People in power have an easy and cushy life often provided for through the sweat and toil of others. Everything from plush accommodation to transportation including all perks is paid by the taxpayer so they may not realize or appreciate the plight of the poverty stricken.
Every Government has three responsibilities towards its citizens; it must protect, provide for and invest in its people. A worthy government cannot afford to be negligent about being caring and concerned about the poor and those in distress. In Goa we have a lot of homeless persons sleeping on the footpaths and at bus-stops while even weathering the cold weather and rains. It is imperative that relief is given to such homeless people spread across the cities of Goa by ensuring that the authorities contemplate the setting up of night shelters for such humans in anguish. Another aspect that also needs the attention of the government is the plight of people living in hunger some of whom are very old, feeble, vulnerable and needy. It should be the thrust of the government to set up Food banks in all the cities of the State so that no one has to endure hunger. It needs Government leadership that focuses on the welfare of its citizens by providing for its needy citizens and by galvanizing, coordinating and investing in the efforts of others, the Haves, to reach out and support the Have-nots. Food banks would be one such example of a valuable service. It beggars belief that Goa, one of the richest states of India, should witness a growing number of homeless and destitute people, many through no fault of their own but who are victims of lack of opportunity and failure of government policy and support. This Covid 19 pandemic still raging on has taught Governments and people the need to prioritise the health and welfare of people and the destructive consequences economically, medically and mentally when we fail to do so. Health, poverty and homelessness are all so intrinsically linked. The tragic sight of the homeless and the destitute on our streets creates an unwelcoming, bleak picture that will undoubtedly reflect badly on the national and international map and deter tourists from coming to our golden shores adversely affecting the livelihoods of thousands and income to our state. May those in power have the vision and determination to address these two issues as a priority by making it their firm resolution for the New Year alongside fighting relentlessly the destructive pandemic. They will be blessed abundantly by the Almighty Goa for being caring and compassionate to those who need it the most. Our Government would benefit from the wise words from Nelson Mandela, one of the great Leaders of our time when he stated, ‘as long as poverty, injustice and inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest’. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com