AAP controversy
Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal stoked a new controversy by telling voters in Delhi to take money offered by the BJP and the Congress but to vote for APP. He went on to tell voters that if the two parties did not approach them with cash, to go to their party offices and ask for money!
Taking and receiving bribes is a criminal offense and hence Kejriwal must be booked for abetting of criminal offense. Moreover, as it is a criminal offense the Election Commission must treat this case as a breech of the model code of conduct and take strict action.
Prof Robert Castellino, Mumbai
Road safety
Four persons were reportedly injured after a passenger bus met with an accident along the Goa University road at Bambolim recently. The newly built Goa University road provides for a smooth drive which can lead to vehicles speeding on this road. This can lead to accidents just like the bus which went off the road and overturned. It is absolutely necessary to put up speed-breakers and rumblers at regular intervals along this road particularly, where the road meets the GMC junction. It is also necessary to restrict the speed limit by putting up proper road signs.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Reduction of NDZ
The Goa government intends to decrease the No Development Zone from 200 to 100 meters from the High Tide Line even after the fall in the tourist arrivals. With the rise in the sea levels during every monsoon, we have seen the destruction caused to the coastal dwellings and erosion of beaches. Hence, the decision of the Goa government will only cause more damage and destruction to the fragile coastal areas which eventually will have to be made good with public funds.
Matias Lobo, Oman
Church attacks
The recent attacks on churches in Delhi is a matter of grave concern not just for Christians, but for all citizens of the nation. A church is a place of worship and we need to respect all religions. The government needs to take strong steps on this issue which has created fear and apprehension in minds of many. It is the duty of the State that no individual or section of the society lives in fear.
Dr Brinda Singh, New Delhi
Citizenship imbroglio
The Portuguese ruled Goa for 451 years (510-1961) and therefore in their eyes, Goans who are living now and who were born in Goa before 19th December, 1961 are still technically Portuguese citizens and they could claim it by transcribing their Goan birth recorded in the Register of Births held in Lisbon, Portugal.
But mere transcription of one’s birth certificate does not necessarily make one a Portuguese citizen overnight. He has to apply further for a Cartao de Cidadao (Portuguese Citizen Card) which was formerly known as Bilhete de Identidade (Portuguese Identity Card) and based on Cartao de Cidadao one could obtain a Portuguese Passport which is also valid as European Union Passport. Armed with the latter one could travel within the European Union without a Schengen visa or take up any employment there.
The Government of India does not recognize dual citizenship and hence Goans who obtained Cartao de Cidadao and/or Portuguese Passport have ceased to be Indian citizens. According to Government of India there are about 40,000 Goans who have transcribed their birth certificates in the Lisbon Register of Births but most of them have so far, not applied for a Cartao de Cidadao and or Portuguese passports. It is these Goans who now appear to be still valid citizens of India.
A C Menezes, Chinchinim
CM’s residences
The question of allotting two residences for Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar is suspicious. Is he above the law to break the law to have two residences (Herald dated 15/1/2015). What is the purpose of the Chief Minister to have two residences? A few days back the Chief Minister had said that the government was facing a fund crunch and there was no money even to pay salaries of employees. Now, the government is going to spend Rs 50 lakh for the renovation of the second residence of the Chief Minister. From where will this money come?
Whiterose, Carmona
