Unorganised station
No matter how much one wants to appreciate the efforts put in by the railway authorities in upgrading the existing services and facilities at this ‘nodal’ junction, the Margao railway station continues to attract attention for the gross anomalies that one would not generally associate with important stations on such busy routes. The electronic reservation charts, notifications about the running of various trains on the route, coach positions, etc, speaks for the endeavours by the railway authorities to meet the ‘digital standards’ aspired by the PM of the country. The decision to increase the rates of platform tickets from April this year with a view to reduce crowds inside railway stations has not had much effect here considering the multitude which has literally transformed almost all the platforms at Madgaon into virtual ‘loitering zones’. Moreover, complaints about passengers in an inebriated state causing nuisance in AC coaches of many trains go unheeded for lack of appropriate staff at the station whose timely intervention could deter such obnoxious acts. Just a cosmetic makeover over of the premises does not contribute to much; a station needs to be ‘self-sufficient’ in all respects to be classified as one of the best on the route.
Pachu Menon, Margao
With the municipal council elections over, the elected councilors will now take charge of the functioning of the municipality after choosing a chairperson from amongst themselves. Citizens must have a say in the functioning of the municipality. People in general seldom show much interest in the functioning of the civic body in their cities. One way to imbibe interest among the citizens in the affairs of the civic body is to have live telecasts of the council meetings being televised by the local cable operator. If the proceedings of the assembly is being telecast live by the local TV channels, why can’t the council meetings be telecast live by the local cable operators? This step will lead to citizens’ participation in the functioning of the civic body and will also ensure transparency in the functioning of the municipality. The respective council needs to pass a resolution to make such live telecast by the local cable operator of the council meetings possible.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Protest against IFFI
What does it say about the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), when an important body that decides on India’s entry to the Academy Awards joins in the protest against the festival. The Film Federation of India (FFI) is an important body that is the link between the government and the film industry. When this body as well as others go up against the government, alleging politicking and that the information and broadcasting ministry is taking decisions directly instead of consulting with the official body. They also state that they have no representation on the IFFI steering committee. Now, rumours are that the FTII students will be joining the protest and bringing their protest here. This is a clear indication that the government is trying to control all facets of information dissemination.
Bhushan Kamat, Miramar
