Make DDSSY scheme self-sustaining
The flip-flop done by the government of Goa in the bringing of Covid-19 under the ambit of the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) has been a big setback especially for the patients infected with Covid-19 who are seeking to get admissions into private hospitals that are empanelled. This insurance scheme should be made self-sustaining as a means of immediate succour to patients and their families.
Consider that this scheme has 1 lakh active contributors. If each family contributes Rs 300 per annum, then the state receives Rs 3 crore from this scheme. If only 5 per cent of applicants from amongst all avail this facility, then 95 per cent who are not claiming any benefit even from other diseases are contributing and have thus paid for the 5 per cent who are availing of this facility.
Based on actual figures, the government could calculate and disburse in such a way that this scheme becomes self-sustaining at least during the pendency of this pandemic. Expenses incurred may be factored in accordingly.
Stephen Dias, Dona Paula
Har Ghar Jal; fact or fiction
It was pleasant news to read, on the front page of oHeraldo, that Goa is the first state in the union of India to get the distinction of being 100% in “HAR GHAR JAL” water in every household as declared by the Government of India and endorsed by the union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra S Shekhawat.
Whether this is a myth or a farce is to be seen by the sincere Government Officials of the department of water and irrigation. Before this Goa has topped in many other parameters for instance, second highest literacy index after Kerala, ODF, electrification of all villages and now this HAR GHAR JAL is a new feather amongst the many feathers in the cap of the State of Goa.
I don’t understand whether it is just a mere flattery or ground reality, I sadly feel it is the former. On a daily basis, in the early morning we see a number of our brothers go out carrying a 1 litre plastic bottle to answer the nature’s call. So where is the alleged ODF status of Goa? However, it is pertinent to bear in mind that it is mostly the migrant workers who have nowhere to go but in the open spaces of nature.
When it comes to availability of water, at times there are many breakdowns in the major water connecting pipelines leaving people high and dry for days together. Even during monsoons at times there is water everywhere, but not even a drop of water in the household taps. During the summer even as early as February the problem is compounded and people get water on alternate days and that too for certain number of hours. So, who is the Government trying to fool, in order to get political mileage for this HAR GHAR JAL?
Mariano Correia, Canacona
Unjustified exclusion
The recent anti- people decision of the state government to withdraw Covid treatment from the DDSSY cover reeks of injustice to the common man. As per a survey over 80% of the families in the state would be financially crippled even if a single member is hospitalised for Covid, the reason being that even with capped charges, bills for even ten days of treatment would work out to several times their monthly expenditure.
As per our health minister the rates shall be revised (read ‘increased’) in consultation with the CM. This must have been brought about by pressure from private hospitals which excel in extracting humungous profits from human misery. This ‘catastrophic spending’ on health shall push more families below the poverty line.
With internal studies showing that the pandemic shall peak in November and that one third of Indians shall eventually be infected by the virus, millions more are staring at doom. The ruling dispensation is playing right into the hands of the private healthcare lobby with their vested interests, I request the government to look into the woes of the common man and restore the Covid treatment cover.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Afforestation: Mandrem locals show the way
It is understood that for over three years a group of young men from the locality, led by a college teacher have been visiting the Mandrem hilltop to grow saplings of indigenous trees. Since June 2017 this group has reportedly planted around 2,500 saplings on the once barren hilltop. Every Sunday the citizens and students spend around three hours watering, preparing water harvesting trenches or cutting the weeds that grow around these saplings. It is pertinent to note that the saplings that are planted have to be taken care of and guarded against stray animals during the initial stage of growth.
Many a time it is observed that during the Vanamahotsava function the saplings, which are planted, are left to fend for themselves from the vagaries of nature and stray animals. As a result of this very few of these saplings grow into trees. It is the collective dream of the people of Mandrem to see this hilltop green again. It is understood that the group has collaborated with the forest department to help line the Mandrem coast with 700 Casuarina saplings.
Large numbers of trees are being cut down in the state for ostensibly development work. Hence it becomes absolutely necessary to replenish barren hills with trees. Locals from other villages need to follow in the footsteps of this group from Mandrem and carry out afforestation in their locality.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Goa govt must listen to its citizens
About a year ago, the then BJP-ruled Government in Maharashtra proposed a car shed for a Metro-rail project in Aeray, which is thickly covered with variety of trees and said to be a natural forest. This forest is also a home for different types of birds and animals. But the Government then was adamant to go ahead with the project.
The work for the project began. During the night, the bulldozers were seen cutting the trees.
Soon the citizens of Mumbai came to know about the new project. Then there was a huge protest against the Maharashtra Government’s proposal. The protesters stopped the work. Some protesters were arrested and even cases were filed against them.
Some politicians made scathing remarks against the Government then. Soon the Assembly elections were held and the political scenario changed in Maharashtra and the BJP was ousted from power.
After seeing the protests, by the citizens of Mumbai, today, the Maharashtra Government declared Aeray forest as the reserved forest and it will be protected and the controversial Metro-rail car shed will be shifted elsewhere.
Recently there have been so many controversial projects proposed by the Government of Goa in the garb of development.
The citizens of Goa along with different NGOs have been protesting against the projects which will affect human beings and animal habitat, such as destruction of Mollem forest, double-tracking of railway line, coal issue, and destruction of field and Khazan land due to construction of unplanned highways, marina project and so on.
The ruling dispensation in Goa, must take a cue from the present ruling dispensation in Maharashtra in protecting human lives and the reserved forests as well.
Certainly if the Government has a will, there will be a way out to safeguard forests, endangered species of animals, village eco-system and human lives as well.
Rui Pereira, Navelim
