Intransigent stance
The Goa Transport Aggregators Guidelines 2025 for app-based taxis is all set for a toss, going by the stiff opposition put up by taximen with the support of a few MLAs – the underlying reason being a threat to the livelihood of taxi operators on various counts. I wonder why such things do not happen in other states of the country where the aggregator taxi-app business is flourishing, and people are happy and contented. In Goa it is a different ball game for sure, and it doesn’t matter a bit if the people and visitors to the state are charged exorbitant taxi fares and cheated by unscrupulous taxi drivers, as long as the taxi operators are happy and the vote banks of politicians are secured. It’s a very sad state of affairs indeed.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Don’t doubt EC’s integrity
The Election Commission of India plays a vital role in safeguarding democracy. It operates with autonomy, and its functioning can only be challenged through an election petition—not through public pressure or protests. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common for some political parties to undermine the commission by making baseless allegations and staging dharnas. Such actions are not only irresponsible but also erode public trust in a key democratic institution. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy. Maintaining accurate electoral rolls—by removing names of the deceased or those who have moved, and enrolling new voters—is essential to this process. Citizens, too, have a duty to verify their presence on the rolls. Criticising the commission for carrying out its constitutional mandate is tantamount to weakening the very foundation of our democracy. Protecting democracy means supporting institutions that uphold it—not demonising them.
SND Poojary, Miramar
Go for organ donation
Some of the most powerful gifts come unwrapped—organ donation is one such silent act of generosity that can save lives. Every year in India, over five lakh people die waiting for an organ transplant, with kidneys, livers, and hearts in highest demand. Yet, India’s organ donation rate remains among the lowest globally—not due to lack of medical expertise, but because of hesitation, misinformation, and infrastructural gaps. Many are unaware that a single brain-dead donor can save up to eight lives. Myths, cultural fears, and limited ICU and transplant-ready facilities in smaller towns worsen the crisis. However, states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh have proven that change is possible through strong awareness, coordination, and leadership. Tamil Nadu, for example, has achieved a deceased donor rate nearly seven times the national average.
Diomedes R Pereira, Corlim
Consumers as scapegoats
While the state government is right to worry about electricity theft and revenue loss, it is unfair that domestic consumers—who are generally prompt in bill payments—are often blamed. Immediate disconnection threats are issued for even minor delays, while large defaulters such as industrial units, legislators, and some government bodies continue to misuse power without consequence. Despite repeated changes in meter systems—from analogue to digital to electronic—the financial burden is unjustly passed on to honest households. These changes often raise suspicions of vested interests and profit-driven decisions rather than real reform. Instead of targeting ordinary users, authorities should address systemic issues like outdated infrastructure, faulty meters, and large-scale transmission losses.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Don’t undermine Bengali
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya recently discovered that there is no language called ‘Bengali’, as there exist different dialects, syntax, and speech patterns in it. By this ridiculous logic, it can also be established that there is no language called ‘English’, because it has a multitude of dialects like British, American, etc. Even within these dialects, further regional variations exist such as Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, Yorkshire, etc. In fact, all languages have variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. The contribution of Bengali to the Indian renaissance, freedom movement, and world literature is as vast as the sky. Those, who are trying to undermine it must remember the proverb, “If you spit into the sky, it falls into your eye.”
Sujit De, Kolkata
Ramp up handloom
India’s handloom sector is the world’s largest. An important source of livelihood in rural and semi-rural India, 70 per cent of handloom workers are women. The National Handloom Day was first observed on August 7, 2015. It aims at highlighting the contribution of the handloom sector to country’s socioeconomic development besides preserving and boosting domestic handloom sector. Making people aware of the rich cultural traditions of handloom is crucial for the sector’s sustenance. The Centre should leave no stone unturned in providing further fillip to the native handlooms sector.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
