School safety
The Goa government should enforce a rigorous audit framework targeting government buildings over 30 years old to identify hazardous conditions as early as possible. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant should order safety reviews for pending campuses to be expedited to ensure a safer classroom environment. The Director of Education should complete this task and maintain all records for perusal. The state government manages the renovation and reconstruction of old school buildings through phased initiatives led by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) and the Public Works Department (PWD). In order to address the ageing structures, the state has actively accelerated structural safety audits and allocated funding to overhaul dilapidated primary, high and higher secondary campuses. Many ageing structures undergo complete roof replacements, utilising double-skin insulated metal sheeting rather than piecemeal repairs. The upgrades also include standardising essential facilities like clean water supply, modern toilet blocks and electricity. However, priority should go to the old, ageing walls and roofs of the educational institutions, and all old trees standing near school classrooms should be chopped down before they collapse.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Sugar prices
Antoine Lavoisier, one of the finest scientists the world was fortunate to have, stated in plain terms: “In the universe, nothing is created, nothing is lost, everything is transformed.” Perhaps we could use his principle to describe the chemistry of sugar. Sugarcane is grown in various parts of India. It requires plenty of water to cultivate. The sugar in the sugarcane chemically consists of 12 parts of carbon, 22 parts of hydrogen and 11 parts of oxygen. Theoretically at least, 12 litres of water go into producing one litre of sugarcane juice. Moreover, sugarcane fields must accumulate substantial water so that the roots can absorb the required amount – a challenge made harder, as rains have been at least 25% deficient so far this year. It is pertinent to understand that sugarcane juice is first used to manufacture sugar, after which the remaining sugar content goes into molasses, from which ethyl alcohol or ethanol is obtained through fermentation. Over the past year in India, sugarcane production fell 37 lakh tonnes short of the estimated quantity, resulting in decreased sugar output. Consequently, prices have shot up from Rs 50 to Rs 70 per kilogram. This surge in sugar prices will substantially affect all products using sugar, including sweets, sweetened carbonated water, biscuits and chocolates. To reduce the burden on the common man, the 5% GST levied on sugar could be suspended for the upcoming festive season.
Ryan Ferreira Rodrigues, Panaji
Linguistic coexistence
The language issue in Goa has once again assumed political significance with the Assembly elections approaching. While language is undoubtedly an important component of cultural identity, it should not be allowed to become a source of permanent friction or an instrument of electoral politics. Konkani is unquestionably the dominant indigenous language of Goa and enjoys the status of the state’s official language. At the same time, the existing legal framework permits the use of Marathi for certain official purposes. The demand for recognition of the Roman (Romi) script for Konkani also deserves sympathetic consideration, particularly because a large section of Goa’s Christian community has traditionally used Romi Konkani in religious, cultural and general communication. There is no reason why these different linguistic traditions cannot coexist peacefully. Recognising Konkani as Goa’s official language need not amount to denying Marathi its historical and cultural importance. Likewise, giving due consideration to Romi Konkani need not diminish the importance of Konkani in the Devanagari script. The language itself should be the common denominator, rather than its script becoming a cause for division. Those advocating a greater role for Marathi in Goa should also appreciate that Marathi is already the official language of neighbouring Maharashtra. A practical and conciliatory approach would be to accept the pre-eminent position of Konkani in Goa while ensuring that Marathi speakers are able to preserve and freely practise their linguistic and cultural traditions.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Preventable tragedies
Another day, another all too familiar story: a building collapse here, a fire – be it in Delhi, Mumbai, Goa or anywhere else. Investigations begin after every tragedy, and the end result seems to be zero. Then, yet another tragedy captures our eyeballs. So where does all this end? The authorities need to go to the root of all such tragedies. It is the responsibility of the civic bodies to stem the rot at the initial stage itself. Why do unauthorised or illegal structures crop up anywhere and everywhere? Sincerity on the part of civic authorities and constant monitoring are necessary, or else nothing is going to change. Tragedies like these will continue to happen.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
