Tourist rental safety
However, the viral video of the accident involving a rent-a-cab driver on Sirlim road is heartbreaking. Anyone who has seen the clip will agree it is a shocking incident. What makes the incident even more disturbing is that the driver allegedly fled the scene without offering the victim any help. Fortunately, the victim was wearing a helmet, which may have saved her life, though she has undergone surgery for multiple injuries. It is now time for the police to act strictly against rent-a-cab operators and bring in stronger restrictions on vehicle rentals. Vehicles should be rented responsibly, with greater accountability. Groups of young tourists are often seen speeding, and drunk driving is not uncommon. Stricter rules and enforcement can help curb the rising number of accidents in Goa.
The Transport Minister has recently announced the use of AI technology to detect traffic violations. One hopes this will be implemented effectively to penalise offenders and ensure road safety for all.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Protect mango growers
Japan’s recent ban on mango imports from India, ending a 20-year trade relationship over treatment irregularities, exposes a deeper vulnerability for our domestic growers.
While Japan accounts for only a small share of India’s overall mango exports, with the US, UAE and UK dominating the market, the sudden loss of this premium destination has left many farmers reeling. Coupled with a weak domestic market, growers are facing significant financial losses. To safeguard agricultural livelihoods, the government must immediately upgrade vapour heat treatment facilities to address compliance issues. There is also a pressing need to invest in localised processing infrastructure. Converting surplus harvest into value-added products such as pulp and concentrates can help protect farmers from volatile export markets and strict international quarantine restrictions.
Dr Vijaykumar H K, Raichur
Monsoon memories
That was a beautiful piece by Samruddhi Kerkar, In the Embrace of Monsoon, published in the May 28 edition of The Navhind Times.
The monsoon is indeed a cherished season, especially in villages. Her description of the greenery and the little creatures that announce the arrival of the rains took me back to the monsoons of my village, Gorai, in Mumbai. It is always a delight to experience the rains in villages, though we must also contend with the trash the sea washes ashore — something for which humans themselves are responsible.
The monsoon in villages truly reconnects people with nature. We eagerly wait to hear the sound of falling rain and breathe in the scent of wet earth, which makes us feel at one with nature.
Melville D’Souza, Mumbai
Priests’ health matters
The untimely death of Fr Bolmax Pereira due to cardiac arrest and the recent heart attack suffered by Fr Constancio Carvalho, chaplain of Our Lady of Piety Chapel in Calangute, raise an important question about the health and well-being of our Catholic priests. Priesthood today extends far beyond celebrating daily Mass and administering the sacraments. It has become a demanding, multi-tasking vocation. Priests are expected to attend parish associations, guide the youth, counsel families, participate in social and cultural activities, oversee administrative responsibilities, and remain constantly available to the faithful.
In fulfilling these responsibilities, many priests work tirelessly, often neglecting their own health. Stress, irregular routines, lack of rest and increasing workloads can lead to serious health complications. One practical step would be regular medical check-ups for all clergy members. The Archdiocese in Goa could appoint a local doctor in every parish to monitor priests’ health. It could also consider establishing a permanent healthcare facility dedicated to the priestly community. Our priests devote themselves selflessly to the spiritual welfare of the faithful. It is therefore our responsibility to ensure they receive proper medical care.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Exam system crisis
This year, nearly 25 per cent of CBSE students — around 4 lakh out of 16 lakh candidates — have sought re-evaluation of their answer sheets. This is unprecedented. The situation has arisen after CBSE introduced the on-screen marking system, where evaluators assess scanned copies instead of physical answer sheets. Meanwhile, the Education Minister has been occupied addressing issues after the payment portal for re-evaluation fees reportedly collapsed. In the age of AI, we are still unable to conduct exams securely or deliver results efficiently. Paper leaks have become alarmingly frequent, and the future of lakhs of students is at stake.
What is equally concerning is that no official has resigned over these repeated failures, while many continue to deny that any leak took place. This is an ominous sign for a country that sees itself as an IT superpower. Students and parents deserve a transparent, accountable and reliable examination system.
Krishnomika, Mumbai
Wealth Divide Worsens
What is truly hurting India’s economy is the growing concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. The top 1 per cent of the population holds nearly 40 per cent of the country’s wealth, while the bottom half possesses just 3 per cent. This reflects a stark wealth imbalance.
Those at the top are often unwilling to invest or expand production because weak consumer demand limits sales. When ordinary people have less spending power, industries hesitate to build capacity or increase manufacturing.
Manufacturing currently accounts for around 14 per cent of GDP, far below the government’s target of 25 per cent under the Make in India initiative.
This creates a vicious cycle. Reduced investment leads to fewer jobs, which in turn lowers incomes and weakens consumption further.
To break this cycle, the government must increase spending in ways that directly put money into the hands of ordinary people. Greater purchasing power at the grassroots can revive demand and stimulate growth.
Large infrastructure projects may bring visibility, but economic growth must also translate into broad-based benefits for the common citizen. Unless growth becomes more inclusive, inequality will continue to deepen.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
