Priority mismatch
The Kerala government’s move to impose a 14.5 per cent ‘fat tax’ on junk food, including pizza, burgers and pasta sold in restaurants, is a positive step. Those who consume such foods, especially the affluent, won’t feel the pinch. But the lower middle class are known to frequent roadside vendors selling cheaper food items such as bhajias, mirchis, batatawadas, bhel puris, etc. In fact, such roadside food is considered a health hazard. While pizzas or burgers are cooked using quality cheese, oil and the best of ingredients, street food, on the other hand, is repeatedly deep fried in the same oil, and to make matters worse, street vendors are oblivious about maintaining hygiene. The government must enforce strict quality control measures. Routine health checks much be conducted in such eateries, including small cafeterias as well as hotels.
Satyajit Prabhudessai
Missing signboards
The need for speed breakers have been long pending demand at the Dandeavado, Chinchinim junction, which is an accident prone zone. After a long delay, zebra type rumblers were constructed. But unfortunately, no signboards have been erected on either side of the rumblers, thus negating its intended purpose. Therefore, all vehicles recklessly speed over the rumblers with scant regard to pedestrians crossing the road.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Divided house
The talks doing the rounds in the political circles of the state is the formation of a ‘grand alliance’ to counter the BJP in the coming assembly elections which is a few months away. Goans would have wholeheartedly welcomed such a grand alliance which will give them a viable option during the polls. But then, it must be said that a Bihar-like grand alliance in Goa appears to be a distant possibility. In order for different political parties to come on a common political platform, there needs to be a leader of the stature of Nitish Kumar or Lalu Prasad Yadav. While Nitish was the face of development, RJD chief Lalu Prasad was the man who brought a dedicated and aggressive vote bank. However, Goa does not seem to have a leader who can unite all the opposition parties to form a grand alliance. As a matter of fact, it must be said that there are too many leaders in Goa and each leader may probably feel that he is a Chief Ministerial candidate. There has also not been any noteworthy unity among the opposition parties.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
