Taxi Meters Finally?

This first appeared in the Heraldo dated 23 April 2021

 

The Government is planning to install digital taxi meters for all taxis, including app based ones. Why would anyone do that, it will surely add only confusion to the process of having a fair and equitable taxi service in Goa. App based taxis already have a good and fair system.

 

Why suddenly out of the blue the taxi issue is on the boil again. Before the pandemic struck, the Government had effectively ensured that app based service were here to stay, the first, Goamiles had started. The more prominent ones had backed down in 2017 after their drivers assaulted and cars vandalised, with no one facing the music.

 

On the heels of the court decision, that all taxis must have a meter and as an incentive to install, the Government agreed to bear the full cost.  Taxicars contribute nothing towards taxes, app based taxis pay tax and yet so much is spent to pacify taxicars.

 

Today, the emphasis is on digital meters from 1^st May, ambitious. For ten years nothing happened, can it happen in 10 days? The National Infomatics Centre is developing and testing a new digital meter, it will have all the features of app based software. Specially for Goa, this meter will allow booking from a phone, great stuff. In Rajasthan, taxis install both meters, app based and physical meter, so they can get customers on both platforms i.e.  hail a cab or book online, metering is fair. Since app based taxis will be forced to fit digital meter, there should be no confusion as to which is to be used when the customer rides.

 

The fact that the taxicar’s taxi had to fit a meter, set a cat amongst the pigeons and they have decided to act in the manner that has shown results in the past. Attack. They are on video harassing the very tourists they claim is their bread and butter, vandalising and assaulting the competition and claiming all this to safeguard a “goan” culture of overcharging taxi users. A taxicar leader who is not a leader claimed they were protesting at this time because elections are round the corner and any leader who does not back their cause will face defeat, a year down the road. Many politicians are falling over each other to try and gain the taxicars sympathy.

 

If the taxicars are able to convince the Government that competition is bad, then soon we will have “brick and mortar” shops demanding “e commerce” delivery be stopped or “restaurants” demanding “delivery aggregators” be stopped and matka bookies demanding closure of casinos, the list can be endless.

 

Goamiles has its advantages and we should also allow anyone else who wishes to join, including the taxicars with their own app. With their experience and knowledge of Goa they will give any ride hailing app with baile drivers, a run for their money, are they game to take on the competition and excel or are they going to continue down the path of destruction aided by self serving politicians.

 

The taxicars believe, that the taxi business, the last frontier of jobs for goans, is going to die and thus it needs protection. Protection can be given to Feni distilling, it needs protection. Not driving a taxi, and surely not driving a taxi that thrives on over charging. Is a taxi needed only by tourists? Any and everyone can do with a ride: Had too much to drink, Mother needs to visit her cousin and the list can go on. So ride hailing apps actually increase the customer base from just those near airports or hotels to across the length and breadth of Goa. Once fares are rationalised more people will travel. So the taxi business will only thrive, what will die is rampant overcharging, including faulty distance charts.

 

Consumers are spoilt for choice with every product or service. Why should it be different for a taxi ride. Why should a local or tourist be dependent on the neighbourhood driver and pay exorbitantly for what the driver considers a favour. Gandhi considered every customer a reason for our business, the drivers see them as an interruption to the card game and thus charge for one short trip enough so that he does not have to drive the whole day again.

 

It always amuses me when the drivers try to justify their exorbitant fare by saying, he had to wait in the line for the whole day etc. Boss, do you think people work hard, arrive at midnight from Timbuctoo, only to dish out money to a taxicar so that he makes his days earnings in one trip. Why should anyone be forced to part with hard earned money to get a ride?

 

Is a goan driver preferred to a non goan, yes it is a pleasure to return to Goa and hear konkani, but what are you willing to pay for that pleasure and are you sure the goan taxicars is driving the taxi?. Think again. Hire a taxi paying through your nose at the airport counter, 99% your driver will be a “baile” who today is joining the ride hailing app. So, what are these taxicars shouting about, they have effectively handed over the trade to outsiders.

 

To protect the taxicars from themselves, and to give the Goan population and tourist a fair choice, the Government must stand firm and ensure that violence and goodagiri will not tolerated.  The Government must adopt cheaper, technologically updated and reliable “ride hailing apps”. The Government must ensure that a customer friendly policy is in place, one that is equitable to driver and customer.

