My response
It's ironical that Goa which has the highest level of literacy needs civic
education. It's ironical that Goa the smallest state with high literacy
index has equally high corruption index and is now competing with Bihar to
raise its corruption bar.
It is become rather fashion to bash politician for everything but how much
do we know what are our right and obligations. Spare a thought and you will
realize the most Goans are not aware of their civic rights. If one cannot
get his/her work done at panchyat or collector office or mamladar office
they immediately knock MLA's door. Gaons want their MLA to put street light
to the nearest pole to their house or hot mixing of road in their
neighbourhood.
They are content with the fact that is Mr X or Mr Y and he is from X party
and Y party. Who care if the MLA is SSC pass or fail? Goans do all types
of background check on would be brides and grooms, but not on MLA. But,
politician. Exception. Majority of the people do not care to demand from
the MLA what are his commitment to education, health and environment ETC.
Goa have serious issues such as education, health and environment etc but
who cares as it is effects to people at coastal belt or hinderland or vice
versa. Goa politicians are like Hindi film (masala movies) producers, they
deliver only what the electorate demands.
Every year I go to Goa, and every time I have to have an argument with any
Government office I go to have my work done. Many call me insane for saving
few rupees (considering I am NRG from Dubai) by not giving the bribe the
officers/staff on duty demands from me directly or indirectly. 1997, I had
purchased a property near my ancestral house. The sub-registar at Margao
asked me to pay Rs 1000 which I refused. He send sent my file to
collector's office with the remark 'undervalued - stamp duty not paid as per
market value'. I had to fight the case for 6 years and proved it that my
stamp duty was same as that of others who have purchased property next to
mine.
There are instance when Customs officers had played it on me on many
occasion in the last 20 odd annual trips I made to Goa, not once I paid
bribe to get out. I'll share 2 incidents. Once, in Dec 1998 I was carrying
3 whisky bottles (instead of 2). Customs officer asked me to pay Usd 100
for the additional bottle (actual cost was usd 25) or he has to confiscated
one bottle as I am allowed to carry only 2. I pleaded and told him its
Christmas time and excuse it. He won't listen so I drop one bottle on the
floor. Politely said sorry to him and walked out.
In 2001, I was carrying my used T.V with me to Goa, Customs officers
demanded Rs25K. I informed him it is used TV and not worth Rs10K. But, no
he kept on bargaining and came down to Rs10K. I told him keep the T.V Set
and walked off. I sensed its money what he want and not the TV. After few
steps he called me back and I walked out without paying a Rupee. I rather
let people call me a fool then pay bribes to get work done.
The biggest problem Goa is corruption, people pay bribe to get work done.
The giver thinks it okay as he/she is in hurry. The receiver thinks it's
his birth right. Civil society feels its okay. Politicians think its okay.
Nothing will change if Goans do not change their attitude (Maka kiteak
podlam?). Nothing will change if Goans do not change and shun corruption.
Warm regards,
Agnelo Pinheiro
Subject: [Goanet] Corrupt Politicians and A Dishonest Vote-Bank
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Arwin bab, I am truly perplexed with the situation that exists in Goa
today. When will Goans who are in Goa wake up and take charge of their own
destiny? We need to take up the cudgel and literally obliterate these
corrupt politicians who will even strip us of our Khashtis if they are
allowed to continue in the current manner unchecked. I am also distressed
to learn that many Goans are not turning up to vote. What can we do to
motivate them? Do they not see what is happening to them and their State
which they are allowing to be plundered and looted before their very own
eyes? The Goans in Goa certainly can see that Politicians are enriching
themselves at the expense of the people and Goa. Another thing that
perplexes me is, isn't there any system of governance in the whole state
that allows for the audit and prosecution of people who are acquiring
immense wealth illegally for which they are not accounting and not paying
tax to the Government? These politicians and other civi
l servants seem to be the GOA MAFIA and all fair minded Goans, who I am
sure are the majority, need to unanimously condemn and vote out of office
if Goa is to prosper. Influx of migrants from other stated must also be
curtailed and if possible, they should not have voting rights in Goa as
they are not of Goan origin and cannot trace their ancestry to Goa. Also,
Laws must be passed making elected officials to declare their assets on
taking office (Substantiated) and accounting for any increase in assets on
relinquishing office just like in the USA. This will allow for the
accountability of those in office. Any discrepancies must be investigated
thoroughly and any unsubstantiated increases forfeited to the state and
the persons responsible should be prosecuted and jailed if found liable.
This should be the first order of any new government elected forthwith.
This will dissuade persons who have ulterior motives from standing for
elections. It should be an honor to be elected to
the legislature that is why in the UK they are called honorable. Let us
therefore elect honorable members to the Legislature.
GOANS IN GOA, THIS IS MY CHALLENGE TO YOU. WAKE UP NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO
LATE AND ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY OF ENSURING THAT YOU PROTECT YOUR HERITAGE
AND ENSURE THAT YOU ENJOY THE FRUITS OF THE LAND WHICH IS RIGHTFULLY YOURS
AND BELONGS TO ALL GOANS NOT TO THE CORRUPT FEW WHO ARE SELFISHLY
EXPLOITING AND STEELING THE RICHES OF THE LAND FOR THEIR OWN ENRICHMENT.
Regards and best wishes.
Manuel (Eddie) Tavares.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Goa-launch of the well-received *Into The Diaspora
Wilderness* by Selma Carvalho on Aug 29, 2010 (Sunday) at 11
am at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Meet the author, buy a signed
copy (only Rs 295 in Goa till stock lasts).
http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/
