Go beyond Nari
Shakti hoopla
The ruling party at the Centre is vigorously promoting the reservation of 33 per cent seats for women in Parliament as a major step toward empowerment. While this measure may appear progressive, it is important to recognise that women’s empowerment in India is not a recent development. The state, when it was the Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, had a strong female leadership in the form of Shashikala Kakodkar, who served as chief minister for over six years. Likewise, India has had a powerful and influential prime minister in Indira Gandhi, who led the nation between 1966–1977 and 1980–1984. These examples demonstrate that women have held positions of significant authority in our country decades ago. However, true empowerment goes beyond symbolic representation and publicity-driven measures. It demands addressing persistent and serious issues affecting women. Female foeticide remains a grave concern and must be tackled through strict monitoring of abortion clinics and scan centres under the PNDT Act. Furthermore, there must be zero tolerance for crimes against women, including stringent action against perpetrators, regardless of their political affiliations or connections. Only through such concrete and uncompromising measures can we achieve genuine empowerment of women—true Nari Shakti.
Rui Ferreira, Panaji
Bus access denied
Last week accessibility issues in EV buses of Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) were noted such as non-deployment of ramps for wheelchairs and a driver being unable or ignorant to operate the ramp. One should be thankful that ramps and low-floor are present in EV buses. We do not complain about the absence of these features in other KTC and private buses, nor the non-issuance of tickets, uniforms not worn by drivers and conductors in private buses, and their nose-in-the air attitude. Instead of pointing fingers only at EV buses of KTC, we need to reflect that nowhere in India are all the buses have low-floor and ramp facility. These must be mandated by the Centre and implemented by the transport department in every state.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Lurking danger
A picnic for a family from Curchorem ended in heartbreak when a young girl lost her life in a desperate attempt to save her brother from drowning leading to a double tragedy. The incident is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of lakes and rivers, especially during the summer. With temperatures soaring, families often seek relief by visiting lakes, rivers, waterfalls and other waterbodies. However, the calm waters can be deceptively dangerous. The depth of lakes and rivers is unpredictable, currents can be strong, and slippery banks increase the risk of accidents. Children, naturally curious and adventurous, are particularly vulnerable. Parents must maintain constant supervision of their children playing near waterbodies. Youngsters should be discouraged from venturing into lakes or rivers without adult guidance. The government also has a critical role to play in preventing such tragedies. Clear and visible signage highlighting the dangers of swimming and wading in natural waterbodies should be installed. Lifeguards need to be posted at popular picnic spots near waterbodies.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Significance of lifejackets
The Mathura boat tragedy has once again brought the authorities’ contempt towards safety tools to the fore. There, reportedly, were no lifejackets. These keep a person’s body afloat in water with, commonly, the head facing upwards. Laws require one lifejacket for each passenger on board. Number of lifejackets for children should be 10 per cent of the vessel capacity. Their ornamental presence is not enough; they should be worn by all passengers. The jackets should be tested for any wear and tear before being used every time and they have to be fitted snugly to the body with straps and buckles. Besides, passengers have to be educated on their proper usage. Any passenger without a jacket should be denied entry onto the boats.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Doubtful Indians
A 33-year-old household help of Kolkata has been denied loan by a non-banking financial company citing the deletion of her name from the electoral rolls. Her fresh application has also been rejected, although her Cibil score has been very good. Next what? Will it be freezing of bank accounts and cancellation of Aadhaar and PAN? What a ‘liberal’ sprinkle of salt upon the injuries of vulnerable innocents who are overnight finding themselves as ‘questionable Indians’ or ‘Bangladeshi infiltrators’ in their very own country of birth or that of their ancestors! A Kolkata cardiologist (supposed to act absolutely neutral while pursuing medicine) has even publicly announced an offer of discount of Rs 500 to his patients who will chant a religious slogan. Jawaharlal Nehru’s dream of fostering scientific temperament and open-mindedness has gone for a toss.
Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata
