As New Year kicks in, government and people must resolve to improve happiness index
There is something special about January 1. It feels like a fresh start. There is positivity and exuberance in the air. The day is marked by jubilations and festivities as the world steps into yet another year at midnight.
New Year celebration is filled with symbolism – a chance to make a fresh beginning and leave the past mistakes behind. It is also a day for introspection. The day also represents hope and optimism for the future. New Year celebrations also foster a sense of unity, bringing people together across cultures. People also look forward to the opportunities and possibilities that the new year would bring. And many make New Year resolutions. What it means is planning for the new year – whether it is something completely new e.g. to learn a new professional skill or to stop a bad habit e.g. to quit smoking. But how you set the goals is the key to success. This is also true for any government.
It has been a mixed bag for Goa in 2024. While we saw some major infrastructural facilities commissioned, the state also went through a rough patch. The big-ticket infra projects have come thanks to the central government. It is good that the ministry of road transport and highways is with Nitin Gadkari, who is from the neighbouring state of Maharashtra. The state of the roads was bad in 2024. For the environment, the year was bad. It also saw agitations by citizens against hill-cutting, land conversion, etc. Lungs of Goa are disappearing. The government’s image was hit recently following exposure of the cash-for-government job scam. The escape of the land scam accused made big news as an IRBn constable reportedly escorted him out of the police custody. Fortunately, he was re-arrested. Similarly, there are many issues which
pained us all last year.
If Goa has to become Viksit (developed) by 2037, as stated by the government, then 2025 will be a good year to start preparing for it. We need to know why we failed in the past and how we can do the course correction. This newspaper has listed out sector-wise issues which need attention in 2025. Whatever it is, let us make a new beginning to take Goa forward.
Analysts say that the state has reached a critical stage as it is undergoing major transformation. Concerns have been raised over its demographics, jobs, in and out-migration, dilution of Goa’s identity and peaceful co-existence. Political instability is not an issue in the state and as such, some hard decisions may have to be taken to give a new direction to the state. State’s culture, language, and biodiversity, can be preserved with the support of the state government. Konkani needs a big push in association with the bodies promoting the official language. The quality of education has to be improved and jobs have to be created. The government has to put public transport in place. Illegalities in tourism must be stopped. Goa needs sustainable development. Government actions can improve the happiness index in Goa.
In his New Year message, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said “The New Year gives us hope to look forward to a bright future and explore new opportunities. May 2025 bring new opportunities and success to everyone.” Let’s hope this becomes a reality.
