Contractor Raj
Some decades back, to start businesses, industries, manufacturing etc licences from different departments were needed. To obtain these, there were ‘hidden’ charges to be paid beyond the official amount. Once the enterprise was up and running, various inspectors would visit (with or without announcement) to check if everything had been carried out as per the laws, maintenance of quality, whether sales tax and octroi were paid on the produced goods. In the last few years has come the ‘Contractor Raj’. These new ‘rajas’ are making money hand-over-fist since the government is gung-ho on creating world-class infrastructures: bridges, dams, highways, flyovers, railway projects and whatnot. These are essential; but is there a mechanism of checks and balances? Apparently not, going by reports of newly built roads caving in, formation of potholes; bridges that collapse in a few days, improperly planned and built bridges, and bridges to nowhere; landslides near tunnels and so forth. A mind-boggling amount of Rs 6.7 lakh per metre was the cost of the expressway between Lucknow-Kanpur which crumbled within 15 days of inauguration. To dry the repaired portion the contractor used 10 pedestal fans!
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Education first
The job of the government is to improve facilities in schools and colleges, ensure that the standard of education is top notch, create an environment that attracts the best teachers, maintain enough teachers in classrooms with a healthy teacher/student ratio, and ensure that students are prepared for competitive examinations through their school/college education itself. It is not to start ‘coaching classes’. Where is the bandwidth? They had earlier branded coaching class operators as the ‘education mafia’. Children go to coaching classes because they find education in schools “not good enough” for their future. But why do we expect someone who knows nothing about education, and is surrounded by a coterie of criminals and obsequious yesmen, to actually improve the education system? It would work against him. But things would drastically change here onwards. Gen Z and Gen Alfa have sounded the bugle of change.
Rekha Sarin, Benaulim
Poverty report
I think every village panchayat must prepare its own report on the eradication of poverty in India since Independence. This should be a genuine report on existing poverty, although some reports claim India is closer to ending extreme poverty than at any point since 1947. The 1991 market reforms shifted India away from a centralised economy and unlocked massive entrepreneurial and productivity growth. Direct benefit transfers, subsidised food programmes, rural housing, sanitation, clean cooking fuel and widespread banking access through Jan Dhan Yojana have improved basic living standards and reduced leakages. However, challenges remain. Multidimensional deprivation still exists. While absolute income poverty may be near elimination, millions lack robust healthcare, quality higher education and resilient livelihoods. A large segment remains just above the extreme poverty line and can fall back due to economic shocks, inflation or climate disruptions.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Respect rule of law
The dismissal by the South Goa sessions court of the anticipatory bail application filed by individuals in connection with an FIR registered by the Sanguem Police has once again brought into focus the need for citizens to respect the rule of law and the authority of the police. The case relates to allegations of obstructing police personnel while they were discharging their duties. The conduct of the applicants at the police station, portions of which have gone viral on social media, is deeply concerning. Regardless of the circumstances that may have led to the confrontation, intimidating or obstructing police personnel cannot be considered acceptable behaviour in a democratic society governed by law. If police personnel are routinely subjected to intimidation, threats or obstruction while performing their duties, it can seriously undermine their authority and confidence. Disagreement, if any, must be resolved through dialogue and not through confrontation or intimidation.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Regulate ecotourism
Tourists throng popular tiger reserves between February to July as chances of sighting the big cats are higher when they visit the water holes. During the monsoon, although the core tiger zones are closed for safaris but still visitors take their chances. Tiger safaris don’t ruffle the majestic animals as much as the ‘resort tourism’ does. A few establishments are tantalisingly close to the core areas. Luxurious weddings and musical events are conducted in posh resorts thereby disturbing ecotourism. Loud music and nuisance created by the people apart, rush of vehicular movements in and out of national parks tend to greatly perturb the tigers and other big cats.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
