CM DISTRIBUTES 2-WHEELERS TO VETERINARY ESTABLISHMENTS

IMPROVING VETERINARY SERVICES: In a  significant step towards improving veterinary services and promoting the principle of Antyodaya, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant distributed and flagged-off 21 two-wheelers to veterinary establishments at a function  organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, in the presence of  Nilkanth Halarnkar (Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services) at  the Secretariat Complex at Porvorim on August 4, 2023. The CM emphasized the government’s commitment to provide round-the-clock services to its citizens. The distribution of two-wheelers will empower veterinary assistants and doctors to extend their reach, offering crucial treatment and assistance to animals and farmers in need, directly at their doorsteps. This scheme will enhance veterinary services in Goa. Nilkanth Halarnkar shared a welcome speech and announced the forthcoming launch of a veterinary ambulance service in three locations, namely Bicholim, Panaji and Chicalim. Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS, Animal Husbandry Secretary and staff members of the veterinary department were present at the function compered by Brijesh Desai, while the vote of thanks was by Dr Agostinho Misquita (director,  Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services).

ROAD ACCIDENTS

WHAT is the root cause for most road accidents in Goa? Many people have already lost their life across Goa in serious road accidents from January to July 2023. Many say the root cause for this ongoing trend is due to bad roads but I feel the main reason is because people just do concentrate and know the rules of driving or have any respect for the rules.   

 Another reason is free availability of alcohol every few metres throughout Goa. For example, if one goes on a long drive in most villages of Goa (especially along the coastal belt), then one will practically  find not hospitals, medical clinics or pharmacies around but hundreds of bars and liquor outlets (run by outsiders) every few metres almost everywhere.

Our respective governments have not bothered to improve the public transport services in the state. Most people are seen today compulsorily using their own 2/4 wheelers to move around create more chaos on already narrow and congested roads of Goa.   

To make matters worse RTO officials are seen accepting bribes (directly or through a middle agent) and RTO issues permanent licenses even to unfit  people without conducting any tests on their driving skills and other criteria.  

Until the government improves public transport services as a top priority, put  restrictions on easy liquor sales, encourage and promote people to travel by public transportation, there’s going to be more  chaos and accidents. RTO officials too have to be stopped from indulging in their own malpractices. Until all this happens more people are going to die on our roads in Goa.

— Jerry Fernandes, Saligao

VISHWAJIT SETS STANDARD!

 FOREST Minister Vishwajit Rane has very rightly withdrawn his statement against the Goa Foundation. This retraction is a welcome and a commendable step. It is a very rare to see politicians so graciously admit their mistake and other politicians may follow in Vishwajit Rane’s footsteps to set minimum standards to observe and follow.

Politicians must be humble and willing to admit they have slipped up and make apologies or amends in all humility. May all politicians find such a backbone, integrity and honesty!  

–Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar     

IS BJP PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY?

WE in the Aam Aadmi party strongly criticize the BJP government for disallowing the private member resolution on Manipur violence put forth by AAP MLA Engr Cruz Silva. The party has demanded that the Speaker reconsider the resolution and provide adequate time for a meaningful discussion.

AAP leader Adv Amit Palekar expressed his concern over the government’s approach towards democracy, “The BJP government’s actions reflect a lack of belief in democracy. The suspension of entire opposition is an attempt to silence the voice of the people. This is not democracy, this is dictatorship.”

Palekar added, “The ruling party’s arrogant behaviour was evident during the High Court’s directions concerning Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas. Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane’s tone showcased the ruling party’s lack of willingness to engage in constructive debates.”

AAP leader Valmiki Naik expressed shock over the suspension of the entire opposition during the assembly session, stating, “The  BJP government’s actions indicate a desire to eliminate the opposition altogether. They either try to buy MLAs
 or suspend opposition MLAs to suppress voices that are inconvenient for them.”

Naik demonstrated AAP’s commitment to democracy and role of opposition by highlighting an incident in the Delhi Assembly where AAP allowed the opposition BJP MLAs to introduce a no-confidence motion against the AAP government, despite not having enough MLAs as per the rules. He compared this democratic conduct by AAP with the BJP’s anti-democratic behaviour in Goa assembly as well as Rajya Sabha where their MP Sanjay Singh was suspended for the entire monsoon session.

Reading out the Private Member Resolution, Naik emphasized its purpose to condemn violence and appeal to Manipur citizens to maintain peace. “This is one of the best resolutions introduced in this session as per  the assembly rules and criteria for drafting such resolutions. Why did the BJP disallow it? Why does BJP not want to condemn the violence in Manipur? Why does BJP not want to appeal to all sections of Manipur  society to maintain peace and harmony? Why does BJP not want to maintain law and order?” 

AAP leader Ramrao Wagh questioned the BJP’s contradictory approach citing a recently passed resolution on the banned BBC documentary which violated all the rules of drafting resolutions but was still allowed and discussed for a long time. He emphasised the importance of discussing the pressing matter of Manipur’s tense situation. Responding to a question about the Nuvem MLA’s comment calling the uproar a drama, Wagh challenged him to go to his own constituency and say to people of Nuvem that Manipur is not important for him.

AAP leaders urge the speaker to reconsider his stance and uphold the principles of democracy by allowing open discussions on crucial issues affecting the nation.–AAP Media Cell, Goa