New avatar of
Junta House
The Junta House, located along 18th June Road, Panaji has been proposed to be redeveloped (NT, March 12, 2026). The foundation stone for the redevelopment project, along with for others, was laid by the Union Home Minister in October 2025. The proposal is for a 11-storey building with six floors for a hotel, a casino on the 11th floor and a swimming pool on the terrace. India’s first public astronomical observatory, set up in December 1982 by Percival Noronha, would not have a place in the new building. Redeveloping the landmark Junta House (built in 1966) is critical but are a hotel, pool and casino required? The proposed space for these could be used by the government to host skill development classes and training centres Hope the government will give a listen to the voice of the janata (the public) and modify the proposed plan for the Junta House.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Prized possession
The public astronomy observatory atop Junta House in Panaji would head for demolition; reports have suggested that a casino has been planned in the project for redeveloping the iconic building. This unique institution, managed under the Department of Science, Technology and Waste Management, has thrived under the dedicated leadership of president Satish Nayak, expanding to eight astronomy centres in Goa. It has earned praise from tourists, foreign visitors, and eminent scientists like Jayant Narlikar. Founded over four decades ago by Percival Noronha and volunteers, the observatory was built through immense effort, fundraising, and passion, making it a source of pride for Goa. Relocating it to a ground floor in a remote location, as suggested by bureaucrats, undermines its scientific, educational, and tourism value. This issue demands the Chief Minister’s personal intervention to ensure the preservation of this prestigious institution for future generations.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Unrealistic proposal
The proposal to dismiss underperforming government employees as a way to expand job opportunities is complex. While removing inefficient staff could improve productivity and create vacancies, the idea that this could guarantee a government job for every family in Goa is unrealistic. The central government regularly reviews the performance of thousands of officers to weed out ‘deadwood’, but the number of unemployed far exceeds available government posts. Goa may have potential for fairer distribution, yet constitutional safeguards, particularly Article 311, make dismissals difficult without due process. Termination requires documented evidence, warnings, and inquiries to prevent arbitrary action. Although accountability is essential, strict enforcement faces social and administrative resistance to depriving livelihoods. Government jobs are limited, and compassionate appointments for families of deceased employees are discretionary, not entitlements. Reforms must balance efficiency with fairness.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Climbdown on Wangchuk
The central government dropping the most serious allegation against statehood activist Sonam Wangchuk raises more questions for authorities than his detention did six months ago. From the time he was picked up and lodged in Jodhpur jail, it was clear the draconian National Security Act had been invoked without application of mind. Wangchuk was accused of inciting a protest in Ladakh, akin to those of Bangladesh and Nepal. His actions were termed “prejudicial to the security of the state”. He was on his fifth protest fast (Delhi Chalo Padyatra) for statehood, and inclusion of Ladakh in Sixth Schedule. Yet, instead of letting a peaceful protest carry on, authorities jailed him for six months under the NSA besides also linking him to the deaths of protestors. Wangchuk’s release comes after the Centre concluded that “Ladakh’s problems” must be resolved through “engagement and dialogue”. Are fundamental freedoms so vulnerable to this extent to a government’s shifting frameworks for governance? Surely not. The government finally recognised that crackdowns and heavy-handed responses foment trouble, while peaceful protests form the beating heart of a healthy democracy.
Misha, Varca
Lakshya at crossroads
India’s Lakshya Sen flattered to deceive in men’s singles badminton at the All England Open championships. In 2022, Lakshya had done the country proud by becoming the third Indian player to reach the finals. This time around, it can safely be said that but for his fatigue, cramps and blisters the story could well have been different. Lakshya huffed and puffed; this was a clear sign of being exhausted after the long and arduous semifinals against Canadian Victor Lai the previous day. And, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-yi cleverly exposed the chinks in his opponent’s armour to hand Lakshya a straight-sets defeat.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