 

 

Save Constitution: Stop Aya & Gaya Rams

This first appeared in the Heraldo on 05 Sept 2021

 

In 2017, the Government was formed by the BJP who managed to muster the magic figure of 21. They were able to sway unlike minded parties and independents as the Congress with more seats played the usual game, “if I cannot be CM then neither can you” .

 

But this was not enough, a little later they welcomed a block of 10 supposedly disgruntled congress men and women and booted out their earlier support base unceremoniously. The question that always begged an answer was, why? They were already ruling, yes a few were demanding more than their pound of flesh with threats of Plan B and C, but picking 10 who could never be accommodated in 2022? Would this not upset loyal karyakatas?  The rank and file were upset but discipline held sway. After all it was a decision taken in Delhi.

 

Today. it is clear why it was so important that the 10 be accommodated in the short term, 2022 was far away. The immediate requirement was a solid government to ensure all Central projects would go through with absolutely no opposition. The three linear projects, the coal hub, almost nil discussion or questions on the Port bills and the North/South expressway where no questions are asked despite the shoddy work and great inconvenience due to bad planning.

 

There is no doubt that the three linear projects and the coal hub were and are being opposed by a cross section of the people across Goa, but all pleas, representations, agitations have fallen on deaf years. We actually have a Government which is totally oblivious to the cries of its citizens, even common sense is not being used to take a decisions in the interest of Goa. The local Government has no say it appears but to ensure the Central projects go through. Come what may.

 

To that end, and towards the fag end of this Government we had a Cabinet decision pushing ahead with double tracking. Should it not have been an agenda item for discussion in the Assembly? Did any opposition MLA question this anti people decision. If it had been discussed in the Assembly, then the details of why it is necessary would be available.

 

On the Ports bill, the citizenry has not figured out the implications but the learned MLA’s did mention the pitfalls in the Assembly but chose to do nothing. A far cry from the response to the Bhumiputra bill, lots of noise in the Assembly from the opposition, but limited to saying they wanted a discussion, not one opposition member said the bill was poorly drafted and will never stand the test in court. The bill was passed but as the sentiment grew, in an unprecedented move the Government actually called for suggestion after sending the Bill to the Governor for assent.

 

These are positive signs that the Government is capable of hearing citizens and taking corrective actions.

 

The Supreme court recently brought closure to another long pending issue, the mining imbroglio. You may love or hate Claude Alvares but you cannot ignore him. Many canards were spread about him, he was an extortionist and he was out to destroy Goa etc. His foundation has faced the trial and won, won what? The court agreed that the minerals belonged to the people and thus they were entitled to a fair share and the best way to determine that share was ‘auction’. This simple concept was opposed by many, but sadly it included all MLA’s. However, the appeal made to Centre to change the law fell on deaf ears as it was not in the Centre's interest. Fortunately in this case the Centre’s interests and Goa’s were aligned.

 

The root cause of all the problems is this Aya Ram Gaya Ram syndrome. Despite the anti defection bill, despite the Supreme courts mandate that the Speaker has to be unbiased, all is undone by innovative ways of bypassing the law. It is the citizen who is the butt of this unholy joke. The political class has made it an art form to win even after losing.

 

It is highly improbable that the political class will make any rules to stop defections, it is not in their interest. On the other hand they justify defections under the guise of development of their constituency, which generally means a paved walkway or hot mixing of a road with much fanfare or building a concrete drain. The real development is in the personnel wealth of the defector, they run away from rags and suddenly become rich.

 

So it is going to be left to the voter to bring discipline, every voter has to make a pledge, I WILL NOT VOTE FOR A DEFECTOR. Already, many of the defectors are making plans to go back to their original party, under the supposed guidance of the often repeated excuse, “my supporters want me to”. Little do they realise or care to think, it is not supporters who made them MLAs, but voters.

 

Once this succeeds, MLA’s will listen to the voice of the citizens, they will think twice about switching sides after elections. We need a people’s movement to help Goa be relevant in the long term and not be treated as a piece of land for everyone to sell or use as a thoroughfare for cars, coal and trains. Goa deserves better. Viva Goa.

