Subsidies for Starlink
internet users necessary
It is learnt that the Goa government is reportedly actively exploring a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to bring high-speed satellite internet to remote areas, improving connectivity for villages, fishing communities, schools, and health centers, and boosting tourism. Feasibility studies are reportedly underway to bridge connectivity gaps and support the state’s “Digital Goa” vision. Formal discussions began recently, involving Starlink executives and top state officials. The state plans to ask Starlink to conduct studies on providing last-mile internet in rural regions. Starlink’s services are seen as crucial for achieving the state’s goals for digital inclusion and infrastructure. It will address connectivity issues in areas with poor network coverage. It will offer fast, reliable internet for homes, businesses and mobile use, even in rural or challenging terrains like mountains or forests. It will support demanding online activities such as streaming, online gaming, remote work, and provides critical connectivity during emergencies when local networks fail. Starlink is a satellite internet constellation by SpaceX, a company owned by Elon Musk, using thousands of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to provide high-speed, broadband internet to users globally, especially in remote areas lacking traditional internet infrastructure like fiber or cable. However Starlink can be expensive, especially for hardware compared to traditional cable or fiber options, making it less appealing unless there’s a need for backup or specific features. Its cost varies significantly by region and plan and its value depends on location, internet needs. As and when Starlink does come to Goa, the state government should think of providing subsidies for these internet users.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Migrants are not pawns
a chess board
It is said that the greatest nations are defined by how they treat their weakest inhabitants. People move to other countries, across borders, for work and study irrespective of the legal status of their migration. Although barring a few instances, migrants do not impinge on the development of the countries they have migrated, a lot of them are treated like terrorists.
Many consider them as pawns in a chess board to meet their political ambitions. Sagacious leaders consider migrants as instrument of change: They are said to shape the economy of the communities, but not all leaders are statesmen.
1 in 3 migrants are women and 15 percent are below the age of 20 years which indicate that tactfulness is the greatest prerequisite to handle immigrants. About 280 million migrants across the globe are anxious and apprehensive about their future because more than 70000 have gone missing across land and sea since 2014.
“My Great Story: Cultures and Development” is the theme for the International Migrants Day that falls on December 18.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Will Birch owners be
helped by politicians?
There is a lot of media attention on Luthra Brothers, the owners of Arpora Nightclub where 25 people lost their lives; latest being the dramatic extradition of the brothers from Thailand to India and the subsequent arrest by the Goa Police!
Saying all this, one has to wonder if these owners will actually be prosecuted in fairness to the victims and not to mention severe violation of the local laws! I have strong reservations if justice will actually be served accordingly, because these owners could not have done what they did without the “special relationships” with multiple politicians.
It’s also very likely that a large amount of cash could have changed hands with various officials in various ministries including politicians. With increased investigation, it’s very likely that the various people in the ruling political class will also be implicated and could then be liable for prosecution by the law or perhaps even forced to resign from office! Not to mention the possibility of a severe negative backlash for the ruling party in Goa and also nationally!
So to mitigate all of the possible negative consequences, some politicians
I believe, will do all in their power(and beyond!) to help the Birch owners out of any major punishment and set them off scot free or a small slap on the wrist!
Some weeks ago, a senior Goan minister alleged to be involved in large-scale corruption years back was acquitted by the court, just because the prosecution put up a very weak case. The order has not even been challenged by the government.
Goans need to keep a watch on this case and not be carried away by false promises of justice given by the government.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
No acche din for retd
private employees
Retired employees who have worked for government organisations like the civic department, railways, transport department, electricity department, police departments, PWD, post offices, PF office draw a monthly pension of Rs 60,000 to Rs 75,000 a month, while retired employees of private organisations who have worked for over 35 to 40 years get a modest monthly pension of Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 a month. Why this step-motherly treatment? Contrary to the assertions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, most Indians are not seeing better days. In fact, our days are going from bad to worse. And it will worsen if prices of essential commodities keep rising by the day.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
