No relief yet for EPS-95 pensioners
We have almost reached the end of the financial year, and as hopes are kept alive for a minimum pension hike for EPS-95 pensioners to Rs 7,500 per month, the central government is yet to give its final nod despite the several assurances by the finance and labour ministers. It is once again pertinent to mention that around 85 lakh pensioners under the EPS-95 government pension scheme have been subsisting on a meagre pension of Rs 1,000 per month since the past 10 years, something akin to living below the poverty line – deprived of the benefits of dearness allowance and Pay Commission hikes that are enjoyed by other government pensioners. It is time for the government to realise this grave injustice caused to EPS-95 pensioners and the hardships they are undergoing in their day-to-day living, and put an end to the long agonising wait.
A F Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Blanket ban on Housie
It is learnt that as the Grande Housie held at Verna appeared to be going from strength to strength, the police have imposed a blanket ban on ‘housie’ in the Vasco police sub-division. A large number of people who had turned up at Verna hoping that there would be ‘housie’ were left disappointed after the police put their foot down. Police officials have said that they have issued instructions to all police stations to stop ‘housie’ in South Goa. It is learnt that the police officials have taken a stand that the ‘housie’ game comes under the Gambling Act and cannot be given the police nod. Be that as it may, ‘housie’ is considered as an innocuous game, once a key ingredient of family get-togethers and social functions. The game of ‘housie’ is played at musical evenings, Konkani tiatrs and other entertainment programmes. It is held even during religious functions. While people are drawn to ‘housie’, the question that arises is whether there is a shift from entertainment to unchecked gambling as far as the game is concerned. Traditionally ‘housie’ serves as a communal bonding activity and has only recreational value. However, the recent increase in prize money has raised eyebrows and has become a cause for concern. The substantial cash prize at stake has altered the game’s character dramatically. A blanket ban on the ‘housie’ game does not appear to be the way to go forward.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Extraditing fugitives
Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi is currently living in Antwerp, Belgium, after securing a residency card in the country, according to reports in foreign media. Indian authorities have requested the Belgian government to initiate extradition proceedings against him. Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, Vijay Mallya are some of the other prominent absconders who have winged it to foreign shores with the Indian government making nil or lackadaisical attempts to get them back to answer for their crimes. Too many skeletons will tumble out of the closet if these men, on the run, are brought back, many politicians and other influential people who have enjoyed their hospitality may face the heat. There was an earlier botched attempt to kidnap and bring Choksi back, a special plane carrying Indian CBI officials was sent to Antigua and the Dominican Republic to execute the plan, but Choksi gave them the slip. Choksi is wanted in India in connection with the Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case. His wife is a Belgian citizen, which makes it easier for him to seek refuge/permanent residency in Europe. It is thought that Choksi is now planning to move to Switzerland on medical grounds. All this makes it much tougher for this criminal to be extradited.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Kamra’s comment
Kunal Kamra’s satirical remark about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde shows how intolerance can rise beyond police cases into vandalism and open intimidation to assert political dominance. In an attempt to throw vicarious blame on the venue rather than the performer, a group attacked ‘Habitat’, the studio where Kamra had performed, in a strange act of misguided revenge. Though defamation charges can only be initiated by the aggrieved party and not by the police, the Mumbai police booked Kamra under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to promoting enmity, causing public mischief as well as defamation. The Supreme Court has warned the central and state governments in strict language against the violation of Articles 14 (Right to Equality), 19 (Right to Freedom), and 21 (Right to Life and Liberty) by emphasising their importance, which forms the bedrock of fundamental rights, which are collectively known as the ‘Golden Triangle’. Despite this, our culture, which prides itself on being tolerant, lacks common sense. We find it difficult to accept criticisms made against renowned figures, particularly in politics, which reflects our narrow-mindedness. Our Constitution allows for reasonable limits on essential rights where there is good cause. However, under the cover of morality, pride and national identity, we frequently limit individuals’ basic rights.
K V Chandramouli, Mysuru