 

 

So Corruption Is a Bad Word

 This first appeared in the Heraldo in Nov 22

Corruption which is the proverbial elephant in the room was a subject of much discussion. At the “Vigilance Awareness Week” in November 22, none other than the Prime Minister thundered against corruption. He called for “zero tolerance” against corruption saying that the agencies acting against the corruption need not fear or be defensive while doing their work. He went on to say that the corrupt should not escape “at any cost” and they should not get any political or social protection.

 The PM, launched the “Complaint Management System” on the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) portal. This is more for the CVC to manage the complaints received, and they receive many. To complain on this site one would need to a PhD in Central Government organisational structure because only complaints against certain class of employees is allowed and not State Government employees. In this day and age they insist that complaints under the Public Interest Disclosure scheme should be only by post, no email. Imagine the trouble one has to take to complain, on wonder the corrupt are never caught or punished.

The CVC has monthly reports, the last is August 22, possibly to stay aligned with the PM’s speech. They had 3057 cases pending they rejected 28% and 55% were recommended for further action. The important point is they do not give any indication if even one was found corrupt. We have the highest office in the land giving a clarion call to act against corruption and one of the key departments (CVC) to monitor this has mired itself in more red tape.

At the State level we have our Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant tweeting, CORRUPTION CAN SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE GOOD GOVERNANCE IN A STATE. TODAY, ON #InternationalAntiCorruptionDay AND BEYOND, WE MUST ENCOURAGE INTEGRATED AND COLLECTIVE APPROACHES TO FIGHT CORRUPTION.

He is in a good position to achieve his goals, given the fact that he has a control of almost the entire Assembly so he has no worries about balancing different lobbies. He can fully focus on delivering a good corruption free governance.

He is right when he says corruption effects good Governance. The World Bank considers corruption a major challenge to its twin goals of ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity in developing countries. This does not mean there is no corruption in developed nations, it happens but does not effect the common man. The reason for saying this, is because corruption has a disproportionate effect on the poor and increases the cost and reduces access to services viz: health, education and justice.

Corruption fuels the hawala market which is also used by terrorists. Recall that the perpetrators of the Mumbai blasts used the smugglers route and the authorities turning a blind eye assumed it was just gold or silver. How wrong they were but no lessons have been learnt.

So both the Prime Minister and Chief Minister are right in focusing on corruption if India and Goa are to improve their development status and eliminate the chances of anti nationals taking advantage of the hawala route.

Catching small fish which seems to be the order of the day has to change and focus should be on big fish. The President of the Goa State Industries Association while welcoming the CM to his second term, stated that the focus should be on ensuring Ministers who were known to hold files should be acted against. This means that a key area of corruption is the fact that files are held up by politicians till a payment is made. If the company cannot pay cash, they insist on “CSR” for their constituency which could be a tractor, ambulance, street lights or fertiliser. This CSR does not qualify as CSR under Government rules it is basically extortion.  

Can you end corruption by turning a blind eye? We had a GIDC official caught red handed, but given a clean chit, how come? He was a relative of a politician. Was this the pressure PM Modi was referring to?  

We can discuss till the cows come home as they say to depict never ending. But if we are to curb corruption given the national importance, we must go after big fish, politicians. Politicians become corrupt because the electorate demands largesse and that can only be funded by corruption. The foundation for a corrupt politician is a corrupt electorate.

At the Interpol conference, again PM Modi said that the corrupt must have no place to hide, but they are hiding in plain sight as no big fish is ever caught and punished. The big data is the affidavits filed before every election and strangely no regulatory body ever studies these affidavits. The rags to riches stories of some politicians with almost no work to start with is legendary. A few years in politics and life changes. They become not just wealthy but obscenely wealthy. Their compounded annual growth rate would be impossible for non politician businessman of repute to match. Correspondingly, if they lose an election their net-worth decreases as rapidly as it went up, there is a direct correlation to the fish and loaves of office.

The CBI recently complained to the press, that goans are very tolerant, they do not complain about corruption so there is none. What is the CBI doing, can they not start a suo moto investigation when they can see what is happening? Why do we have flying squads, is it not their job to be proactive and ensure they act when they can see or suspect illegalities, why do already over burdened citizens need to complain.

