Burden on taxpayers
Instead of increasing the number of MPs from 543 to 850, why not let one MP represent 40 lakh people instead of current 20 lakhs? That way, the number of MPs required will be reduced to 350. Our legislative expenses will go down and we will have less candidates for elections, leading to reduced spends and less of tug of wars for government formation. Why increase the burden on the people by increasing the number of these ‘free loaders’ from 543 to 850. After all, their salary, pension, and other perks come out of the pockets of us taxpayers. Each MP costs the citizens of India Rs 48 lakh per year. And where would this stop?
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Women’s quota debate
The proposed amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and the plan to increase Lok Sabha seats to accommodate 33 per cent reservation for women require careful reconsideration. While women’s representation is essential, expanding seats to 850 based solely on population may deepen regional imbalances between northern and southern states. There is also concern about the financial burden on taxpayers, who already fund salaries and perks of MPs, despite low attendance and frequent disruptions in parliamentary sessions. Promised measures such as pay cuts for absentee members remain unclear in implementation. Reservation for women could be introduced within the existing 543 seats, as suggested by some leaders. Political parties should also demonstrate commitment by fielding more women candidates in elections. A balanced and inclusive approach, with thorough discussion among all stakeholders, is necessary before implementing such significant constitutional changes.
N Mahadevan, Chennai
Summer worries
The news report ‘5 of 7 major dams below 50% as summer intensifies’ (NT, April 16, 2026) is an annual feature that starts alarm bells ringing in Goa every summer without any counter measures undertaken by the Water Resources Department (WRD) to reduce the high evaporation losses caused by high temperatures. As a result, millions of litres of drinking water are lost, causing hardship to the people who are already experiencing acute water shortage all the year round. While there are several methods to reduce evaporation losses, one of the most effective and affordable means was found to be the spraying of Cetyl alcohol over lakes which acts as a thin protective film on the water surface and reduces evaporation losses by up to 40-50 per cent.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Cause for alarm
News reports on the current water situation should certainly be a cause for alarm. We need to understand that unless we take up measures to stop the destruction of nature we are going to face many more such issues in the near future. And this is the situation not just in Goa but in several other cities like Mumbai as well. We let the excess rainfall pass down the drains instead of preserving it for future use. And when summer approaches we eagerly look forward to the monsoon. The earth is crying for attention.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Waterbodies in crisis
Waterbodies in the state are facing an unprecedented crisis. Pollution in these water sources is escalating at an alarming rate, and without immediate remedial action, they may soon be irreparably damaged. The problem begins with the unchecked flow of untreated sewage into rivers, lakes, and coastal waterbodies. The Sal river is choking under the weight of untreated sewage. The water is contaminated threatening aquatic life as also locals depending on the river. In the case of Mala lake, the lack of oxygen has led to the death of several fish species. Sewage and industrial effluents that flow unchecked into these waterbodies create a suffocating environment for marine life. St Inez creek, once a beautiful waterway, has now been reduced to an open sewer. A video has recently surfaced, showing a tanker unloading industrial effluents into an irrigation canal adjoining the Cuncolim Industrial Estate. Authorities need to take immediate remedial steps to address the root causes of pollution, enforce existing environmental regulations, and develop long-term strategies for preserving these vital resources.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Tackling haemophilia
On the occasion of the World Haemophilia Day today, I would like to point out that Frank Schnabel Lloyd, himself a haemophilia patient, founded the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) in 1963, and went on to become a trendsetter in creating acute awareness about the disorder. A genetic bleeding disorder, haemophilia has suffered from an acute dearth of knowledge. Obviously, a condition where blood clotting is affected by the scarcity of clotting factors – proteins that control bleeding – should evince researchers’ interest. An excruciating pain in and around the joints due to internal bleeding is common. Over 70 per cent remain undiagnosed alright but a lot can be done to reduce the disorder’s repercussions.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
