No jobs for the youth
Unemployment is a big problem faced by the youth in Goa. The government has failed to create sufficient jobs as a result of which the Goan youth are forced to go abroad or to other states in search of jobs. No one likes to stay away from home but they are forced to do so for the future of the family. During election time, all political parties promise to create jobs for the youth but after the election everyone forgets about it. Government jobs are only for the supporters of the politicians and for those who can pay a lot of money to get the job. This is not the case only in Goa but in all the states of India. It is very unfortunate that deserving candidates do not get government jobs and this is one of the reasons why India is lagging behind other developed countries like USA and Japan.
Rohith Shetty, Bambolim
Eliminating poverty
Union minister for housing and poverty alleviation, Venkaiah Naidu, has recently stated that the government’s top priority is to eliminate poverty. The sad fact is that even after two years of BJP- led NDA government at the Centre, things are getting from bad to worse, with the rich getting richer and the poor, poorer. Poverty elimination, it must be understood, cannot be achieved by the mere distribution of free LPG gas connections to every household in the villages. Neither does construction of free toilets in the villages make one any richer. The solution lies in making life easier for people to meet their daily requirements of food and essentials available at an affordable price. Today, with runaway inflation and escalating prices how can 25 percent of the country’s population living below the poverty line afford a square meal? And what are they going to cook on the glorified LPG stove when they do not have any money to buy food. Very soon, the poor man’s pao will also become unaffordable at Rs 5 a pao. So it looks as if it is good- bye for ‘acche din’ at least for the present.
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
Elvis has left
It is indeed sad to note that the Director of Municipal Administration Elvis Gomes has put in his papers from government service. The fact that he has successfully held such responsible positions only goes to show the capability of the government officer which was never in doubt. What forced him to take Voluntary Retirement from Services (VRS) is not yet known. Was it a fallout of the case filed against him for the term when he was the managing director of Goa Housing Board for alleged irregularities and malpractices in the GHB between 2007 and 2015 which Gomes was quick to deny any involvement? The fact that the Mr. Gomes put in his papers during the three-day visit the Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Admi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal has led to speculations that Gomes could join the party. There is no doubt that in the exit of Elvis Gomes, Goa has lost an upright officer of repute, capability and immense potential.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
