GOANS EXPECT HALF “PER CAPITA INCOME “IN REALITY

GOA is the smallest and beautiful and less populated state, and India’s richest state,  measured in terms of per capita income, which has doubled in the last five decades. I think at present Goa is top. However, the coastal state’s contribution in terms of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased above from 10% per cent during present period.

Nevertheless, who bothered about GDP? People want a comfortable standard of living for their survival. Per capita income is a nominal and presumptive figure, however confusing in the mind of people. At present, Goa’s per capita income is around about Rs5 lakh!!!  Goans would have been pleased if the per capita income was practically around Rs2 lakh 50 thousand. This tiny Goa should have been number one in all sectors. 

I mean “susegad ” in all aspects. But is there a record of any economic survey of every family ? Is there 100% employment in the state? A report by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, highlights that Goa has excelled in per capita income terms, with its relative per capita income doubling since 1970-71. In 2022-23, the per capita income of Goa was nearly three times the national average and with this it is second, in terms of per capita income after Sikkim.

The genuine question is who are rich, richer and richest in Goa as compared to poor, poorer and poorest?  This survey through Artificial Intelligence could expose and solve Goan problem of income. Is it? Income stability of every family should be inserted in the Indian Constitution. This will be genuine family development article!

At least average income of common families is the need of the time. And our PM Modi could successfully accomplish this dream. Our Goan political leaders must provoke their Intelligence.

–Rajesh Banaulikar,  Arpora, Bardez, Goa.

HONOUR LETTER WRITERS

NEWSPAPARS and periodicals are the soul of the people and Press
Letter Writers are those who bring a social change in the society
through the medium of their letters. They selflessly contribute to
newspapers and periodicals without any monetary expectation. These press letter writers are activists who bring a social change in society through their letter writing. They wish their
be voice heard through their letters and with their letters they
change city and society and empower  citizens to stand up for their rights.

However, they are not appreciated or rewarded in  any way for the great pains they go to writing letters in newapapers or magazines or any other media. For their efforts in writing letters they don’t even get a complimentary copy of the paper with their letter, poem, article written and published in it.

There is a need to honour these
media letter writers who serve as unofficial reporters and who
empower the city, society, the surroundings, and they should be recognised and honoured. Also, the best letter of the day or week should be announced and treated with an acknowledgement.

–Cajetan Peter D’Souza, Mumbai

CONTRASTING PUBLIC SERVICE

GOA has recently seen two bureaucrats make headlines — Rajesh Naik, Chief Town Planner, and Kashinath Shetye, Executive Engineer of the Power Department. Both have served the state, but their approaches differ significantly.

Naik’s tenure, though revenue-generating, has sparked controversy due to his role in facilitating land conversions in ecologically sensitive areas. Public protests and growing dissent highlight concerns over his development policies that often appear to favor revenue over environmental integrity.

In contrast, Shetye’s work stands out for its efficiency and public-mindedness. His efforts to remove hazardous overhead cables and recover dues from cable operators reflect a strong sense of responsibility. Praised by residents and activists alike, Shetye exemplifies how bureaucracy can serve both administrative efficiency and public welfare.

While both have contributed to Goa, it is Shetye’s transparent and people-first approach that truly sets an example. Bureaucracy must serve the public—and Shetye proves it can.

—By Antonio Alvaro Miranda (Assagao, Goa/Ealing, London)