Girish’s return
This refers to the news report ‘Girish plans for 21 Cong seats in 2027 polls to stop poaching’ (The Navhind Times, May 31). Girish Chodankar’s return to Goa after a successful stint in Tamil Nadu is a welcome step and a wise move by the Congress high command. Given his years of experience as president of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), Chodankar can well be likened to a shepherd who knows his flock well, with the “sound and odour of his sheep”. Hence, aspiring for 21 Congress seats in the 2027 Assembly polls should not be a problem, provided there is no infighting or greed among party members, which proved to be the party’s nemesis in the 2022 Assembly polls, with the defection of eight members to the BJP. It is hoped that Girish is able to realise his ambition of bringing the Congress party back to power in Goa with an absolute majority in the 2027 Assembly elections.
A F Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Congress leadership disconnect
The recent decision to remove Amit Patkar as president of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee has once again exposed the disconnect between the Congress high command and its grassroots leadership. What has surprised many party workers is not merely the leadership change, but the apparent lack of consultation with South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes before such a significant decision was taken. Fernandes is not just another party functionary. He is the party’s lone Member of Parliament from Goa and one of its most visible public faces in the state. Political parties function best when communication flows from the grassroots to the leadership. Unfortunately, many Congress workers in Goa feel their voices are neither heard nor valued, and such an approach risks alienating dedicated workers. There are reports of some workers urging Fernandes to resign in protest. However, his response has been measured, stating that he will take a decision at a later stage. His restraint reflects political maturity. The larger issue remains: the Congress party cannot afford to send repeated signals that it does not value or trust its own leaders and workers.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
NEET leak fallout
The NEET-UG paper leak and subsequent cancellation of the examination have severely affected thousands of students, disrupting their academic and professional plans. Students invest enormous time and effort preparing for these highly competitive exams, and delays can cause serious setbacks, including the loss of an academic year. Such disruptions also place an added financial burden on students and their families, especially at a time of rising living costs. It is the responsibility of the education system and the government to ensure examinations are conducted fairly and on schedule. Yet time and again, school-leaving, college and professional entrance exams are disrupted, often due to paper leaks. Preventing such leaks is fundamentally an administrative responsibility, and repeated failures raise serious concerns. Particularly disturbing are reports from the NEET-UG investigation that not only administrative staff but also teachers and professors have been arrested. Equally troubling is that extraordinary arrangements reportedly had to be made to transport question papers for the re-examination. This reflects the scale of the crisis and the urgent need to restore credibility to the examination system. Students deserve better accountability and protection.
S Kamat, Mysore
Regulate rent-a-cabs
With the rise in road accidents involving rent-a-cabs, and with some incidents turning fatal for young people, a serious question now arises: is this system really required in its present form? Ten years ago, the concept of rent-a-cab was not common in Goa, and tourists would hire taxis or travel on sightseeing buses. Today, every tourist, young or old, wants an independent vehicle to tour Goa, whether by renting a car or a bike. Accidents on Goan roads are on the rise due to overspeeding or drunken driving. Many two-wheelers and rental cars are involved in accidents, often claiming innocent lives. If the system is banned, would it be the right move, or would it affect the thousands who depend on this business for their livelihood? As per rules, to register bikes and cars for rental or hire, one must have a registered office with parking space and a minimum number of vehicles. However, many allegedly operate without meeting these requirements. The real question is how responsible and accountable business owners are, along with those involved in accidents. Many tourists from other states come in their own vehicles and do not depend on such facilities. The Goa government should now take a strong stand on rent-a-cab operations and explore alternatives. Rent-a-cabs should be regulated more strictly. There should be clear rules, and any accident involving negligence should invite strict penalties to prevent such incidents.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
