Civic obligation
As the country enters another season of Census and election duties, an unfortunate practice deserves scrutiny: the rush among some government employees to secure exemptions from their assigned responsibilities through influence and personal connections. Government employment comes with its fair share of perks, privileges and job security, which employees are understandably entitled to enjoy. However, employees cannot selectively embrace these benefits while conveniently avoiding the responsibilities that come with public service. Census enumeration and election management are not optional assignments; they are essential national and civic responsibilities. Exemptions from such duties must be granted strictly on legitimate grounds, particularly genuine medical emergencies, and not through political influence or administrative favouritism. Further, where an employee seeks exemption without adequate justification, appropriate financial penalties, including proportionate salary deductions, should be considered after due process. Perhaps then such employees will discover a newfound enthusiasm for performing their duties, even under the unforgiving summer sun. Public service cannot be a one-way arrangement where privileges are claimed enthusiastically, but responsibilities are dodged conveniently. If government employment is a privilege, fulfilling its duties is an obligation.
Sainandan Iyer, Caranzalem
Overloaded risks
The detention of a Nepal-bound tourist bus in Mapusa, reportedly carrying 148 passengers against its permitted seating capacity of 48, has exposed serious concerns over passenger safety and the enforcement of transport regulations. How 148 passengers could possibly be accommodated in a bus designed to carry 48 people is difficult to comprehend. The incident raises questions not only about the audacity of the operators but also about the failure of the authorities to detect such a blatant violation. It is learnt that the passengers included elderly people and children, making the situation even more alarming. Each passenger had reportedly paid Rs 4,000 for the long journey, placing their trust in the bus operator to provide safe transportation. Instead, they were exposed to potentially life-threatening conditions. A vehicle carrying three times its authorised capacity poses an enormous risk, particularly in the event of sudden braking, a road accident or an emergency evacuation. In such circumstances, the consequences could be disastrous, with overcrowding severely hampering the movement of passengers. More disturbing are allegations that payments of approximately Rs 40,000 were made to enable overloaded vehicles to pass without being stopped. If proven, they point towards corruption and a serious breach of public trust. A thorough and impartial investigation is essential to establish the facts and identify those responsible. The authorities must take strict action against the bus operator and anyone found facilitating such illegal practices. Surprise inspections, stricter monitoring and accountability among enforcement personnel are urgently needed. It is better to stop an overloaded bus than to regret a preventable tragedy.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Prompt intervention
​Ever since its launch, Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Gemini, has been my daily companion for answers to my gazillion questions. But last month, it proved to be far more than just a clever digital tool – it helped save my 93-year-old mother’s life. ​In July, my mother suddenly fell ill with uncontrollable shivering, severe vomiting, loss of appetite and acute upper body pain. While she deals with rheumatoid arthritis, she is otherwise remarkably fit, so we initially hoped it was just a passing bug. However, two days later, the acute symptoms returned. ​I rushed her to a local hospital where blood tests for malaria, dengue and general infections came back completely clear. We were sent home, only for the cycle of intense pain and chills to recur a couple of days later. A visit to our family physician and further tests yielded no answers either. ​Desperate for direction, I entered her exact symptoms into Gemini. Within seconds, the AI assistant flagged the issue: it strongly suggested biliary colic caused by gallstones and urged an immediate upper abdominal ultrasound. ​Out of respect for medical authority, I did not mention the AI, but politely asked the doctor’s office if I could get an ultrasound done. After follow-up over two days, I was told it was not required, but I could get it if I wanted. The resulting scan at another hospital confirmed multiple gallstones causing a severe blockage. ​Armed with the ultrasound report, our doctor gave us an admission note. At the hospital he recommended, the surgical team acted swiftly, expertly removing the stones and subsequently her gallbladder. Today, my mother is back home and recovering well. ​While AI can never replace skilled doctors and surgeons, this experience showed me how it may be worthwhile for them as well to turn to AI for answers in cases where the root causes may not be easily discernible despite tests.
Anita Pinto, Baga
