Raj Bhavan is a priceless treasure
They say old is gold and so be it. The Raj Bhavan is a strategically located priceless architectural marvel ever since it was built in the 16th to 17th century in a locale that is at the confluence of the Mandovi, Zuari and the Arabian sea and which traces its history from the Portuguese era. This entire majestic structure should be preserved for posterity to serve as a living example of the only of its kind 400 years heritage with its rich array of beautiful artifacts. The abode of not only governors but also a precinct that has great historical background, it would be in the fitness of things that a fresh inventory of the existing artifacts be made so as to preserve this palace as a monument of Indo-Portuguese legacy. The Cabo Raj Niwas as it was known earlier, should remain as a living example of the harmony between the communities in Goa which it embodies.
It should be a fitting testimony of the age-old history of Goa that has survived in complete harmonious heritage. The Cabo clearly indicates the strong bond that the people of Goa have survived through the times till today and which endures. Just like the enduring bond of unity, this palace has survived the ravages of time and has become an abode with its intricately woven and rich heritage becoming a solid foundation of four hundred years of Goan, Portuguese and Indian history which can be encapsulated into this palatial monument. There are no other palaces in Goa with such a unique location and rich values that can vie for the sheer content and meaning that this Cabo Raj Niwas embodies.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Restrict sale of pepper spray
The shocking incident wherein students allegedly used pepper spray in a Higher Secondary School in Bicholim has probably brought to the fore the need to control the sale of pepper spray cans. Pepper spray is a defensive device, used to temporarily stop a threat and allow the user to escape physical harm from their assailant. In India it is legal to use pepper spray for self-defense and does not require any license or documentation. Manufacturers, however, need a government license.
However it is unlawful to use pepper spray for any other reason other than self-defense and could incur criminal and civil penalties if used for other purposes. It must be said that pepper spray could be misused by anti-social elements to temporarily blind a person and commit theft or any other criminal activity. The rules of carrying pepper spray in public transport are unclear. However no thought must have been given to students carrying pepper spray cans to school. It is pertinent to note that due to the increasing number of acid attack cases in the country the need for steps to be taken to control this offence was felt. The Supreme Court issued orders regarding the sale of acids as the first step towards its control. After these orders, the government started working on provisions related to sale regulations. Given the fact that pepper spray can be misused by anti-social elements for carrying out anti-social activity, some control over its sale seems necessary.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Inculcate discipline in students
This news, that still makes headlines in Goa, about five students spraying pepper in the classroom, in one of the institution of Bicholim, is really a shameful and drastic act.
It’s a sad state of affairs that due to the irresponsible behaviour of certain students, 11 higher secondary school students were hospitalized, who complained about suffocation and nausea. Gone are those days, when we as students use to hold our teachers/management and classrooms with due respect. However certain section of media mentioned that even an e-cigarette was found in possession of one suspected student.
On the other hand, it’s a welcoming move, that the school administration have suspended the five suspects (Students ), four boys and one girl, for one month, and the necessary investigation is going on. However, at this age, the students need to be guided towards the right path through proper guidance and counseling.
Moreover, not everything is fun and the students should also be held accountable for certain mischievous acts which they commit. In addition, stern action should be taken by the authorities against those who have committed this illegal act, and put the life of other students in jeopardy.
This will set up an example for others in the near future.
Joseph Savio Desouza, Rajasthan
Sound violators let off the leash
The authorities seems to be reluctant and hell bent upon not taking action against the violations of the noise Pollution as directed by the Supreme Court in Noise Pollution (V), in re Vs.Union of India & Another reported in 2005 (5) SCC 733. The State Government cannot alter the timings beyond 10 pm except 15 days in a year upto 12 midnight nor can the decibels levels during night and day time.
The measurements to be taken by the GSPCB at the boundary of a place for which the permissions are granted by the SDM and to be taken only during activity period and the reading cannot be combined period of the activity and the non activity to arrive the weighted average of Noise during Day Time and Night Time ….Refer High Court Orders in MCA No 41 of 2007 in W.P 76 of 2007 The GSPCB is taking measurement of Ambient Air Quality Standards ie of 12 hour duration includes other noises which can mislead the court and the violations will continue with impunity with GSPCB consent under Air Act,1981. In view of the above, the SDM should consider the application for granting permissions by taking average time weighted average of the level of sounds in decibels, referred to in the note to the Schedule of Noise Pollution day time and night time as specified of the classification of the area .
Antonio D’Souza, Calangute
Give cops a free hand to solve crime cases
Starting with a positive, I think that the police is an efficient force and have all the necessary skills including local intelligence to do a very good police keeping job in Goa! We have seen this in quite a few successful cases including cases where the investigation fits into the ruling party’s political agenda!
However there are two major challenges. Excessive corruption and worse, political interference and manipulation.
Take for example the horrific Banastarim accident. I believe that the case is being compromised by political interference straight up to very some senior Goan politicians. Now the Chief Minister’s assurance that the case will be given to the Crime Branch is cruel joke on the victims; Crime Branch still reports to senior Goan ministers, so are we really expecting true justice ?
Those pursuing fair justice on this accident case involving a very high profile family must take all these facts into account!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
