In the marks certificate of SSCE students the GBSHSE now indicates sports marks in the total with a plus sign. There appears to be some confusion, when two students get the same total of marks, one with a plus sign attached
Some educational heads of institutes are divided on their opinion that the percentage is considered for the purpose of admission and specially for professional courses and interest of the institute in sports It may not be so when academic awards are considered on the basis of the total marks obtained
A reference was referred by P.C.Trust on this specific issue to the chairman of the Goa Board. The response was that the board has dispensed with the merit policy and further that academic and co-scholastic performance is recorded and endorsed by the head of the institution. The organisation can set its own criteria
A public response is awaited as to the correct interpretation, whether sports marks can be ignored, overlooked for bestowing academic awards , when the two final total scores are identical but one with plus marks of sports.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Explain clearly
In typical Goan manner, PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar rather than being chastised should be given a chance to explain his views more clearly regarding his cautionary advice to Goans not to become westernized.
Goa was a Portuguese colony for centuries, so his statement is confusing to say the least. Other parts of India were under the British and French for centuries, too. So, what does the minister mean? Please explain more clearly. Provide us a list of dos-and-don’ts.
Joao Barros Pereira, Japan
No playgrounds
It has been reported in your esteemed daily that a meeting was held of representatives of Goa Football Association, Goa Football Development Council, Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs and others for development of football specially in village schools.
The idea is very laudable. The most important aspect to carry out the development is to have playgrounds. It has to be ascertained as to how many playgrounds are there in a village or school? Except for Duler ground, the GFA itself has no ground of its own.
In the village of Cuncolim, Salcete, there are five English High schools around the municioal council office and none have a football ground. The only ground is the government village school playground near Cuncolim bus stand
In Veroda, there is a high school and fourprimary schools. None have playgrounds. However due to my efforts as president of the Veroda Club land admeasuring 20.505 sq. mts was acquired of survey nos. 53/1 and 49/1 which was handed over to Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs Panaji on 3-4-2012 vide award framed on 6-6-2011 almost three years back. However no fencing of the same has been done as yet and the land is susceptible for encroachment. Let the DSYA protect the land, possession of which has been given to it.
Armando Barbosa, Veroda
Tipping tips
The news item ‘Delhi not too generous with tipping’ brings to the fore the question whether we need to tip at all when we go to any Restaurant. Indeed it’s a little bit unclear what you should do but you’ll find that your bill is a good place to look for the basic answers.
Establishments that serve food are obliged to pay sales tax on the food as per the set rate. This will appear on most bills as an added tax and sometimes included in the price of food or drink Many places also include a service charge of a fixed percentage, normally 15%, end. Most menus state that in small print that taxes will be added.
Almost all categories of staff members get to split this 15% service charge at the end of the day/week/month. Restaurants that don’t add service charge manage to keep their prices low but it can mean that the staff end up with lower wages. On the other hand restaurant staff get really low salaries but make a lot more from tips due to their typical Goan friendliness.
Many tourists from rich countries are likely to tip especially in view of their currency being a lot stronger than the rupee or may be trying to get rid of the lower denomination change before they go home.
By all means, if you are happy with the service, do tip. The staff will definitely remember you when you come back.
Jonas Correia, Aldona
