Repair roads
Only a few continuous heavy showers at the start of monsoon have caused massive potholes along the Chogm road from the O’Coqueiro junction in Porvorim to the Calangute church. Even worse, the stretch from the Florentine restaurant area in Saligao up to the Calangute police station has sunk badly on one side, leading to major safety concerns. This very stretch was hot-mixed this May. The reason these roads ruined so quickly after a little rain is because they were dug up multiple times for underground electricity and water pipeline work. Then, right before the monsoon, they were hurriedly restored in an unprofessional and shabby manner. The government has an obligation to fix the roads properly and provide decent roads to the taxpayers.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Reminder to govt
Justice Jamdar of the Bombay High Court questioned the government, “What is this? Are all citizens being made slaves of the Indian government, can they not stage protests or agitate?” He outrightly quashed an order of externment against an ‘accused’ for raising anti-government slogans. He also quizzed the prosecution as to why year-long externment was ordered under the Maharashtra Police Act in the first place. The judge mentioned that the petitioner had only raised some slogans against the government and a minister. The judge said that citizens are perfectly within their rights to protest against the government. His order citing Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India said that not only do citizens have the freedom to express their opinion but also to live with dignity. What should have been a routine judicial affirmation of the constitutional right to protest now feels extraordinary. This says much about the times we live in. When dissent is criminalised and increasingly treated as a law and order issue rather than a democratic right, such reminders from the judiciary matter.
Misha, Varca
Road rage
The frequency with which road rage incidents are reported across India is a cause of great disquiet. Shameless display of temper tantrums, gestures and verbal assaults can harm other motorists as well. The general decrease in tolerance levels has resulted in people blowing hot and cold at the slightest pretext. When the sudden violent behaviour turns physical, it is time for law enforcers to take over. Most offenders have anger issues. Anger is a powerful emotion, but it is not to be used in a negative way. If one cannot win an argument, it is better to ignore and march ahead. If things turn nasty, it is imperative to lock the doors of the vehicle, avoid moving to isolated spots and drive to the nearest police station. Since routine road rage incidents rarely reach the police, habitual offenders remain emboldened. A couple of years ago, the Karnataka government had announced the opening of rowdy sheet on road rage perpetrators depending on intensity of the offence and the level of intimidation.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Foreign contributions
The debate surrounding the amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) has generated considerable discussion, particularly among some Christian organisations. In my view, the primary objective of these amendments is to strengthen transparency and accountability in the use of foreign contributions. The revised provisions require organisations receiving foreign funds to route them through a designated FCRA account at the State Bank of India in New Delhi. They also restrict cash withdrawals and transfers to personal bank accounts, require funds to be used only for their intended purposes and limit administrative expenditure to 20% of the foreign contributions. These measures appear to be aimed at improving financial oversight and reducing the possibility of misuse of the funds. If these reforms promote greater accountability, they should be welcomed by all organisations that operate honestly and in accordance with the law. Any concerns regarding the implementation of the Act should certainly be discussed, but such discussions should be based on facts rather than misinformation. Religious and charitable institutions have an important responsibility to uphold integrity and transparency. Their leaders should encourage informed public dialogue and ensure that their followers understand both, the legal requirements and the reasons behind them. India’s laws should protect the freedom of genuine charitable and religious work while ensuring that foreign contributions are received and utilised in a transparent and accountable manner. Such a balanced approach is in the interest of both, the nation and all law-abiding organisations.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
