Opinion Poll
January 16 marks the completion of 59 years of Opinion Poll, the referendum that resulted in Goa, Daman and Diu emerging as a separate entity in 1967, thanks in large measure to the physician-turned-politician Dr Joao Hugo Eduardo de Sequeira, popularly known as Dr Jack de Sequeira, who played a stellar role. Were it not for him to convince the Centre to conduct the Opinion Poll, and if the verdict had been arrived in the legislative assembly where the pro-merger MGP had 16 MLAs, while the UGP had 12, Goa would have today been only a district of Maharashtra with a lost unique identity. Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister of India, gave the green signal for the conduct of the Opinion Poll, which witnessed an over 80% turnout throughout Goa. In large measure, Salcete accounted for the decisive portion of 49,342 votes. The anti-merger camp won by a margin of 34,021 votes. Forty years after the Opinion Poll, a statue of Dr Jack de Sequeira was installed in Calangute and later another statue was erected at Dona Paula. Also, a road from Miramar to Dona Paula was named after Dr Jack de Sequeira as also a bust of his was erected at Merces with a road in Merces also being named after him. It would be appropriate that a statue of
Dr Sequeira is erected in Salcete as a tribute to his Herculean efforts.
Stephen Dias, Dona Paula
Helmet for pillion rider
The Department of Transport will reportedly soon issue a circular making it mandatory for both, riders and pillion riders of two-wheelers to wear helmets across the state. Incidentally, Goa is observing National Road Safety month from January 1 to 31. The introduction of this rule is part of enforcing Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which requires both riders and pillion passengers to wear properly fastened, ISI-certified helmets. In two-wheeler crashes, the head is the most vulnerable part of the body. Helmets greatly reduce the severity of head trauma. Data shows that many pillion fatalities occur because passengers are not wearing helmets, even when the rider survives with a helmet on. Serious head injuries can lead to long hospital stays, permanent disability or death in the process costing families and the healthcare system dearly. Pillion riders are as exposed to risk as the riders themselves, especially since they have no control over the bike’s movement. After introducing the rule, the focus should be on implementing it. It is observed that even in states where the law exists, many pillion riders still don’t wear helmets, and enforcement varies. The helmet rule for pillion riders is not just a legal requirement. It is a lifesaving measure. Wearing a helmet can mean the difference between life and death in an accident. By making helmet use a non-negotiable habit for both, riders and pillion riders, we can create safer roads and protect ourselves and our loved ones. Safety should never be optional, it should always come first. However, it would be in the fitness of things to enforce the rule in phases after official notification, with a focus on awareness first.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Reforming co-op banks
While congratulating the newly elected unopposed board of directors of Bicholim Urban Co-operative Bank, I also take the opportunity to sincerely thank the Ministry of Finance for coming up with a bold amendment to banking Regulation Law 2025, which will give chance to many new and young faces to become directors of co-operative banks. It is my observation that some people used to be at the helm for years together, depriving eligible and competent people the chance to participate in the management of co-operative banking. The Banking Regulation Law (amendment) Act, 2025, has introduced changes in the tenure of directors of co-operative banks. Directors can now hold office for a maximum of two terms, which last up to ten years. This will definitely strengthen co-operative banking and provide better governance. My best wishes to the new board, hope they will rise to the expectations of shareholders.
Ravindra Fogueri, Mapusa
Dengue vaccine
It is relieving to know Dengi All, India’s first indigenous single-shot dengue vaccine is under advanced clinical trials. If successful in the trials, it will be a scientific milestone. This seasonal disease that strains the health sector of its resources has become a nightmare. One positive aspect of the trials is that India could shift from managing the outbreak to preventing it. The trials mark a significant step in combating the disease that affects millions of people causing high hospitalisation. It could reduce disease burden and prevent severe illness. The single-shot vaccine could provide protection against the four serotypes of the virus and thereby address the challenge of repeated infections and illnesses. The ongoing monitoring for effectiveness may give a relieving outcome. The successful trials are crucial for India’s self reliance in healthcare solutions.
Venu G S, Kollam
Unfair move
Out of the 50 MBBS seats, over 40 Muslim students, predominantly from Kashmir, qualified for medical education in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence at Katra in Jammu, based on their ranks in the competitive National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) held in October 2024. It has been reported that some groups in Jammu and Kashmir started protesting against the admissions by forming a Sangharsh Samiti. The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently withdrew permission given to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence to admit MBBS students, leading to its effective closure, following protests by the groups. The official reason cited by NMC was serious facility and faculty shortfalls. The move is unacceptable.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
