Reform recruitment system
Goa has been hit by a job scam that has left many jobseekers feeling cheated and disappointed. Reports show that some recruitment agencies and middlemen have been taking advantage of vulnerable people by promising government jobs in exchange for large sums of money. Victims, who were desperate for stable work, paid bribes believing they would secure positions in various government departments, only to find that the jobs did not exist or the entire process was a fraud. This scam has not only caused financial harm to many but has also damaged trust in Goa’s job recruitment system, which should be based on fairness and merit. Authorities are facing growing pressure to take quick action, with many accusing them of failing to stop this illegal activity. As investigations continue, it’s clear that the scam was part of a larger network of corruption involving both private individuals and public officials. While some arrests have been made, the public is calling for more thorough checks of recruitment processes and tougher punishments for those responsible. This scandal highlights the need for better accountability in governance and stronger reforms in Goa’s job recruitment system to prevent further exploitation of its people.
Amol Volvoikar, Moira
Looming transport woes
Employees of the Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd (KTCL) reportedly staged a protest at the corporation’s office in Porvorim to press for their demands and served a strike notice to the corporation, state government, and Labour Commission, demanding that their demands be fulfilled. The demands include salary arrears of 34 months and the restoration of the Provident Fund at 12 per cent. Another demand is that the services of workers who have been working for more than 10 years on a temporary basis be regularized immediately. It may be recalled that the KTC bus service was set up in 1980, as Goa has long been dependent on privatised bus transport. Kadamba Transport Corporation was created to provide safe, reliable, time-saving, efficient, comfortable, and affordable services for Goa’s population. KTC has provided transport and connectivity to Goa’s main towns and rural hinterlands. To a large extent, it is seen as having accomplished this objective, although the cost of providing this service has been substantial. KTC has been expanding its services, including the launch of ‘Smart City’ bus services in and around Panaji. Recently, 48 EV buses have been acquired by the corporation under the Smart City mission. KTC has been lauded for connecting remote villages with bus services. Many Goans have, by and large, relied on KTC for their everyday travel needs. Hence, a strike by the staff of the corporation is unfathomable. It could literally bring Goa to a standstill. The government needs to resolve the demands and issues raised in the notice for a March 19 strike, as it will potentially take hundreds of KTCL buses off the roads. This will leave many Goans, who are dependent on these buses for their daily commute, high and dry.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Lives on the line
Four migrant workers from Bengal reportedly died of suffocation after they went down to clean a septic tank at an under-construction building on Mint Road in Nagpada, Mumbai, a few days ago. Another worker is in critical condition. There should be enough artificial ventilation at the manhole during manual work inside a septic tank. The workers need to be provided with adequate safety equipment. How long should we keep our eyes closed when, more often than not, workers give their lives to clean our excrement without adequate safety measures inside a septic tank? The media must publish follow-up reports about what actions are being taken against those who violated the safety protocols for workers.
Sujit De, Kolkata
US democracy in a sad state
Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student at Columbia University, has voluntarily left the United States after her visa was revoked by the Department of State on March 5. The decision to revoke her visa came amid allegations that she had supported Hamas, the militant group responsible for attacks on Israel. Srinivasan used the CBP Home App to self-deport on March 11, 2025. This incident is part of a broader crackdown on foreign students in the US, particularly those associated with pro-Palestinian protests that have taken place across American campuses in recent months. However, as a doctoral student, I think there is nothing wrong with her support for Palestine because all Indian governments, including the current Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, are strong supporters of a free Palestine. Recently, the NDA government said in Parliament that India’s policy towards Palestine has been longstanding and includes support for a negotiated two-state solution and the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, living side by side in peace with Israel. At the same time, India has strongly condemned the terror attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Bidyut K. Chatterjee, Faridabad
Power of love
In our society, beset with numerous troubles and difficulties, many people suffer from loneliness and depression, which has developed into suicidal tendencies as they fail to realise the power of love. True love is divine and helps those people who are feeling lonely and depressed and are searching for the path of life. The power of true love gives meaning to many people, especially those who are shattered due to broken relationships, unfaithful friendships, and who fall into different types of addictions or suicidal tendencies. The power of true love empowers, enriches, and strengthens them during difficult times. The power of true love enlightens us to live so simply that others would simply live. It heals and secures a person during difficult and rough times and strengthens them to face all difficulties and trials boldly and cheerfully. The power of true love ensures that they will help other broken and separated loved ones and help them reunite with each other.
Cajetan Peter D’Souza, Mumbai
