The helmet rule has hit Goa. While some people ignore it, others have religiously begun to wear one. The former category has a few lucky people; the cops have not managed to get a hold of them. I was one of the unlucky ones caught without a helmet. The cop that stopped me, however, was dressed in casual walking shorts and not in a uniform. He came from the Margao wholesale fish market.
When questioned about his attire, he argued and refused to back down. His accomplices in uniform immediately joined him. Has the government given the police a free hand to dress as they want nowadays? Is that cop doing his duty by catching traffic offenders with shorts? Police officials are given a uniform for a purpose, and such officials bring disrespect to the profession.
Rosario Fernandes, Betalbatim
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Rape: the new social fear
Rape has created fear in our free society. It has restricted our girls’ movement and created a traumatic situation for their parents. The reasons for rapes are known, laws are enacted, but the fear that rapists are looming around has not decreased. This fear is affecting our country’s productivity. It is time we provide safety and equal opportunities for people, irrespective of gender.
Edwin D’ Sa, Cansaulim
Violence against women
This refers to a Herald article dated March 30 and titled ‘Delhi Police forms women’s groups to check eve teasing’. Kudos to the Delhi police for launching the ‘She to Shakti’ campaign, which trains girls in unarmed combat and helps them patrol and keep a check on areas prone to crimes against women. It’s high time we Indians wake up and implement more campaigns to stop violence against women in our society. So many dreadful and violent acts are committed against them that they don’t feel safe in their own surroundings. No city or a country in the world exists where women can live without violence. This campaign is necessary to create awareness and zero-tolerance to violence, while instilling confidence in women.
Veena /Vandana Fernandes, Cansaulim
Benefit of doubt to cartao holders
In his article ‘Benefit of doubt to cartao holders’ (HERALD, April 10), Elvidio Miranda stated: “Possession of Cartao de Cidadao (Portuguese citizenship card) is not Portuguese nationality in its finality.” I have been given to understand that a Portuguese individual, armed with a cartao de cidadao, can travel to any nook and corner of the European Union without a visa, and possibly without possession of a Portuguese Passport.
A C Menezes, Chinchinim
Celebrating Richie Benaud
On the field, he excelled with bat and ball. Off the field, his voice held everyone in thrall. Richie Benaud’s innings has comes to a close after several decades as a player, captain, and commentator-par-excellence. Millions of teary-eyed cricket fans across the world will rise to give him one last standing ovation as he makes his way back to the Grand Pavilion.
Prof Robert Castellino, Calangute
Plea to refuse LPG subsidy
The prime minister made a fervent plea to those able to forgo subsidy on LPG. This will help the Nation save substantially on fuel. There should be financial criteria to identify rich individuals. The fertilizer subsidy is enjoyed by rich farmers and politicians, as income from agriculture, though declarable, is not taxable. The subsidy on petrol is shared equally by those who possess luxury cars and those who own a NANO and other small cars. Charity must begin at home. Let the appeal be directed towards MLAs and MPs who are allotted free fuel for cooking, travelling, etc. Let the legislators first give up or at least reduce their mindless, tax-free privileges. Many legislators have doubled their so called tax-free allowances. Their earnings have no relation to the common-mans, whom they avowedly quote and seem to serve and represent. It is said that Modi, when he was a chief minister, diverted his salary to some welfare. If true, his honesty and sincerity is laudable. If the legislators first respect the sentiments of the PM, perhaps it will show positive signals. Just preaching and wanting others to follow is a great sermon only.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Prayers for the new Zuari Bridge
This is with reference to an article (Herald, April 10) about the new cable-stayed bridge across the Zuari, and its ‘Bhoomipujan’ to be held on Goa’s liberation day. Good tidings for Goans! A religious ceremony on an auspicious day is the most welcome start for such an important project. Would it be a good idea if followers of other religions also organized prayers and invocations to bless this project and cleanse it from all adversities and malignancies for the safety of those using the bridge?
Jaimes E Rodrigues, Santa Cruz
