Special status?
The statement of CM Parsekar that the Goa Government cannot insist that Goans be employed in Industries being set up in Goa, puts into question, squarely ,the purpose of the Goa Legislative Assembly passing a resolution, with such fanfare, to seek the amendment of the Constitution of India in order to obtain Special Status for Goa, as his pronouncement to the above effect gives the lie to the alleged avowed intentions of the BJP Government to protect Goa and Goans.
Non-protection of even the basic need to provide employment to local Goans in Government or Industries has resulted in the haemorrhage of migrating Goans to the five corners of the world, whilst the vacuum is being filled by migrants from India. Not every Goan can make a living by selling ice-cream Mr. Parsekar! Moreover, the intention of the Goa Government to regularise the illegal structures of migrants on Comunidade land is a further stab in the back in the efforts at securing control of Goa by Goans. Is it any wonder that there is opposition to development in Goa which ultimately only benefits non Goans? The writing is on the wall for those Goans who can read it. Those unwilling to look, see or hear will never learn.
Adv. Antonio Lobo, Mapusa
Better work ethic
The CM says that we cannot ask for large reservations at industries in Goa. While there are lots of reasons to get angry with that statement, one must also look at reality. The reality is that there are not many Goans qualified to work in most industries. There is also the fact that people from other states work harder and longer than Goans, which is why many industries prefer them. If we have to get more jobs, in blue collar as well as white collar positions, we must first be aptly qualified and also not take regular holidays for this feast and that zatra. As someone who has worked in different jobs for over two decades, I have seen how Goans differ in their work ethics from people who hail from other states. One cannot fault businessmen for wanting better workers. We have to improve our thinking and work ethic.
Sylvan Rodrigues, Calangute
Better transport
The rent a cab issue has opened many people’s eyes as to the monopoly of the Goan taxi driver when it comes to public transport. There is enough room for rent a cabs, as well as taxi companies who offer good services. There is a need to invite Uber, Ola and other companies here in Goa. Only then will out taxi drivers get competition and be able to upgrade their services and price competitively instead of the harsh expensive pricing that exists today. There is a serious need for the department of transport to look into these options, as well as upgrading the bus services.
Bhushan Kamat, Panaji
