For the seventh consecutive year, a social worker from Mapusa has continued an initiative that has become a welcome source of relief for families during the festive season by making coconuts available at just Rs 2 apiece. With household expenditure invariably rising during the festive season, the gesture deserves appreciation. Its continuation for seven years makes it even more commendable, demonstrating consistency, commitment and genuine concern for people. The citizen behind the initiative deserves the goodwill and blessings of the people, and one can only hope that God gives him the strength and resources to continue this yeoman service to society. However, his initiative raises a larger and uncomfortable question: if an individual can undertake such an effort year after year, why can’t the government? Coconut is deeply intertwined with Goa’s agriculture, cuisine, traditions, festivals and rural economy. Yet consumers often pay Rs 40-60 for a coconut. If a private citizen can make coconuts available at Rs 2 through his own initiative and resources, surely the government, with its institutional machinery, agricultural departments, cooperatives, procurement mechanisms and access to public funds, could explore subsidising coconuts to at least Rs 5 apiece. When citizens show the way, should the government not have the capacity and will to follow?
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
