Mr Rane needs to be treated with some compassion and forgiveness as probably due to his age and may be to some extent his ability to understand the difference between the words “To Toil vs Toilets” is rather misplaced. The problem with our politicians today is that many of them have absolutely no knowledge of their function and are now treating it as a profession and a stepping stone to a good life. The ease with which they give themselves increments in their salaries and allowances is an indicator to this effect. While the common man is struggling to make ends meet, our so called social workers turned elected members are roaming around in chauffeur driven A/C cars, free security, free medical treatment, and big fat emoluments all at the cost of the toiling tax payer. And as if to add salt to the wounds now a person of Mr Rane’s stature passes some irresponsible remarks against our Goan brothers who are trying to improve their lives at the cost of great sacrifices.
At this juncture it is more important to introspect and see why millions of Indians and of course Goans are leaving the country rather than criticizing them. The Indian diaspora abroad stands at 17 million which is the highest in the world. People leave their country when they are not happy there. This is the crux of the matter. All our leaders are talking of progress but are not talking about the HQ (Happiness quotient) of our people.
If Goa is today looked upon as a better place than many other parts of our country we owe it to the lakhs who are working abroad and sending their money home so that their families can have better houses, better education, better food and better health. The country itself is benefitted by way of huge deposits. Even during the colonial regime, although people could go to Portugal easily there was no exodus as there is today.
A recent report from the ET bureau indicates that some 23,000 “Dollar Millionaires” have left the country since 2014 of which some 7000 have left in 2017 itself. Is this not some food for thought? We talk of doing away with corruption but stick to old rules and policies which are today being used as a means of extortion. Our youth do not get suitable jobs. Exploitation of workers is rampant. Ease of doing business is almost non-existent. Our food is adulterated. Our health services are either expensive or at an abysmal low. Our education system is outdated.. It is these issues that our elected members should put a thought to rather than denigrate people with their irresponsible remarks.
Radharao Gracias has very well elaborated the achievements of the Goans abroad and in India in his article ‘I am Goan’ (Herald, 10 August). It is time our old and not so healthy politicians retire or take a back seat.