 The PM and CM should direct the investigative agencies to start at the top and weed out the bad apples, If that is done the bureaucracy will follow and we will have a corruption free government matching the sound bytes and thus a developed India. Jai Hind.

 

 

 

 

 

Save Soil, Farms and Farmers

 This first appeared in the Heraldo dated 26th Aug 2022

Sadguru is on a world wide mission to raise awareness to  SAVE SOIL. He has now connected with the Government of Goa to not just raise awareness but also actually save soil. The MOU was signed with a lot of fanfare. The objective is noble, soil once degenerated, it will have no ability to produce. He clearly stated that by 2045-50, the world will produce 50% less food. Given the growing population across the world, this does not augur well unless as he said, we take steps to reverse the trend today. 

 

Then, there is the issue of safe guarding farm land, what good would save soil initiative be if there is no farm. We heard how the, Town & Country Planning (TCP) rule 16B was misused to convert land.  Everyone knows when conversion is involved it is only one way, to settlement and better still to commercial so that maximum benefit can be derived for the owner, and make no mistake that the ultimate beneficiary is not the farmer. The farmer is under pressure to simply cave in and sell one way or another when he sees that his efforts do not reap any financial gain. He is also put at risk due to climate change and subsequent floods or inundations. The bunds are deliberately breached so as to render the soil useless. Since mining is going to start soon, the water pumped out of the mines flows into the fields and renders them useless, this must be prevented.

 

Then there are issues other than weather. Labour to cultivate farms is not easily available and so the answer is mechanisation. Are there pathways to reach every field? This has to be looked into because if the field is landlocked how will it get ploughed by a tractor or harvested by a harvester? Water, is it not time that fields have pumps to water the field rather that the traditional system of drawing water and watering the field pot by pot. This means that electricity will be required. If the vehicle cannot reach or electricity is not available, surely the field will will remain barren as labour is not available. The children of farmers prefer other professions because there is neither money nor widespread respect for those in the profession. Of late we have many incidences where the farmer has been lathi charged for trying to make a point.

 

Another reason fields are not cultivated, the mundkars are bullied, bribed, pressured and co-opted into surrendering their lands and to stop cultivating. Why? If tenanted land is uncultivated for three years it reverts to the original owner. The moment the land is made barren, it is now fair game for sale, conversion and finally grow a building on it. Buildings fetch much more revenue than planting rice or vegetables. Surely the time is right to do something that will safeguard FOOD SECURITY. This means farmland and farmers must be treated with respect and given unstinted supported. Sadguru in his, “Save Soil Policy Handbook” which he presented to the Chief Minister  highlights “Prosperity of farmer”. This must be measured under the MOU if this program is to succeed.

 

It is not uncommon to see illegal filling of fields to make marble showrooms or garages or some other commercial venture. This is  obviously with the support and patronage of the powers that be. This unholy trend must be stopped and hopefully the new panchas will take notice and stop further degradation of fields, knowing food security is compromised when this is allowed and Government has signed an MOU to prevent it.

 

The other hazard for farmers and soil is the discarding of empty alcohol bottles thrown carelessly into the fields after a drinking session in the midst of cool green fields. To prevent this the Extended Producer Responsibility must be enacted and heavy deposits collected so as to eliminate this menace and save the soil.

 

The Government has recently announced that uncultivated lands will be acquired. They do not mention if they will be leased out to others to cultivate or or for construction of roads buildings etc. If we were serious about farmers and food security, we would have built the IIT on the Verna Plateau. The Sanguem farmers could have been assisted to restart farming activities inline with suggestion given earlier. This is the proverbial slip between cup and lip. On one side we want to save soil for farming and on the other we take the farm away and make it totally uncultivable. Then, there are hare brained projects that will endanger the soil viz: three linear projects, comes to mind. The Environment Minister was present and surely he would have had the projects rush through his mind and he now has to think of not only ours but also his children's future.

 

The reason, Government Ministers take these decisions according to Sadguru, “….. because they believe they are right”. However, it is the citizens who have to stand up and speak out, and that time is now. He said that every citizen wishes a better life for his children. Sadguru repeated many times KEEP YOUR VOICES UP, if 60% of the citizens raise their voices the government will listen.

