Pegasus scam, threat to Democracy
The Pegasus scandal is a serious threat to a vibrant democracy like India. From political leaders to judicial officials, and from journalists to human Rights activists, the Pegasus scandal has spared none from surveillance of a chilling kind. However, the threat has severe ramifications for the country and the globe.
One, the Pegasus scandal disregards one’s right to privacy. The surveillance leaves the owner of a mobile and his/her contacts equally vulnerable. Which means that we do not know who is reading conversations of citizens. It is important to note that in the KS Puttaswamy judgment of August 2017, the Supreme Court of India recognized privacy as a Fundamental Right, including privacy of not just body but identity in the digital age.
Two, the surveillance leads to the erosion of democratic institutions like the Election Commission and the Judiciary among others. If this surveillance is indeed true, then it casts a serious shadow on the health of our democracy, at a time when India has already been degraded by an independent body and marked as “partly free”.
The Centre has to come clean, and if necessary order an investigation by a Joint Parliamentary Committee or a Committee headed by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court. It is very important that surveillance of any kind is subject to accountability, so that the Government of the day doesn’t misuse its power.
Besides, India’s surveillance and data laws need reforms, so that the civil rights and liberties are adequately protected.
Anish Esteves, Mumbai
BSNL network not working
The mobile tower is not the only requirement for the working of mobile phones. For the last 6 days there is no BSNL mobile network working in Collem. Every government tries to bring a good picture ,as they want to continue with online classes for children in school. But without the network the children are deprived of their basic education. The best way to start the education is the physical mode.
Anyhow even those who didn’t appeared for SSC exams have passed and the same will be repeated this year also. Moreover bringing more towers in village will not solve the problems, instead appointing staff to maintain the network will solve the problem.
Elvis Colaco, Collem
Money, power and vote banks
If not at the higher level alone, corruption, bias and vote bank politics comes into play at the panchayat level too. A protest at Old Goa objecting to a new construction in the UNESCO recognized world heritage site has exposed the manner in which authorities operate. The bungalow under construction belongs to a national party leader, who is based in Mumbai. So, Goa becomes her second home just like any other VIP and celebrities.
The question now arises as to how the Panchayat remained a mute spectator to permissions granted within this heritage site. Why were objections not raised and moreover, whether a resolution was passed to allow the construction or not.
Here’s an example, completely contrasting. Another village panchayat, located barely 6 kms from Panjim has been harassing a resident family over construction. Relevant permissions have been obtained but at the behest of another family, the panch member has resorted to harassment. The panch has passed illegal orders through the Sarpanch, who happens to be closely related to a local MLA.
A police complaint has been filed against the panch and the local family for trespass, damaging a part of the under construction wall and threatening the resident family. Question arises if the panchayat really wants to understand what the reality is, or if some members of the panchayats are chasing money and power. Interestingly, many in panchayats have no clue about the actual working of the office.
The story is the same across several panchayats where biased attitude have troubled genuine people. In another example, the South Collector has to intervene in a matter wherein a neighbour has refused to allow internet connection to students arguing that the wires will enter into their property.
Supriya Desai, via email
Helping the tourist guides
The Covid-19 pandemic has been causing havoc with the lives and livelihood of people in the state for well over a year. Many have lost their lives. Others have lost their jobs and their business. Tourism activities which was the prime revenue earner for Goa has hit a roadblock. Many Goans who have been associated with the tourism industry are left with no means of earning their daily bread.
One such class are the licensed tourist guides. It is learnt that in a petition to the government the tourist guides registered under the Department of Tourism have highlighted the lack of business since March 2020 which has affected their livelihood leaving them without any source of income. Most of the tourist-guides who have been working for the last 20-30 years find themselves without any source of income. It is understood that States like Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha and other states have come to the aid of the tourist guides by extending financial help for their survival. Goa has witnessed a sharp decline in footfall of tourists in the states. These tourist guides can earn their daily bread only if there are tourists visiting the State.
The Goa government needs to come to the aid of the tourist guides who are the first people tourists meet when they land in the State. These guides are doing yeomen service to the tourism sector by depicting Goa in a positive manner.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Preserve ‘Guru-disciple tradition’
Gurupurnima, also known as Vyaspurnima is the day to express gratitude unto the Guru on tithi Ashadh Purnima. On the day of Gurupurnima, the Principle of God is thousand times more active than on other days. Therefore, the benefit of performing service unto the God-Principle and sacrifice of wealth, body, mind, intellect and ego, that is, offering unto the Absolute Truth on the occasion of Gurupurnima, is a thousand times more beneficial than on other days. Gurupurnima is a unique opportunity for acquiring God’s grace.
The ‘Guru-disciple tradition’ is an age old Indian tradition full of positivity. However, with the passage of time, under the influence of predominant culture, this great tradition has been neglected.
On Gurupurnima, the Guru is worshipped and the society can be taught about the greatness of this Guru-disciple tradition.
In other words, this is a golden opportunity to preserve the Guru-disciple tradition.
Shreya Shirodkar, Mapusa
Good wishes to Indian contingent
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics postponed for a year because of the Coronavirus pandemic begins under tight pandemic rules on Friday. Several Covid-19 positive cases are reported among athletes and people involved with the games so far.
The Olympics are going to be unique challenging times for the athletes with the additional burden of keeping safe and healthy from this unprecedented times. The Indian athletes are set to do their best with an aim of bringing glory to our nation and to keep the Indian tricolour flying high.
Let us hope and pray that the Indian Olympic contingent remain fit and healthy throughout this competition and are able to give 100 per cent in their respective disciplines to bring glory to our nation.
GR Crasto, Navelim
