Goa is so small yet we have abundant resources and no dearth of politicians either. Politicians who keep politicking round the clock and 365 days in a year. It is this politicking that is stalling Goa's progress and the rapid advancement we would have otherwise achieved.
It is this politics that derails us from the path to prosperity. We need to have all the political debates and discussion at election time and then for five years work in togetherness with selfless zeal and a clear focused direction. All Political parties should be unambiguous on issues that concern the common good. There can be no denial that Corruption is the one issue that needs to be addressed by all. It is only good governance and transparency in the day to day functioning of every authority that will take us to our prized destination. All parties while securing their interests should first focus on what is best for the state and its long-term future. If the BJP could keep the communal elements within its cadres at bay and the Congress could clearly distance itself from the corrupt individuals within its ranks it would be a right recipe and things may look bright for this State of ours. And of course if the rest of the fringe parties wake up to the reality as to where they really stand it may help us in the long run to work in conjunction. In the United Kingdom for example the parties fight it out relentlessly at election time. Once the votes are counted all the parties have only one goal - the progress and development of their country. There is never politics of vengeance or retribution. Those in power and the ones in opposition try and build a consensus on most issues and work together towards the progress and development of their land. One good aspect there is that there are only three main political parties and Independents do not mushroom as they do in fertile Goa at election time. It may take time to develop our political system but we have to be optimistic and try hard. Goa could set the example and be a model state for the rest of the country. We will then be remembered for the right reasons and not for the frequent defections as in the not so distant past. Today and over the years Goa has advanced but we could have done much better. Goa has to remember that the Dempos, Salgaoncars, Chowgules,Timblos etc. have not only built their business empires but have also contributed their share to Goa's development. The educational institutions some of these industrialists have set up have gone a long way towards imparting academic impetus to our students. That most of the graduates produced by these institutions have not been provided a career avenue by the Government policies is a different issue. All parties have to resolve that all these foreign jaunts cannot be at public expense. It has to be ensured that any trips abroad including any cultural trips have to be sponsored events. The Government should get its priorities right. Paying the four crores owed to KLE hospital is a priority and extravagant expenses on trips abroad are unwarranted and unaffordable. The Government should do everything possible to avoid unnecessary expenditure in all quarters. Our coffers are empty and we have to go all out to rescue the exchequer. There has to also be a consensus to ensure that the bureaucracy gets its independence and its identity. It is a shame that officers over the years have been manipulated and tamed by the powers to be and that in fact the officers have no role to play except to dance to the tunes of those in power. Today due to the ground realities we cannot sympathise with the cry of the past, Goa for Goans. We have to think and march as Indians and live and let our fellow brothers feel at home in this very hospitable land of ours just as Goans in their thousands have made their homes in other parts of India. We have to work hand in hand to preserve and retain our secular fabric at all cost. Temples, mosques and Churches should be instruments for bringing people together rather than segregating us. Id, Diwali and Christmas should be occasions of joy and celebration to one and all regardless of caste and creed. Those in power should be able to relish and digest constructive criticism. To err is human so unless one is alerted one may not realise one's folly. Criticism should be taken in stride rather than something personal. Goa is indeed the India's best state to live in. We can only appreciate Goa's goodness once we go on a day trip to neighbouring Sawantwadi or even Karwar. Let alone the feelings you may have if you go to Bihar or Madhya Pradesh. It is these feelings that should give us the drive to further improve our State. Aires Rodrigues Ribandar ________________________________________________________________________ Want to chat instantly with your online friends? Get the FREE Yahoo! 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