A Budget of optics, not outcomes
The Union Budget 2026–27 is a masterclass in theatrical incrementalism. While the three kartavyas sound lofty, the fiscal arithmetic tells a story of stagnation. The increase in public CAPEX to Rs 12.2 lakh crore is a welcome nudge, but it feels like a band-aid on a bullet wound when the fiscal deficit remains at 4.3% and the debt-to-GDP ratio is an inflated 55.6%. The most glaring omission is the Rs 10,000 crore allocation for SMEs—an amount that is little more than a token gesture for a sector desperately starved of liquidity. Equally troubling is the STT hike to 0.15% on options, a predatory levy on retail investors thinly disguised as a move toward market stability. We are building high-speed rail for the elite while offering modular skill courses to the rural middle class. In the end, this budget delivers high-octane rhetoric but supplies low-octane fuel for genuine, grassroots wealth creation.
Dr Vijaykumar H K, Raichur
Goa’s land and future
Opposition to the proposed Unity Mall has, ironically, united the villagers of Chimbel in an unprecedented way. What began as a local struggle against a single project has now grown into a wider people’s movement, drawing in residents from across Goa who are resisting similar mega projects in their own villages. This collective anger and determination found powerful expression at the Maha-Andolan held at Old Goa on January 30. The Unity Mall represents a model of so-called “development” that prioritises concrete and profits over ecology, heritage, and community well-being. But what is striking is how this resistance has resonated far beyond Chimbel. Villagers from other parts of Goa, facing highway expansions, real estate mega projects and industrial hubs have united to save their land. This ripple effect has exposed the growing disconnect between government-led development narratives and ground realities. Forests are felled, fields are flattened, and villages are turned into construction zones, all in the name of development. Incidentally the movement is not anti-development. Rather it is a demand for responsible, participatory, and sustainable development. Ordinary citizens, farmers, students, professionals, elders and more importantly women are standing together to defend their land and water for future generations. The much talked about “Nari Shakti” was very much in evidence at the Maha-Andolan as women came out in large numbers.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Smooth payments
To avoid inconvenience to citizens at government offices, it is essential to ensure the availability of small-denomination currency for making exact payments. Work is often delayed due to the non-availability of change for prescribed fees. This issue can be addressed by keeping adequate change at the office cash counter or information desk, making digital payments (UPI/QR codes) mandatory, or coordinating with a nearby bank to provide change as required. The Sub-Registrar cum Civil Offices in Bardez (Mapusa) and Tiswadi (Panaji) currently lack digital payment systems such as UPI or QR code facilities. As a result, the public is often asked to wait for change or to provide exact denominations themselves, forcing some citizens to leave the office to break their currency. As many offices as possible should implement QR code and UPI payment facilities, which would reduce the dependence on physical cash. While most government offices now offer online payment options, consideration must be given to senior citizens and those who are not digitally literate. To ensure smooth transactions, small denominations of currency (Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, and Rs. 100 notes or coins) should be made available at cash counters in every government departmental office across Goa. Coordination with nearby nationalised banks should be planned to ensure a regular supply of change for public convenience. Additionally, clear information boards should be installed to guide citizens on the procedure if exact change is not available at certain offices. These measures will save citizens’ time and improve the overall quality of service.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Promises not delivered
This refers to the Supreme Court’s directive to all States and Union Territories to provide free oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins to girl students and gender-segregated toilets for all students. Although menstrual health is a fundamental right, unfortunately, very few governments have implemented this mandate.
A similar situation exists with other civic issues, such as stray dogs or cows roaming city streets—which have even caused fatalities—as well as the poor condition of roads, drainage systems, and other public infrastructure. Ironically, State governments allocate crores of rupees each year for these services, yet much of the funding goes unutilised. It is regrettable that for every basic right of citizens, the Supreme Court is forced to intervene, consuming valuable judicial time, while common citizens’ cases continue to pile up in courts for years.
N Mahadevan, Chennai
