Electricity bill
I reside in Mapusa and have been consistently paying all my electricity bills. Usually, my bills range between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000. However, last month, I suddenly received a bill for only Rs 150, followed by a bill of Rs 11,000 this month. What should I make of this situation? When I reached out to the Mapusa electricity department, I was informed that some bills were reversed or revised and that a bundle of bills was issued. However, I did not receive any of these, nor was I provided with any information about the reversal. According to the engineer, we must have consumed that amount of electricity. Surprisingly, my bills were lower during the summer months than in the rainy season. I am certain there is some confusion, and even with increased electricity rates, such a steep rise in the bill amount is unacceptable. I hope the government looks into this issue and takes necessary action.
Rashmi Sopan, Mapusa
Currency scams
Social media has been flooded with buyers of coins and old currency. On Facebook, half of the reels feature buyers offering high prices for these notes and coins. Holders of old currency are enticed with high values promised for a Rs 5 note featuring a tractor image or a Rs 1 coin from the Hyderabad or Calcutta mints. However, several people are asking through posts or videos to sell their coins and currency notes without any registration. People who possess such currency reply online confirming they have it, but the procedure to sell is never disclosed. Consequently, there is a high possibility of fraud or scam, where people may end up paying money instead of getting value for their old coins and currency. The Government of India remains silent on these advertisements, and only the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is issuing warnings to the public to stay alert regarding online scams by fraudsters. The government should issue a formal notice addressing such advertisements that offer cash for old coins and currency. Many people fall prey to these offers and lose their hard-earned money instead of realising any value from their coin collections. It is time for every state to implement strict rules and regulations regarding the exchange of such valuable old coins and currency, as well as to provide a proper, legitimate platform for these exchanges. To date, there is no registration for old currency buyers, and it should be clearly communicated who the real and authorised buyers are.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Control sugar prices
There has been a sharp increase in the price of sugar, with the price reportedly reaching around Rs 80 per kilogram in many parts of India. Sugar is an essential commodity used in almost every household. The rise in its price has placed an additional burden on ordinary people, especially the poor and the middle-class families that are already struggling with the increasing cost of food and other daily necessities. The government should take immediate steps to look into the reasons behind this price rise and prevent hoarding and black marketing. Proper monitoring of the supply chain and effective action against unscrupulous traders are necessary to ensure that sugar remains affordable. I hope the authorities concerned will take urgent action to control the prices and provide relief to consumers.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
Influenza surge
Goa is witnessing a noticeable rise in influenza cases, with doctors reporting a significant prevalence of Influenza A (H1N1), alongside a smaller number of Covid-19 cases and instances of co-infection involving multiple viruses. The development assumes particular significance at a time when thousands of people converge on Vasco for the annual Shree Damodar Bhajani Saptah and its accompanying fair. The fair continues well beyond the seven-day religious observance. Influenza viruses spread primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosols, particularly when people are in close proximity. A crowded fair where people gather in large numbers can provide favourable conditions for respiratory infections to spread. This does not mean that people should panic or avoid an important religious and cultural tradition altogether. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that the recent increase in H1N1 cases is attributable to seasonal influenza and that there is no evidence of a new H1N1 strain in circulation. The simplest precaution is also among the most effective. People who are unwell should stay away from crowded gatherings. For those who cannot avoid visiting the fair, wearing a well-fitting mask is a responsible step. For people who have respiratory symptoms, a mask can help reduce the chances of transmitting infection to others. The elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions deserve particular consideration, as respiratory infections can pose greater risks to vulnerable groups. The authorities and Vasco Saptah fair organisers, too, have a role to play. Crowd management, adequate ventilation where feasible, ready access to drinking water and sanitation facilities, and public messaging about respiratory hygiene can help minimise risks.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