 

Economy and Ecology are in a tug-a-war. Sadguru debunked this argument by pointing out that one cannot compromise the foundation, farms in this case and build any great future which is sustainable. Therefore it is imperative, if we are to save the planet and ensure that our children and children’s children have food to eat going forward. This will happen only if we act now. You may or may not agree with Sadguru’s philosophy, but your cannot ignore the point he is making. You have to act now and you have to raise your voice for the benefit of your children.

 

SAVE SOIL, FARMS AND FARMERS, LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN.

We shall over come.

This first appeared in Heraldo 25th Dec 2020

 

Usually 20/20 is a term used to denote clear vision or even great eyesight. 2020 was seemingly just the opposite, it was the year of the mighty mite. The year started with COVID19 appearing on the horizon, no one was sure what it exactly meant or rather no one could predict the actual outcome in their wildest imaginations.

 

For us in India, the lock down unfolded with a bang on March 23^st. No one knew what happened. Many were stuck in places away from home and life as we lived changed drastically from that moment on.

 

It was in these times of uncertainty,that the good in people came to the fore, almost immediately various individuals, corporates, NGOs came forward and started soup kitchens, distribution of essential food items and assisted those who could not afford to manage without their daily wage. It was not as if they were immune to the mighty mite, but they felt someone had to do the job, if it was not for these brave people many would have died from starvation rather than COVID.

 

Masks, sanitisers and disinfectants flew off the shelves and there was a palpable fear all around. The reports from far off Italy seemed to indicate that the mighty mite was fatal. We soon got over this manic fear and life began to revolve again, in a totally different way. The health care sector became the line of last resistance and they fought the virus with non stop efforts for days on end and pushed the mite back. We have to be careful so that their efforts do not go in vain and we avoid a second wave. Given that the virus has mutated, it means we have to be even more careful.

 

The virus may have dampened our lives but our spirits are still high and we must continue be that way. One way is to find “positives” in this pandemic. The first and foremost effect of the lock down or reduced human activity across the broad was the environment, the flora and fauna. Immediately they sprang to life and rejoiced as it seems at this human inactivity. The dust levels, pollution parameters all reduced considerably. This also meant we dirtied the world less as we have become more “hygiene” conscious. I do hope this trend continues and we throw used bottles and wrappers in dust bins rather than on the beach or street.

 

The second positive is that because we have slowed down, we now have more time for family, relatives and friends. The internet has proved to be a boon, allowing us to virtually celebrate our special days with our loved ones across the world, be it a birthday, a wedding or even a funeral. Video conferencing is not for only board rooms. It is here to stay and make life a little easier. Online education, one can attend a class in any part of the world sitting in ones home. This will be a boom for house bound individuals or anyone interested in skill enhancement, physical distance or age will no longer be a boundary for choosing resource persons.

 

The mighty mite has pushed us from our comfy couches into some form of physical activity. Across the board people are exercising as it is a way to boost immunity, be it yoga, running or cycling. Many have turned to online giving or taking classes given that gyms are closed. We are beating the virus by staying fit. This is a great sign as it will also reduce lifestyle diseases and make the planet healthy.

 

As we begin our year long celebration to be in a great mood for Goa@60 next year on the 19^th December, the spirit that gave us our freedom is alive. The youth of Goa, have shown that they are willing to stand up and speak and expect to be heard by the powers that be. I am sure the freedom fighters who we venerate today were also misunderstood by the powers that be in those days and they were called all sorts of names and jailed for one reason or another. In this case the youth were arrested and driven around the country side for being a threat to the security of the President of India.

 

Even Kasab, who deserved death from the moment he was caught, was given a fair trial and that is the nature of our great constitution. The police who appeared clueless as to what and why they were arresting the youth, preferred to drive them around for hours, without food and water. They seem to have been waiting for some direction, and with the President around all the powers would have been busy. The normal procedure should have been arrest, taken to the nearest police station and charged under the relevant sections of the law. This, sadly did not happen and someone should be held accountable.

 

The CM has said that cattle can be transported to the Goa Meat complex, in view of the beef shortage but there are some who openly and immediately opposed this move. Should they be arrested? Surely not. That is why we are called a democracy.

 

While we are blessed to see 2020 through, we have to stay alert, hopeful and positive that 2021 will be better. We must not give up but help others who may be struggling. We should stand up and speak up, with or without COVID as that is what our forefathers did when that took on the powers that be to ensure that each of us would live in a free and happy country.

