Admin developments ahead of state elections
The recent promotion of officers to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) has been noted within the department. Promotions are a routine and necessary part of service administration, contributing to continuity and leadership development. At the same time, the manner and timing of such exercises naturally invite reflection on their wider effects. The SP rank carries important responsibilities and is generally associated with experience and leadership. When promotions are undertaken in larger numbers, it becomes important that established principles of assessment and progression continue to be clearly reflected, so that confidence in the system remains steady. There has also been some discussion regarding career progression opportunities across different wings of the force, including the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn). Ensuring balanced avenues for advancement is often viewed as helpful in maintaining cohesion and morale within the organisation. As the Legislative Assembly elections approach, administrative decisions tend to receive closer attention from both within and outside the institution. During such periods, it is often expected that newly promoted officers will play a constructive role in supporting administrative continuity and effective law enforcement. In this context, added emphasis on transparency, consistency, and procedural clarity can help reinforce institutional credibility and public confidence. Overall, careful calibration of promotion processes supports professionalism, organisational harmony, and the long-term strength of the service.
Adv Shashank Narvekar, Mapusa
Sham promotions
Congratulations to the promoted officers. However, the manner in which these promotions have been carried out has turned the entire process into a farce. Promoting 19 officers at one go makes no meaningful distinction and seriously undermines the dignity of the post. It has also caused deep frustration among IRBn officers, whose legitimate vacancies have been taken away to accommodate these promotions. Such actions do not strengthen the system; instead, they encourage subservience and servility at the cost of professionalism.
Bosco George, Siridao
Bank strike
Banking services across the country are reportedly set to be disrupted next week, with the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) calling for a nationwide one-day strike on January 27. The strike which falls immediately after the weekend and Republic Day national holiday will cause inconvenience to customers requiring in-person banking services. Ironically the strike is being observed to press for the long-pending demand of a five-day working week for bank employees. While digital banking may have lessened the inconvenience due to bank strikes in recent years, prolonged bank closures still expose vulnerabilities for ordinary citizens, small businesses, and cash-dependent sectors. For the average citizen, the most immediate concern during a bank shutdown is access to cash. Salaried employees, pensioners, daily-wage earners, and senior citizens often rely on physical banking channels for withdrawals, deposits, and grievance redressal. The fear that ATMs will go dry is not unfounded. ATMs operate on replenishment cycles managed by banks and cash-handling agencies. During extended shutdowns ATM refilling can lag behind. Panic withdrawals can further accelerate cash depletion. ATMs running dry are preventable with advance planning. Banks are responsible for ensuring adequate cash availability during shutdowns, especially when the strike is announced well in advance. The right of bank employees to protest is legitimate, but so is the public’s expectation of uninterrupted access to essential financial services. The strike is ill-timed from a public convenience viewpoint.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Sunita Williams’ legacy
Sunita Williams who retired from NASA after 27 years of meritorious service leaves behind a spaceflight legacy. Sunita spent more than 600 days in space and took part in nine spacewalks. She also became the first person to run a marathon in space. When she was stranded in space it was a test of her patience and fortitude. She will continue to be an inspiration for millions of people across the world. She encourages space exploration by inspiring youngsters to pursue careers in space sector. She is excited about the rapid growth and innovations in India’s space missions. She is an advocate for the collaboration between India and the USA in space missions. She sees a lot of opportunities in the commercialisation of space. Sunita Williams’ life and career serve as a source of inspiration for our creative minded youth who are passionate about science and technology. Let our education system take cue from her career and give
importance to scientific applications and explorations in the education system. The achievements of such great people help educationists and policy makers to redesign our education system.
Venu G S, Kollam
