Pao problems
It comes as a huge relief for Goans that local ‘pao’ has got the green signal as it has tested negative for the presence of any carcinogenic chemical. However the FDA report of 18 bread samples has reportedly revealed that four samples contain Potassium Bromate though within permissible limits. It is understood that 29 samples were tested of which reports of 11 samples is awaited. This includes samples of sliced bread, pizza bread, bun bread, certain cakes and bread used for hot dogs. The question to be asked is when so much of bread is being consumed in Goa everyday can just 29 samples be considered as representative of the entire quantity of bread being produced in the state every single day? Even though the presence of Potassium Bromate in the four samples that were tested positive was within permissible limits one would expect zero tolerance towards any carcinogenic substance in our daily bread. As of now the use of food additives within permissible limits is allowed. But once the authorities notify the prohibition of Potassium Bromate the use of the additive needs to be totally stopped. For this another sample testing for the chemical additive may be necessary in future.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
When the BBSM started its agitation against grants for English primary schools, one looked at them as an organization that was interested in preserving what they perceive as the local language of Goa. Many do not agree with their viewpoints but as this is a democracy their opinions are respected. But now we have the same organisations giving people viewpoints on the committee to decide about dual citizenship? From what angle are these people experts in this scenario? Soon they will ask for cities to be named as per Marathi or Konkani names of old, later they will ask for street names to be changed. Surely this is not acceptable.
Bhushan Kamat, Panaji
Schemes after icons
The BJP always blames the Congress for naming all projects after the triumvirate of Nehru- Indira- Rajiv. But the BJP is no different and seems interested in naming all its schemes, programmes and projects after its party icons too. The BJP government in Goa named a scheme for the Scheduled Tribes as "Atal Asara Yojana", after Atal Behari Vajpayee. The new stadium for the Lusofonia Games was named after Jan Sangh icon Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. The new building of the Department of Statistics and Planning was named in honour of Deen Dayal Upadhyay. The new health insurance scheme is also named after Upadhyay.
Vikas Kamat, Fatorda
Taxing lives
Indirect taxes are now becoming a massive burden on the common man. First VAT was introduced and increased. Now when you go to a restaurant you pay three different rates of VAT. Then there is service tax. The government introduced the Swachh Bharat Cess, to collect funds for cleaning up India. The latest burden on the people who are already paying heavy taxes is the Krishi Kalyan Cess. There are farmers dying in Maharashtra and other states. But if the government was so concerned with their health and livelihood, then they should have not spent almost 70 crores on front page ads celebrating two years in power, or spend money regularly to place ads in theatres across the country. This is not logical.
Samrat Rivoncar, Panaji
