MOI U-turn?
As the time for elections nears in Goa, the present MoI politics in the State seem to be heading for an interesting showdown. Parrikar bashing at their rallies by leaders of BBSM is a move to portray Parrikar as a victim here so that the pro-English parents will stand by the BJP at the elections by somewhat putting FORCE’s efforts on the back foot. It is but natural that FORCE has to immediately rework its strategy and regroup their resources so that the parent’s minds are not swayed in the elections by the ‘victim card’ as the government has no choice but to maintain status quo in the election year. Parrikar has been the king of elections and has proved himself one step ahead of others when it comes to election strategies. If BJP returns to power, it can be easily predicted that grants for Diosecan schools will be withdrawn or threatened with “de-recognition” to appease the hardliners in the party. While the MoI tango goes unabated, the children and their parents wonder if Goa can afford another term by the BJP who have so far failed to deliver their promises made in 2012 on MoI.
Allwyn Jorge, Carmona
Natural ripening
Fruits are an important part of our diet and doctors keep advising patients to consume fruits and vegetables. But how safe are the fruits which are sold in the market today? Just recently, the Food and Drugs Administration confiscated four tons of chemically ripened mangoes worth Rs five lakhs at Siolim, and destroyed them.
Fruits are supposed to be ripened in hay but in order to quicken the ripening and make fast money, the fruit dealers use chemical solution, of which one of the dangerous chemicals is calcium carbide, when dissolved in water produces acetylene, a highly inflammable gas. Experts say that this chemical consumed through artificially ripened fruits, causes serious health problems including cancer. The Food and Drugs Administration would keep a regular watch on such illegal activities of unscrupulous fruit dealers. More importantly, those found guilty should be given a severe punishment, not just petty fines, for playing the fool with the health and life of innocent people.
Rodney de Souza, Assagao
Fake certs
Now that the role of some of the Margao Municipal Council officials have come under the scanner, perhaps there is a dire need to investigate the fake birth certificate scams in Goa. The State is the only place in India where one can get a chance to apply for a European passport and so there are ample opportunities for corruption. It may be recalled that many years ago the Abu Salem Portuguese passport scandal hit Goa. One cannot think it impossible that other such scams have not been occurring over the years. A fake birth certificate can also be used to get titles transferred or put one’s name on someone else’s property to create confusion. The government must investigate this thoroughly to avoid any big scandals in the future.
Amey Kurtakar, Margao
