Konkani disregarded
Anyone visiting banks, whether public or private, and post offices in Goa will notice that many employees can communicate only in Hindi and their native state language. While Hindi has its place, it is unacceptable that many staff cannot converse in Goa’s official language, Konkani, or communicate effectively in English. This creates unnecessary inconvenience for customers. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant frequently emphasises the need to preserve and promote Konkani in official functioning. However, these commitments should extend to public-facing institutions such as banks and post offices. Would neighbouring states like Maharashtra or Karnataka accept a similar disregard for their official languages? This issue also highlights Goa’s unemployment concerns. Prioritising the recruitment of qualified local candidates would improve communication while creating employment opportunities for Goans. The government must move beyond rhetoric and enact strict measures to ensure Konkani is genuinely implemented in all public services.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Congress at crossroads
The Congress in Goa appears to be facing another phase of uncertainty, with reports of internal differences over leadership and organisational direction. Allegations against a recently reappointed state leader, raised by senior party members, warrant transparent examination to preserve public trust. The leader had earlier accepted responsibility for the party’s poor electoral performance in a state once considered its stronghold. Recent political developments, including defections, leadership changes and the return of former leaders despite earlier assurances against welcoming defectors, have left many workers and supporters questioning the party’s consistency and commitment to its principles. Such reversals risk weakening the party’s credibility and morale. To regain public confidence, the Congress must strengthen internal democracy, uphold ideological clarity and ensure consistency in its decisions. Unity and transparent leadership are essential if it hopes to emerge as a credible alternative.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Port funding
The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has 11 berths, of which eight already operate under the public-private partnership model, while two remain under government control for strategic and essential services. Berth 9 is proposed for redevelopment into a modern multi-cargo terminal. It is therefore surprising that the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways recently stated that the Centre cannot provide the requested Rs 1,300 crore for this project, citing reduced allocations to the Sagarmala Mission due to the West Asia crisis. Considering the Mission’s overall investment plan of Rs 6.06 lakh crore, this explanation raises legitimate concerns. The minister instead advised MPA to seek alternative funding for redeveloping Berth 9 and dredging the approach channel. This has led to questions over whether the Centre is indirectly encouraging further privatisation. The central government should clarify its intentions and ensure that MPA receives adequate financial support to modernise this vital national asset.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
AI-aided farming
Over the past few decades, agriculture in Goa has steadily declined. Paddy fields lie abandoned, traditional farming practices have become economically unsustainable, and many young Goans prefer other careers or overseas employment. Against this backdrop there has been a clarion call for adopting robotics and artificial intelligence-aided farming. It involves using artificial intelligence, robotics, sensors, drones, satellite imagery, and data analytics to improve farming decisions and operations. Instead of relying solely on experience or manual labour, farmers receive real-time information about soil conditions, weather, crop health, irrigation needs, pest infestations, and nutrient deficiencies. AI systems analyse the data and automatically recommend or activate irrigation only when required. The result is higher productivity, lower costs, reduced wastage of water and fertilisers, and healthier crops. Automation can reduce dependence on scarce manual labour. Smart irrigation systems can conserve water during dry spells while preventing overwatering during the monsoon.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
No respect for laws
This is with reference to the news report ‘32 Dudhsagar trekkers fined Rs 16K for track trespassing’ (NT, July 7, 2026). The Railways prohibiting tourists from crossing the railway tracks at Dudhsagar in order to reach the waterfalls is quite understandable. It is of course out of concern for their safety. But thick skinned as our people are in the country, they will do exactly what they are prohibited from doing, disregarding all rules and guidelines. Take for instance, helmets for two-wheeler riders. Many a time, one would find the helmet placed near the feet as if the helmet is meant to protect them. And the strange thing is that offenders don’t mind paying fines but will continue with violations.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
