Integrity, not speed crucial for SIR
The Election Commission’s decision to extend by one week the entire schedule of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine States and three Union territories is timely and welcomed.
The close deadline for the completion of the process had BLOs across the States in panic and several have complained of unbearable pressure from their bosses. Instances of suicide have also been reported from several states. In the process, the EC has finally admitted that the exercise has been less than ideal. The question now is whether an extra week is enough to complete what is nothing short of a huge national task.
The EC’s credibility rests not only on the conduct of polling but also on the integrity of the voters’ list. In rushing through a process where precision is paramount, it risks eroding the very trust it is mandated to uphold. A comprehensive, transparent revision would have strengthened democracy. A hasty one only weakens it. The EC must remember that in matters as vital as the voters list, things must be carefully planned to the interest of the nation and speed is no substitute for integrity.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Ensure impartial SIR
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission of India is an important exercise aimed at ensuring that all eligible voters are included in the Electoral Roll while excluding ineligible voters.
However, there are concerns among the public regarding the implementation of this exercise.
Specifically, have the names of foreign passport holders and migrants possessing dual voting cards been removed uniformly? Or is this action limited only to voters from constituencies of opposition parties? Transparency and fairness in this process are crucial for maintaining the credibility of our electoral system.
Most of the BLOs are supporting the political parties and may not give correct information. The vote Bank politics should be washed from Goa in the interest of Niz Goenkars. Dead people should not come out for ghost voting.
I urge the Election Commission to clarify these points and ensure that the revision is carried out impartially across all constituencies. Only after deleting the fake names can we bring a good government who will listen to the voice of voters. Thanks for the update and survey by the Election Commission.
Ronnie D’Souza, Chandor
Arpora Nagoa sewage
disposal needs
permanent solution
After the Arpora-Nagoa sarpanch Roshan Redkar, ward members and other villagers protested, the Bardez Mamlatdar held discussions with the parties involved, resulting in the decision to permit the tankers to continue using the facility.
Kudos to the sarpanch and those people of Arpora Nagoa village for voicing the issue of sewage trucks blockage to Baga STP.
The STP operator must allow sewage tankers from Arpora-Nagoa to dispose of waste at the Baga Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) without disturbance, because the village panchayat is paying fees, collecting from people. Panchayat becomes answerable to the residents.
The government must frame a waste management policy to maintain operation of government STP in public interest forever and not on a temporary basis. There should not be decriminalisation with the waste management system, because waste is hazardous to the health and environment and full ecosystems. Even, Pollution Control Board should play a vital role in STP operations.
Henceforth sewage menace will be more and problematic in these areas, so it is learned that, The dispute, which involved protests and tankers being denied entry, was temporarily resolved to address the public interest concerns of the villagers. It should be resolved permanently.
The sarpanch and the panchayat were worried that sewage tankers from the Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat were blocked from entering the Baga STP. The management had previously permitted disposal, but then began to
refuse entry, causing significant inconvenience and
potential health hazards for the residents of Arpora and Nagoa.
The denial of entry for the sewage trucks created a public interest issue. A lack of proper sewage disposal can lead to unhygienic conditions, environmental contamination, and health risks for the local population. Temporarily restoring access is not the remedy. However, permanent solution of Arpora Nagoa sewage disposal is required as these areas will become garbage and sewage prone zones in future. Government should be for the people. Finally, what was the outstanding reason for the dispute? Public should know this. Politics is a process of continuous development of democracy.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Costly tomatoes
In the past, onions have made us cry, and this time tomatoes are making us cry.
The price of tomatoes has risen to more than Rs 80 a kg in several parts of the country, including Mumbai, and has become even more costlier than petrol.
The main reason for the price hike is the lack of timely action from the authorities to control the price. The best way to bring down the price is with us – we must stop purchasing and using tomatoes in our food for at least 15 days. I am sure the price will come down automatically.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
