of the Opposition a “triumph of dynasty” or “rigging”, but the victory of BJP definitely a “triumph of democracy”?
BJP must make up its mind. It can’t have it both ways!
Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkatta
Bilkis Bano, the brave
“I will stand and fight again, against what is wrong and for what is right.” These are the words of Bilkis Bano who is fighting for justice once again.
Bilkis Bano has decided to once again fight for justice. Last week, she moved the Supreme Court against the premature release of 11 convicts. I cannot even imagine the courage it must have taken for her and family to once again embark on this road for justice. All we can do is to thank her.
Bilkis Bano was 21-years-old and five months pregnant when she was gang-raped while fleeing the riots that broke out after the Godhra train burning incident. Her three-year-old daughter was among the seven family members killed.
The 11 men convicted in the case walked out of the Godhra sub-jail on August 15 this year.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
Well Done Camurlim Panchayat
I was very happy know of positive news on a much Better Functioning Panchayat in Goa (Camurlim, Salcette). In addition to being Goa’s first solar powered panchayat, they have done some other great things in the village, for example water conservation, children’s parks, improving agriculture, day care facility for the elderly, educational/library facilities, fisheries etc. I might be off here and there on some points, but in general I understand that their functioning is much better than most panchayats in Goa! This is certainly refreshing news and I hope other panchayats can follow some of the best practices of Camurlin Panchayat and perhaps aim to be even better!
On one main thing all of Goa has still not figured out, is the full 360 degree approach to waste management. I understand the Camurlim Panchayat has implemented some good waste management processes, but still has some way to go. Perhaps they can aim for this full 360 degree approach and set another great example for other panchayats in Goa to follow! With so much incompetence/corruption/apathy in the functioning of Goa Government, perhaps some of local panchayats like Camurlim can be beacon of hope for a progressive Goa.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Congress revival
In nearly four decades, Himachal Pradesh has not returned an incumbent government to power. And, for Congress, the victory in Himachal is critical to its revival, as the party has suffered a string of electoral defeats in recent years. The apple-growing northern State, whose lobby is dominated by people from upper Himachal Pradesh, was outraged by the Adani Group’s lower prices. Apple growers’ profits have also fallen since the increase in GST on cartons.
Anti-incumbency and the selection of an alternative government were not the only reasons for Himachal Pradesh voters leaning towards Congress.The immediate challenge for the Congress is to select a chief ministerial face capable of binding the party moving forward.
VijayKumar H K, Raichur
