The new MVA and hefty fines
The Goa government after dragging its feet to implement the amended new Central Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) for the last two years fearing a backlash of Goans have now finally decided to implement the same in the State from April 1, 2022 through a notice published in newspapers with the sole intention of desperately filling its own empty coffers despite seeing the continuous rise in petrol/diesel prices on a daily basis and watching thousands of poor ‘aam-Goans’ still sitting jobless at home since the beginning of the pandemic in Goa.
The said Act proposes to impose hefty fines on traffic violators and its main aim is said to bring about discipline on roads and make our roads safer for both pedestrians and motorists alike through an increase in the amount of the fine to be paid in case of violations of the provisions of the Act.
Well, the new Motor Vehicles Act might sound interesting only on paper but on the ground, it will not bring any discipline or make our roads any safer even in the near future. That’s because the cops from the traffic cell are historically known for not keeping an eye or taking any action against those indulging in drunken driving, over-taking/over speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road, using cellphones while driving, etc, but are known for habitually demanding only bribes from all the soft targets by hiding/standing in groups like dacoits on all the major road-side joints in Goa.
I feel that the said amended central Motor Vehicles Act which is all set to be implemented from April 1, 2022 will not bring about any new revolution in terms of discipline but will only help the cops from the traffic cell to continue extorting the hard-earned money of all the soft targets (especially the two wheeler riders) and enjoy their own ‘ache din’.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Please follow traffic rules
After several postponements, the amended Motor Vehicle Act with hefty fines for few violations will finally come into force in Goa from 1 April, 2022. The time has come to pay attention to traffic rules in our country, otherwise the law breakers have to pay higher fines for breaking traffic rules. So better to think 10 times before violating traffic rules. When traffic police has to give small amount of challans in Goa to the people breaking the law, that time people were not serious about the laws of the country but when the challan fees are gone higher the people of Goa and our country India will learn how to respect the rules and regulations of this country which is important on roads for the safety of themselves and others.
Till today people are ignoring wearing helmet, seat belt and drive the vehicles which are unsafe. There are so many noise and smoke pollution vehicles running on the roads which are bad for our health and environment. The traffic cell should also see that all goes well on the roads. The speed breakers and other signboards on roads which are important in village and city areas must be put in order. Drivers should be taught first not to park their vehicles on zebra crossing line which is marked for public to cross the road.
If we all obey the rules of our country India, then there is no chance that the traffic police will fine you unnecessary without any reason. Traffic road authorities should make sure that the cattle menace is clear from the roads on highways and on internal village roads and circles and junctions.
So request our CM, PWD departments to give better roads for the citizens of Goa. Public are requested to obey traffic rules for safety of self and others. So follow traffic rules and regulations and be a responsible citizen of Goa and avoid paying money unnecessary to traffic police.
Ronnie D’Souza, Chandor
CM 2.0, high on intent
In his own words our Hon’ble CM is now an elected chief minister and not an accidental/selected one. This time around he promises to provide a ‘transparent government’ and ‘zero tolerance’ towards corruption; things which were promised during his earlier term too but which didn’t quite materialise. CM 2.0 has vowed to strengthen the public grievances department so that immediate action can be taken on complaints lodged by the public.
The CM has also made it abundantly clear that his priority would be to complete the pending mega infrastructure projects and embark upon Swayampurna Goa 2.0 to make the state self sufficient; ‘antyoday’ or reaching out to the last person in the community would be the guiding principle of the new dispensation.
On the vexatious issue of restarting mining, the CM has informed that the rules and regulations for the mining corporation are being framed; @ five leases shall be auctioned on a trial basis in the next four months. Goa is to be developed as a high end tourism hub with facilities created on a PPP mode to cater to visitors. Investors shall be extended the red carpet to put up amusement parks, film cities, entertainment areas and convention centres so that the State gets a big chunk of the Rs 33,000 crore MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) pie.
Public transport facilities to the interiors would be fast tracked to promote hinterland tourism. Lots of good intentions on the anvil being enunciated by the CM but the proof of the pudding is in the eating; only time will tell whether intent will be auctioned into execution.
Rekha Sarin, Benaulim
Promise of Acche Din yet to arrive
The slogan Acche Din is only a jumla to garner votes. Households are facing a cost of living crisis as inflation soars. The prices of fuels and cooking gas by the BJP government will lead to the cascading of the inflationary spiral imposing unprecedented burdens on the working people. Also intermittent power cuts, improper water supply to residents.
Price hike of commodities of daily use is very unfortunate for people belonging to lower and middle class. Rise in the prices of almost all the things, including essential commodities has become a common feature these days. The Union Government is yet to take steps to check price hike of essential commodities.
The country is suffering from high inflation and unemployment. A regular flag bearer of its own manifesto, they have chosen instead to hit the common man with a hike in fuel prices and a substantial increase in the price of LPG cylinders in a post pandemic recovering economy. After post elections the freebies are raining from the sky towards a common man. Government should seriously consider its impact. The slogan is “sab ka saath, sab ka vikas”, but there is no ‘saath’ and ‘vikas’ when common people are suffering the price rise in fuels, cooking gas and other commodities.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Dhoni’s legacy will live long
It was widely expected that M S Dhoni would step down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2022. Rightly so, the mantle has been passed on to the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has been an integral part of CSK for years. Though Jadeja is a seasoned campaigner for the yellow army, it will not be easy for him to fill the big shoes of Dhoni. Twelve seasons, four title triumphs, and five runner-up finishes the 40-year-old Dhoni has a terrific record in IPL. “I still haven’t left”, replied Dhoni to Harsha Bhogle when he commented about MSD’s legacy after CSK’s fourth IPL title win last year.
There can never be any question about Dhoni’s legacy with CSK regardless of when he chooses to retire from IPL. And when he does, vignettes will remain – the helicopter shots flying around the stadium and the inscrutable smile that said little.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
