Labour laws
According to a rough census there are over 2,00,000 factory/private/contract workers in Goa working in different units and out of them 75 percent are working for a meager salary, 50 percent of them are not having good working conditions as either the surrounding temperature is very high, there is dust pollution or chemical fumes pollution, working hours are lengthy etc.
Government employees also enjoy all sorts of facilities - good salary leave, holidays, loans, promotions, working condition, etc. Industrial and private workers are suffering on all these fronts. The salaries of the private/factory/contract workers should be at least 75 percent of Govt. Employee Salary. In Maharashtra the private workforce is protected by an act called Maharashtra Recognition of Trade Union and Prevention of Unfair labour Practices Act (MRTU PULP), why we cannot have a similar act in Goa?
Anil S. Kerkar, Ribandar
It is seen recently large number of investors duped are coming on to the streets, marching to the police stations and other government authorities, demanding recovery of amount invested. This is not the first instance of its kind and it has been happening over the years, but are we getting any wiser? No, we are falling prey to schemes for short term benefits instead of learning lessons from earlier sufferers. It is very surprising that such a large group is investing lakhs in a firm even without verifying its credentials. It seems easy cash is available and to avoid taxes finds its way in such traps. The proprietor and his family will prefer to languish in jail than suffer ire of public. It is almost unlikely investors will get even a part of amount invested by giving ultimatums and memos to government authorities. The past experience shows it is futile and no point in crying over spilt milk. It is ultimately we are to blame ourselves for this mess and others should learn lesson and be at least wiser in future.
B V S Priolkar, Margao
Contaminated water
One problem that citizens in several cities and even villages in Goa have to live with is contamination of water as a result of seepage and overflowing of sewage water. Pedestrians could thus be wading in roads flooded with rainwater which is mixed with the sewage water. While carrying out the pre-monsoon work of cleaning the gutters and the storm drains, the authorities concerned should also see to it that all the sewage lines are functioning properly and free from any blockage. Another problem that is faced is that the underground sewage pipeline and the water pipeline could be running parallel to one another. Any leakage in these pipelines could lead to contamination of the drinking water leading to disastrous consequences. To prevent such incidents the sewage pipeline should always be laid at a distance from the water pipeline. Then there is the problem of sewage water from a sewage chamber seeping into water bodies like fresh-water springs, wells, lakes, etc. To prevent such pollution, sewage chambers need to be built far away from such water bodies. We need to protect our water bodies and underground water from contamination due to seepage from sewage chambers.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
