Swift governance gets outstanding results
A decade back the UGC-NET exams used to be conducted twice a year: June-July and in November-December. The results of the former used to be declared late and by then the circular for the latter date would be announced. Not knowing their fate, lakhs of candidates would fill the form and pay the fees. If they passed the June/July exam, then the money went waste and so too their efforts preparing for the Nov/Dec exams. This resulted in a late registration for doctoral degree and/or to apply for a teaching job. In August 2018, the then Minister of Human Resource Development, Prakash Javadekar and his team set a record by declaring the results in three weeks! Perhaps because of his super-efficiency, he later lost his post! This year the NEET exam of May 3 was compromised in various ways and was reconducted on June 21. The paper-setters were kept in a secret place and were deprived of electronic gadgets so as to cut off the access to the outside world. They were sent back after a day when the exam was over. Leakage of the exam papers of the re-test was not reported as other precautions were taken by the government. Normally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the results to be declared but that of the re-test was declared on July 16 by the National Testing Agency, ie in less than a month. The above examples show that a go-getter person who runs a tight ship can get the job done and the team would follow him/her. Perhaps what is required is a Damocles sword swinging over the concerned ministry or department and the fear of being left out in the cold.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Victory for Democracy
This is with reference to the news report ‘CJP calls off stir as Pradhan quits’ (NT July 26). The resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was on expected lines, but not a day too soon – the inevitable outcome of nationwide protests and demands by thousands of students. For the thousands of students and youth, it is a victory and a day to celebrate, having forced the government at the Centre to kowtow to all their demands after a sustained 36-day protest and brutality unleashed by security forces. Kudos to activist Sonam Wangchuk, who undertook a 22-day fast unto death, and also to Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the CJP, for his tireless efforts in masterminding the protests. Finally, it is a victory for Indian democracy and the people of the country, whose voices and protests for justice have finally borne fruit.
A F Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Rising dengue cases
The recent surge in dengue cases in Porvorim has raised serious public health concerns. According to the Primary Health Centre, eight people have recently tested positive for dengue, prompting health authorities to warn residents about a possible increase in infections. Goa Medical College Hospital has also reported a growing number of patients undergoing treatment for the mosquito-borne disease, indicating that the outbreak is not confined to one locality alone. Experts believe that massive construction activities across the state have contributed significantly to the spread of dengue. In Porvorim, the ongoing construction of the flyover is suspected to have created conditions conducive to mosquito breeding. Water stagnation at construction sites, coupled with inadequate drainage, provides ideal breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary carrier of the dengue virus. Heavy monsoon rains followed by intermittent dry spells have resulted in stagnant pools of water, accelerating mosquito breeding. Construction companies should ensure proper drainage and eliminate stagnant water at worksites. Municipal bodies must intensify regular fogging operations and clean drains. Water should not be allowed to collect in flower pots, coolers, buckets, tyres, or other containers. Using mosquito nets, window screens, repellents, and wearing full-sleeved clothing can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Protect our doctors
Two weeks ago, an incident involving a violent attack on doctors went viral on social media. The incident took place at a hospital in Kalyan-Dombivli, where a pregnant woman was admitted for delivery. As it was a critical case, the patient required a bed in the NICU. However, no bed was available, and the doctor requested the family to shift her to a nearby hospital. Instead, the family contacted local corporator Ramesh Mhatre for help. When he arrived at the hospital, he allegedly assaulted the doctors on duty, slapped one doctor along with three associates, and created chaos in the hospital. The doctors were beaten with a register and abused using filthy language. The matter was taken seriously by the medical fraternity, which approached the High Court. The court rejected his bail and ordered the remand of the accused and the arrest of his three associates, forcing the 73-year-old Ramesh Mhatre to surrender. Today, the question remains: Are doctors on duty safe? When the incident occurred, nobody intervened to stop the goons from physically assaulting doctors.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
