(box letter)
The Church runs thousands of schools and colleges, many famous as temples of learning without making it a carrot for conversions and westernisation. In fact, BJP's Power Minister, Piyus Goyal has publicly vouched for it, and in fact said his education there was a contributary factor to what he is today. So consulting the Church when creating a new education policy is a wise thing to do for a good democratic government. The Archbishop's speech is an annual affair with everyone from the governor to politicos in attendance. The speech therefore was appropriate. Voting for the right candidate (irrespective of religion, caste, etc), protecting Goa's natural resources, not neglecting some sections of society and so on reflects the general opinion of the people of Goa and is by no stretch of imagination, minority community appeasement.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
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PM's speech is no consolation
The Prime Minister made some big announcements during his New Year eve speech. But the PM was silent on many other aspects. It seems it was a pre Budget or rather a 'mini budget' speech to mollify and take away the sting of demonetisation. There was no mention of those who died waiting in queues to withdraw money, no mention of scores of seizures in new, serialised notes and how these were obtained. And no mention of any deterrent action against those who helped launder black money into new pink notes. The absolute control of the government as to how much money people can withdraw from ATMs or banks is a appalling justification.
The sops of loans for those below 9 and 12 lakh rupees is no consolation. Will those who need it will be able to source it from banks without any hassles? The rich have defrauded public wealth in connivance with banks, resulting in mounting NPAs, and in some cases, the loans have been written off altogether. The gift to pregnant women and senior citizens is a non-starter without giving relief in personal taxation. The exemption limit permitted must be judged by the exemption given to ministers, MPs and MLAs in the form of allowances that are tax free. In case of ordinary citizens, the limit of Rs 2 to 3 lakhs is considered sufficient and every other allowance has to be computed for income tax purpose. Farmer suicides all over India is an indicator of no easy access to finance. How will construction industry flourish without regulating benami transactions, controlling land prices lowering taxes and black money transactions? Where are the plans to fight black money in elections, administration and industries? All we see is just piece meal targeting and superficial attempts to please of some half-hearted actions.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
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