‘Goa 24 Hours’ to boost tourism
The Goa government has warned of strict action against stakeholders responsible for harassing tourists and underscored the need to act and behave responsibly. The tourists should not be overcharged and exploited. The State government is reportedly working towards creating a positive image of Goa with respect to tourism internationally and is exploring different facets of tourism such as beach, hinterland, eco-tourism wellness and spiritual tourism. The tourism policy could incorporate certain out-of-the-box measures to improve the tourist footfall. In this context it is pertinent to note that not very long ago the Maharashtra cabinet had approved its ‘Mumbai 24 hours’ policy allowing malls, multiplexes and shops to work day and night as it will benefit the tourists. However this would be on a purely voluntary basis and would depend on the individual business establishment. The Goa government could think on these lines and allow for establishments, except bars and liquor outlets, to function beyond midnight given the fact that Goa is known for its night-life. There could be tourists who would prefer to have a bite at some point of time beyond midnight or do some last-minute shopping or watch a movie in the multiplexes before catching the early morning flight back home or on their onward journey. This move could be a big boost for the tourism sector in the state.
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Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Motor vehicle accidents rising in the State
The Goa State roads have become most deadly in India. Before the Assembly election the roads were patched up. After election once again the re-digging started, making road pothole city. It is common to see when election nears all such changes happen. Poor roads, lack of maintenance and repair, multiple agencies and no clear responsibilities coupled with administrative apathy contributed to pointless accidents. The case of minor children driving vehicles without license is rising in the state. This is due to the laziness and laxity of strict enforcement drive by the law enforcement authorities. Enforcement is a significant and effective way of preventing and reducing accidents, deaths and injuries. Best practice in enforcement of traffic violations should be adopted.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Safety needed in schools during sports
A couple of days back in Balangir district of Odisha a student of 9th standard was sitting and watching the annual sport meets. Unfortunately a javelin, thrown by another student during the practice session, pierced through his neck from the left side and the pointed metal portion jutted out from the right. The student was rushed to the hospital and his life was saved and luckily he did not suffer a major damage.
In every school, some time is allotted for physical education, exercise, games and sports. The students participate in running, hurdles, long jump, high jump etc. Some schools that have access to large open spaces and grounds allow the students to play cricket, football, volleyball and so forth.
All these are relatively safe though minor mishaps and injuries may result to the players and rarely to the spectators. The problems are with sports such as discus throw, shotput balls (weighing a few kg), javelin and archery.
The sports teachers with the help of a few students could cordon off the area where such sports are practiced or sports events are underway. On the perimeter of the ground safety nets of a few metres in height could be erected from behind which the spectators could watch the events. There could also be regular announcements asking the spectators not to loiter near the sports ground and red flags as warning signals.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Messi, the leader
Lionel Messi has had a great football career that reached its crescendo with the World Cup championship for Argentina at Qatar. He scored thrice including the one in the penalty shootout against France in the final. But he also inspired his teammates to the hilt. Those who have closely followed Messi at Qatar would vouch that Messi was more than a hero for his teammates. Every time he ran to the goalpost, every time he landed the ball into the net, it was as if Messi, the leader, had injected fresh hope and energy in his men. The bottom line is that he has been as marvellous as a leader as he has been with the ball. Polite, calm, humble and smiling, Messi’s leadership qualities rubbed on other players, especially, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who was a bundle of energy throughout the tournament. As a friend, philosopher, guide and role model to his ten teammates on ground, and more outside, Messi has been a revelation. The way every Argentine player hugged and kissed the champion player following the nerve– wracking win over France was a testimony to the fact that Messi will go down in football history not only as one of the best but also as a leader-par- excellence.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Farcical Assembly sessions
It is deplorable that the ensuing session of the Goa Legislative Assembly is again going to be a very brief one; a mere four days just to comply with the constitutional requirement that gap between the two sessions of legislature of the State cannot be more than six months.
The BJP whilst in the opposition vociferously demanded longer sessions and stalling the proceedings of the House was the order of the day. But now the sessions are being curtailed and the Opposition has to be at its best behaviour.
We elect legislators to debate issues concerning the people and to enact good laws. The Assembly is the democratic forum where elected representatives must hold debates on matters that affect the people. It should afford an opportunity for discussion on intricacies of government policy and to enact good new legislations. As any legislation that is enacted has far reaching effects on the State and its people, there must be a detailed and thorough debate on the pros and cons of every law that is contemplated. Curtailing debates and bulldozing legislations is very high handed and does not augur well in the framework of democracy.
The Legislative Assembly is a proper and appropriate forum for the MLAs to raise and debate issues concerning the public. Every session of the Legislative Assembly has to be meaningful and fruitful in the interest of the State and not merely a cosmetic exercise.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
CM’s strong stand against taxi drivers
For decades, the taxi mafias have taken undue advantage of tourists, tarnishing Goa’s reputation for hospitality and causing significant problems for visitors to our state. The Chief Minister’s warning during the Liberation day speech has come at the right time, and it is important that the government take decisive action to address this issue. With the new airport set to bring billions of visitors to our state, it is crucial that we have efficient and effective ways to handle the influx of tourists. The tourism industry is a vital part of our economy, and it is essential that we do everything we can to protect it.
The government can take decisive action to address such menace by implementing a dedicated task force for tourists to report incidents of harassment or abuse by taxi drivers, with swift and appropriate consequences for those who are found to be in violation. Additionally, strengthening regulations and hefty penalties for taxi drivers who engage in harassing or unlawful behaviour could be another mean to avoid such acts. This could include fines, permit license revocations, or even criminal charges for repeat offenders.
Vaman Sankhalker, Harvalem
