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LETTER TO THE EDITOR FOR THE ISSUE DATED MARCH 28, 2026
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR FOR THE ISSUE DATED MARCH 28, 2026

Letters To The Editor, Mar 28- April 03, 2026 March 27, 2026 , by

RIVERS INFLUENCE COMMUNITIES!
 KUDOS to the firebrand defenders of caiado and culture who walked Panjim’s “casino promenade” the other day – their tenacity is truly appreciated. People on both banks of the Mandovi are apprehensive that a new monstrosity will soon join the other casino vessels permanently squatting here. This is completely unacceptable, as the pollution in the living river has crossed critical threshold. Livelihoods of fishermen are compromised, with certain stretches of Goa’s waters now deemed unfit for fishing.
The newly selected gaming commissioner is tasked with mediating between stakeholders and the gambling lobby, so far it seems that Panjim’s concerns aren’t even up for consideration.
When Thailand tried to legalize gambling, scores of American and international gaming giants raced to set up franchises, on the assurance that Singapore’s gold standard construct would be embedded there. Singapore avoided all of the “growing pains” that gaming hubs like Macau, Las Vegas and Atlantic City suffered by “measuring thousand times, cutting once.” If Goa’s PWD had a catchphrase, it would be the exact opposite! We cannot extend the same leeway to the volatile sin industry.
We don’t have the privilege of a meritocracy at the helm of our government, but surely Ponjekars deserve some concessions if Goa is to survive as India’s Macau. If good governance isn’t enough reason to upgrade to responsible gambling, the threat of Terrorism/Proliferation Financing ought to be.
All major gambling hubs hire a professional consultant to align their commissions with best practices in place worldwide, India eventually will too – either voluntarily, or under threat of sanctions from international watchdogs, when Goa’s casinos become synonymous with crime.
Apart from being linked to reputed brands, Singapore’s two casinos are discreet: no garish neon lighting or circus strobes, no advertising reminding everyone – including impressionable children – that gambling is king; the entertainment on site is world-class and strictly in line with local customs, it doesn’t disturb citizens and is constantly tweaked to bring in ever increasing revenue streams for the government.
Goa must be made aware that the current gambling model makes Panjim look exactly like the hellish casino riverfront in Laos – where lawlessness, criminality and hassling tourists are rife.
— Chris Fernandes, Goa

AADHAAR AND VOTER CARDS CENTRES
 IT us said that correcting Aadhaar and Voter ID details online is an urgent, straightforward process that can be completed through official government portals. But where are the physical centers? On senior citizen is roaming here and there to correct his Adhaar and Voter ID cards since two years, without having mobile number. In this case, what should he do?
Aadhaar updates generally take up to 30 days, while Voter ID corrections (Form 8) often process within a few weeks. But where are the feasible relevant official centers? Adhaar card center is hiding in Porvorim, others are jumping around state. Government should try and fix a digital office or center at reputed place, which is convenient for the people.
One should be able to update his address, name, DOB, gender, mobile number, and email online if your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar or family member’s mobile number, this is important. It is mandatory, if anyone’s mobile is not registered, he must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra for biometric updates (fingerprints, iris, photograph). Open government centers at publicly known places.
Now it is learned that urgent voter card correction is available online. Good! But this is not possible for illiterate citizens. Voters.eci.gov.in or ECI Voter Helpline app are for the voters but optionally mobile numbers should be provided in the system. And BLO must be active on official days for voting cards preparation service.
There should alert that, only use official sites (UIDAI for Aadhaar, ECI/NVSP for Voter ID) to avoid scams promising “instant” updates. For this procedure government centers are very vital. Digital government must be proactive
—Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora, Goa

DELIMITATION BILL TO BE INTRODUCED IN PARLIAMENT
Mind blowing political move by the Modi Govt wherein the seats are all set to be increased by 50% in Parliament and the State Assemblies, apart from the size of the constituencies.
Unlike the previous Delimitation which only adjusted the size of the constituencies without increasing the numbers.
Looks like Goa is all set to get a 60 member Assembly and the 2 ZP bodies will be abolished.
And 1/3rd of the seats to be reserved for women.
All this will be implemented from 2029 onwards.
Is the bill on one nation one poll too coming in?
Next week will throw more light on the big ticket Constitutional Amendment Bills proposed by the Modi Govt on the above mentioned subjects which will change the face of politics forever.
— By Vladimir De Monte Furtado,Panaji

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