Brouhaha over memorial
The unwarranted spat between the BJP and Congress over the cremation spot and building of memorial for former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh must not progress further otherwise it will be an insult to the memory of the departed leader who always kept the interest of the nation above all else and never engaged in self-promotion. As it is, Dr Singh is ever alive in all Indians’ hearts and he does not need a memorial at all. He has etched his name in the hearts and minds of people with his simplicity, statesmanship, constructive work, welfare measures and above all the much needed-economic reforms which transformed the Indian economy. The BJP should stop raking up past stories and events of Dr Singh’s tenure to browbeat the Congress.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Taxing times for popcorns
Members of the Goods and Services Tax Council in their collective wisdom came up with three rates of tax for the humble popcorns: 5%, 12% and 18% for plain, branded and caramelised varieties, respectively (NT, December 27, 2024). Are these taxes to discourage people from eating spice/salt//sugar so as not to develop health problems such as hypertension and diabetes? Imagine the time wasted by the council to tax popcorns, a timepass snack for all classes of people, in three different ways. This is corny capitalism! Hope the council will not differently tax candies, chocolates and biscuits based on their sugar and milk contents! The important aspect of not taxing or at least to reduce taxes on insurance and mediclaim policies was again kept in abeyance. People are unaware as to where the priorities of the GST Council rest. Why cannot GST on all food products be uniform, at say 5%? This would be convenient for manufacturers, sellers and customers. On some products the government may lose tax but overall, revenue would be higher as turnover and sales are generally higher from commonly used/consumed food products.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Not a gainful year
As we review and take stock of the happenings during the year 2024, one can say with a certain amount of certainty that life for the common man in Goa was neither fulfilling nor satisfying. Besides the ever-increasing spurt in the prices of essential commodities that have burned a hole in the common man’s pocket, we have witnessed unprecedented unemployment, and an unending series of scams, the lackadaisical attitude and un-kept promises by the government, which have called for a change of leadership by Opposition parties. Foreign tourist footfalls have also seen a sharp drop due to high hotel room rates, unaffordable taxi fares, and poor hygiene on beaches. We have undertaken projects like Smart City and the elevated corridor in Porvorim, which are bringing a lot of hardship and misery to the locals through traffic chaos and dust pollution. The condition of roads is no better – potholes on roads are proving dangerous to motorists. Moreover road accidents and deaths due to reckless and drunk driving have seen a rise. All is not hunky-dory, as it is made out to be. We can therefore hope that 2025 proves to be a better one that brings happiness and cheer to all in Goa.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
ADR revelations
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has reported that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is the richest Chief Minister in India and Mamta Banerjee of West Bengal as the poorest. These revelations have been made based on their declaration of assets and liabilities submitted during the assembly elections. It would be good if the ADR comes out with a report giving year-wise details of their assets and liabilities. There could be some MLAs and MPs, who must have amassed wealth in the names of their kith and kin. Hence the ADR should come out with a state-wise comprehensive analysis to educate the voters.
N Mahadevan, Chennai
Pak-Bangladesh bonhomie
In the wake of the toppling of the Sheikh Hasina government and worsening relations between India and Bangladesh, a defence agreement between Pakistan and Bangladesh on giving Bangladesh Army training has caused serious security concern for India. The proposal put forward by Pakistan was accepted by Bangladesh as the latter sees it as an opportunity to improve the relations. The new deal between the two armies was made against the backdrop of close alignment between the two countries and India’s strained relations with Bangladesh. Top Pakistani Army officers will train their Bangladeshi counterparts. India is worried that the Pakistani officers may instill anti-India ideology in Bangladeshi soldiers. India has always held the opinion that Pakistan is plotting terrorism in India. China has been building pressure on northeastern states, so Pakistan, a major ally of China may pose security challenge to North-East India.
Venu GS, Kollam
