Letters to the editor (24 August 2021)

Theft of car stereos, silencers on the rise
There may not be many cases of theft of cars that are reported in Goa. However, there is definitely a rise in the number of thefts of parts of the cars taking place in the state. It is learnt that the police on Sunday busted a gang of thieves from Mumbai who target high-end stereo systems from cars. These car stereos do cost a lot.
The gang has reportedly committed 16 thefts over the past three days and police recovered stolen items worth Rs 15 lakh. There could be more gangs operating in the State who steal parts of cars that are parked outside during the night. It is understood that thieves also steal the silencers of cars. These silencers can be easily removed as they are on the outside of the vehicle.
The metal dust found in the silencers can be sold for a high price. Platinum, Palladium and Rhodium are the metals found in the silencers. Dust of these three metals is emitted in the exhaust gas from the vehicle exhaust catalyst, also known as catalytic converters. The thieves target cars that are parked at isolated spots during the night.
It is understood that these gangs are operative in Goa, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Pune. Just like the Goa police have busted the gang involved in stealing high-end car stereos for which they need to be complimented, the police also needs to bust the gang which is involved in the theft of car silencers.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Tweets hurt Goans’ sentiments
How insensitive can our CM Pramod Sawant can be in calling the sons of the soil anti-nationals when the locals of St Jacinto Island objected to Navy coming to their island to lay a foundation to hoist the national flag on the island without any prior notice to the islanders or those in charge of the island itself?
The islanders were suspicious as lots of unwanted things are happening in our State of Goa without any permissions and that too at night. Pramod Sawant should not act hastily to the tune of the masters of his party to condemn and demoralise Goans but as a head of the State should be prudent enough to look into the matter before tweeting his unwanted controversial remarks which hurts the sentiments of peace-loving Goans.
John Rebello, Old Goa

Elections: a lottery?
We see people changing parties regularly these days. Why? They all look to purchase a lottery ticket for the coveted MLA post. But not just any MLA: no, they only want to be on the ruling side, not the Opposition. All are ‘cementing’ their candidature, but none show any Opposition Party character. The ruling party continues to make ridiculous rulings, decisions, etc, with no counter from any of the incumbent candidates. Opposition is not their cup of tea.
Why is no one fighting for the human rights of those who died from lack of oxygen? The BJP is forcing offline classes for schools’ post Ganesh using all manners of trickery and they are silent! The AIIMS head has said: don’t go out unless it is very essential to contain the 3rd wave.
MHA has confirmed this and called for more medical facilities especially for children. The report called for prioritisation of vaccination of children with comorbidities and disability. Despite this, the Goa BJP through fake methods is trying to open up Goa. The silence means no one can look after the Goans’ interest if in the Opposition.
See, in today’s scenario of India and happenings in Goa, only candidates with education and character can save us. Or we have to form committees in every constituency headed by professionals who must be regularly consulted by the sitting MLA, whether for introduction of new bills if in the ruling party, or discussions on those Bills introduced by another party. Candidates must agree to this in writing.
R Fernandes, Margao

Nutrition gardens, nurture gardens
As part of the education ministry’s nutrition garden and mid-day meal programme 121 government and aided schools have developed vegetable and herb gardens in their premises .The objective is two fold, one to create interest in nature and gardening and second to raise awareness about organic produce and nutrition; children also learn the skill and importance of growing food by vesting in farming first hand. Unfortunately Covid threw a spanner in the works and the NG programme could only be implemented in 121 of the targeted 1462 schools, a strike rate of 8%.
The scheme could make up for lost time if the agriculture, horticulture and panchayat departments along with the local Krishi Vigyan Kendras could be co-opted for this endeavour; funds available under MNREGA may be tapped to speed up the process. Periodical ‘children’s farmers market’ or ‘krishi haats’ should be organised so that local produce can generate additional revenue for schools, also a part of the yield or proceeds can be earmarked for the benefit of students from the lower socio economic strata.
These markets would also teach students the basics of marketing, competitiveness, self dependence and dignity of labour, in fact this could be a small step towards ‘Swayampurna Goa’. The laudable nutrition garden initiative should be implemented across all schools and colleges across the State.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim

Binge-watching in theatres & offline exams
Students from a reputed school made a representation to oppose the conduct of offline exams to the Education Minister of Goa. In a parallel universe, government officials released a circular of opening of cinema halls at 50% capacity, without attracting any opposition. The delegation that met the CM and posed for a photo brazenly weren’t wearing masks displaying first hand instance of callous behaviour towards Covid-19.
These are the same people who would not hesitate working out in the gym, visiting markets (crowded), and now watch movies in the theatre halls but recoil when authority decides to conduct an offline exam. The situation is as if the virus has decided to infect everyone when students join school.
The Covid-19 protocol is in place and if students behave wisely, threat can be lowered. The attitude either implies trust deficit towards school authorities for conducting exams safely or students don’t expect an element of discomfort in passing exams.
This virus is here to stay as an endemic disease, this is the only plausible endgame. The suggestions must come towards safe starting of school/colleges, not against it.
Raghav Gadgil, Khandola

Rapists going scot free
Rape cases are on the increase and the State and the Central Governments are not able to stop the nonsense. But on the other hand they wish to name the law against rape in the name of Nirbhaya.
What is the use of this Government which cannot assure safety and security of citizens especially women, who are continuously exploited in all the front of their lives?
There is an all out cry to change the laws for heinous crimes like rape. Only changing them will be of no use. Instead of just wasting time it is time for strict implementation without exception, like having different yardsticks and the special people are given free hand.
The main aim and motto of the Government is somehow or the other, by various enticements, concessions and appeasement ensuring the vote bank to enable it to remain in power and continue its misgoverning, which we have been tolerating so far.
C K Subramaniam, Chennai