Save the Goan youth
The rise in youth suicides across Goa demands immediate public and administrative intervention. Driven by academic pressure, unemployment, financial stress, and relationship issues, many young people are reaching their breaking points. While life’s challenges are inevitable, timely emotional guidance can save lives. We must prioritise mental health by integrating professional counselling facilities into schools, colleges, workplaces, hospitals, and police stations. Trained professionals can help individuals manage anxiety and depression before tragedies occur. This crisis requires a unified response. The government, educational institutions, and community organisations must collaborate to de-stigmatise mental health and guarantee easy access to support systems. Our youth are the backbone of our families and the future of our nation; their well-being is paramount. I urge the authorities concerned to urgently strengthen counselling services across Goa. A healthier, more resilient society starts with timely support.
Evaristo Fernandes, Merces
Police excesses
The recent decision of the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) to take suo motu cognisance of allegations of police brutality involving five persons, including a minor, has once again brought the issue of custodial conduct and human rights safeguards into public focus. According to reports, the victims were allegedly stripped, assaulted and humiliated while in police custody. The seriousness of the allegations prompted the suspension of some police personnel pending inquiry. Earlier, the GHRC had intervened in the Mapusa youth death case, where observations by the commission and media reports pointed to the presence of ante-mortem injuries on the deceased. Questions were raised about whether the injuries were the result of assault while the youth was in police custody. The vast majority of police personnel perform their duties to the best of their abilities. However, isolated incidents of custodial abuse can severely damage public trust in the institution. One of the most effective tools available today for establishing the truth is CCTV surveillance.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Rethink on DRS
The Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) pertains to return of recyclable materials (cans, bottles etc.) on which an extra amount (Rs 2 to Rs 10) would be charged to the consumers. The money would be refunded to those who return the materials. A Bengaluru-based company bagged the contract to install 300 reverse vending machines (RVM) in Goa. People are opposed to the scheme due to several constraints that will hamper the return of and claim refund on the materials. Yet, the government claims that several panchayats have agreed to install the reverse vending machine. For some unknown reasons, the DRS is being imposed in the state. There needs to be a rethink on the scheme. Instead of initially charging the consumers, those who return the materials could get a refund (Rs 2 or Rs 3) for all types of recyclable products. This will encourage consumers and environmentally-conscious people and rag-pickers to use the RVM.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
India and FIFA World Cup
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup showcases the rise of several small and relatively impoverished nations, an uncomfortable question confronts Indian football: why does a country of more than a billion plus people continue to struggle even at the Asian level. India, by contrast, has long suffered from inadequate infrastructure, limited football participation in many states, expert coaching and administrative shortcomings. The recently concluded Indian Super League season witnessed noticeably lower attendance at many stadiums, raising concerns about the league’s ability to sustain fan interest and grow football’s popularity in the country. On the other hand, the IPL matches saw vast attendance and attracted sponsorship and public investment than it deserved. For decades, states such as West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa have been the heartlands of Indian football, consistently producing some of the country’s finest players. Their rich football culture, passionate fan base, and strong grassroots traditions have helped sustain the sport even when national results have been disappointing. India’s football revival is unlikely to come from population size alone.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Give a leg-up to football
The step-motherly treatment meted out to football—the world’s most beautiful game—while cricket enjoys an absolute monopoly over state funding and media coverage is a systemic tragedy. It is deeply frustrating that despite immense local talent, over 90 per cent of our stadiums remain neglected dirt tracks rather than playable grounds. The government’s near-zero budget allocation for football reveals a complete lack of political will to foster any sport outside the cricket ecosystem. To break this stagnation, the government must ensure the construction of at least one high-quality synthetic turf in every district.
Vijaykumar HK, Raichur
