Ro-Ro relief
Launching a Ro-Ro ferry service from Miramar to Reis Magos would bring major traffic relief to the Mandovi bridges and the Betim-Malim road stretch. Currently, anyone travelling from Miramar or Caranzalem to Reis Magos, Nerul or Candolim area has to drive a vehicle through the Panaji city and across the heavily congested Mandovi bridges and then travel along the river’s northern bank. A direct river crossing would bypass Panaji city traffic entirely. Commuters now spend roughly 20 to 30 minutes, an hour or even longer during peak tourist season, making this loop by road, whereas a Ro-Ro vessel could complete the direct crossing across the mouth of the river in under 10 minutes. This would effortlessly link major tourism hubs, allowing travellers to hop directly between the Miramar Beach and historic landmarks like the Reis Magos Fort and the adjoining villages.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
LPG scheme
Rollout of the promised three LPG cylinders with Rs 3,000 Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has raised more questions than answers among beneficiaries. While the scheme is being presented as a major welfare measure, there appears to be considerable confusion regarding eligibility, documentation and the manner in which applications are being collected. One of the foremost concerns is whether beneficiaries already receiving assistance under the Dayanand Social Security (DSS) Scheme are also entitled to the Rs 3,000 DBT. The government should issue a clear, written clarification so that genuine beneficiaries are neither excluded nor made to run from pillar to post for information. There is also confusion over the effective date of the scheme. If the measure is intended to fulfil an election commitment made in 2022, will eligible families receive the benefit retrospectively from 2022 or will the entitlement commence only from the date of implementation? The short deadline for submission of forms has added to the confusion. Reports of forms being distributed and collected through political representatives, including MLAs and their local networks, particularly in large housing societies, have understandably raised concerns about transparency and equal access. A government welfare scheme should ideally have a simple, uniform and a publicly accessible application process rather than leaving citizens dependent on political intermediaries. If the scheme is genuinely intended to benefit households, the process must be transparent, time-bound and non-discriminatory. The government would do well to extend the submission deadline, publish the eligibility criteria prominently, establish adequate help desks and provide an online mechanism for applications and status tracking.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Remembering Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy was one of the greatest and influential novelists of all time. His novels have been described as ‘pieces of life’ rather than works of art. The Russian was a master of realist fiction. Between 1863 and 1877, a slew of Tolstoy’s outstanding works saw the light of day but ‘War and Peace’ and ‘Anna Karenina’ were masterpieces. While the former vividly depicted the impact of wars during the times of Napolean Bonaparte, the latter dug deep into family love, emotions and morality. He is credited with analysing “conscious mental life”. No less a person than Mahatma Gandhi was heavily influenced by Tolstoy’s views on peaceful resistance and simple living. The great writer, who was born on September 9, 1828, lived a life full of ups and downs but nevertheless meaningful.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Yash’s success
Goa’s ace squash player Yash Fadte has once again shown that talent, determination and perseverance can overcome formidable odds. His triumph at the RPM Power Aarhus Open in Denmark on Monday marks a significant milestone in the career of the Vasco-based player. Yash produced an impressive run defeating Denmark’s No. 1 Magnus Laursen in the final. But behind this latest success lies a story of struggle and perseverance. Despite rising steadily through the ranks and winning numerous championships and medals, the young Goan squash player had, for much of his journey, to pursue his ambitions reportedly without the financial backing he deserved from the Goa government. Yet Yash continued to compete and win, driven largely by his own determination and support of his parents. They stood behind him through the difficult years, helping him continue a journey that demanded enormous sacrifice, commitment and faith. In July 2026, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reportedly presented the Excellence in Sports Award, along with financial assistance of Rs 12.50 lakh, to Yash Fadte’s family in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contribution to Indian squash. More importantly, the Chief Minister assured Yash of additional special financial support towards his preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
