Uncultured government employees
This refers to the letter ‘Unhelpful mamlatdars’ (Herald, May 23, 2013). I more than agree with the writer on this issue. Unfortunately this problem is faced by the public not only with mamlatdars but with other government institutions too. The staff forget they are government servants, ultimately public servants. If you happen to greet them with a ‘good morning’ they stare back at you as if you have committed a grave mistake. They make you wait like you have come to beg for something. Clearly, a revamp is required. Young educated blood must be pumped into the system. And, excellent customer care classes should be conducted occasionally to help improve their standard. They must also be advised to wear neat official attire to work! Most government officials lack professionalism. It was more or less like a fish-market, each employee shouting at each other for assistance. Is this the modern Goa we are looking forward to?
Agniyah Sheikh, Margao
Improve infrastructure
The erstwhile regime has done much damage to Goa and its biodiversity. While they were in power, not only did they loot Goa’s prime land but also destroyed agricultural land. Mega-housing projects mushroomed in every nook and corner of Goa under their regime. As a result of which water bodies are damaged, villages lost their identity and garbage menace has become a serious problem all over Goa. They had little concern to improve and develop infrastructure in Goa. The same regime also started the process for Mopa Airport. Today some of the erstwhile regime members speak a different language on the issue of Mopa airport as the Lok Sabha elections are fast approaching. They also shamelessly blame the Navy for holding onto large areas of Dabolim airport. On the other hand the present regime came up with some schemes for the poor but unfortunately the upper middle class and middle class are obtaining the benefits. The government of the day failed to feel the pulse of the people. Goa does not need two airports at the moment. What Goa needs today, is uninterrupted electricity, proper roads, regular water supply for common people specially in remote areas, distribution of land to the poor, the landless and slum dwellers, providing shelter for the homeless, public health centres with good facilities and doctors in villages, proper sewage system, providing better facilities in education, creating job opportunities, clearing the garbage which is strewed all over Goa, etc. Therefore the need of the hour is to outright oppose Mopa airport and improve existing infrastructure in Goa.
Rui Pereira, Navelim
Cricket needs cleansing
Undoubtedly cricket needs a cleansing and what better way than to start at the top. But at the top we have politicians and here is where the problem starts and most probably ends. We must remember that politicians of all major parties are involved in the BCCI so they are all one happy club and one group capable and having the experience of sweeping all corruption under the carpet. We cannot expect cricket commentators and ex-cricketers to take up the cause as there is a conflict of interest. Their contracts and pensions depend on toeing the BCCI line. Fans pay good money to watch a clean game not a fixed one, not the WWF of cricket. They have been cheated and should ask for a refund of the ticket cost. And, since matches are being fixed it is time to stop watching cricket. This will bring down the revenue of the BCCI which is its strength. Depriving them of their revenue will hurt the BCCI the most so let’s hit them where it hurts.
DC Dias, Taleigao
Traffic cops
It has been seen that there is no traffic cop present at the entry junction at the KTC bus stand, Margao. A cop is present only sometimes at the exit side. This creates a huge chaos during traffic hours. No presence of cops at these points can even lead to major accidents. The RTO seems to be short of staff or manpower is being wasted by placing two cops to collect fines.
Willie Severes, Majorda