 

Merry Christmas and a very happy and safe new year 2021

 

 

 

Lockdown and beyond

 

Was looking that the YES bank fiasco and tracking the story and all of a sudden there is no news, COVID 19 is news. If the RBI in its wisdom had announced that SBI would invest in YES bank first, instead of announcing a moratorium. The YES bank shares would have gone through the roof. But that was not possible because then for 7500 crores SBI would have got a few shares instead of 49% at a ridiculous price. What a game changer, just a shuffle of the decisions made. Why was SBI going to put public money in what RBI considered a failed bank? Why was this same logic not available to save a failed airline Jet Airways?

 

Both Jet Airways and YES were inherently good companies, great technology and cutting edge service, but with immoral and greedy owners. In India, decades back Swaraj Paul the original raider proved the point when he made a hostile bid for Escorts, indian owners even with a small holdings act and decide as if the they own 100%. Ofcourse there are many public companies where those who own 5% shares (mistakenly called owners) call the shots and even large FII’s like LIC or SBI sit at the board simply eating cashew nuts and drinking a beer, while the ‘owner’ squanders the company money. YES bank’s technology platform is probably the best in the Indian banking sector. In the case of YES bank, RBI sat on its hands for reasons best known to all.

 

None of the money laundering charges against the promoter warranted a moratorium, he could have been handled separately. It is no surprise that YES bank gave loans to shady promoters, that is occupational hazard for bankers in India, a phone call from someone and the papers move and loans disbursed without actually meeting the laid down criteria. This is not going to change unless criminal action is initiated against the borrowers and those who sanction such shady loans or frauds. Once this happens, sanctioning authorities will politely tell the caller that he cannot sanction the loan as he will get into trouble and indian banking will be saved of this malady…bad loans. So basically we need the LOCKUP in order to control the “virus of greed” that is fast spreading in Indian business with the political and regulatory systems not maintaining ARMS LENGTH decision making.

 

This is wishful thinking at present as the country has gone into a lockdown and PM Modi has said lets us focus on health of our communities and we will discuss health of our economy at a later stage. The saying “Aiz makha, faliam tukha” over many goan cemeteries is becoming a stark reality. China first reported this new virus and as it spread like a wildfire, we seemed to hope it did not come to India or that the heat would stop it. No such luck and it is now inside India, and today Goa.

 

The PM’s clarion call for a “Janta Curfew” seemed to have galvanised the Goan administration into action. Till then they were blind sided by the inconsequential ZP elections. Once these were postponed and then cancelled, the decisions started flowing. A one day lock down to coincide with the PMs call, which was great to see almost 100% adherence till 5 PM, when it unravelled and displayed the lack of knowledge among the population. This success prompted the complete lockdown for 3 days, however the PM’s call at 8 PM talking of a 21 lockdown meant another change and Goa also went into a 21 day lockdown. This 8 PM announcement is turning into a bandi of sorts, first Notebandi and now Gharbandi.

 

While everyone seems  to agree that this is the only and best way of stopping the virus from making giant inroads. It created a panic, what does one do for groceries in the next 21 days. Earlier many heeded the PM’s call not to stockpile and now those who disobeyed this request were laughing. This is something that tax tax evaders are very familiar with, they have the last laugh at the honest tax payers. The governments both Centre and State have calmed the nerves by putting mechanisms to ensure delivery of essential goods to households, so now everyone can calm down, pick a book or a beer and settle down for 21 days of doing nothing.

 

Actually there is a lot you can do, for one all the things you did not do for want of time, you can try it now. Talk to your neighbours across the balconies, read some books, watch movies, call up long lost relatives and use the magic of the internet to visit other peoples homes, good use of virtual reality. If you find something interesting to do, share it on your WA groups, please refrain from forwarding unverified news.

 

The economy was reeling and this is another body blow, however make no mistake, when the going gets tough the tough get going, so the Indian economy will bounce back and pretty soon for sure. This lull will be used by the economic think tanks to provide ideas that can help industry hit the ground running once this storm passes. There is also opportunity as going forward as the World will be looking to remove some eggs from the Chinese basket and India is one place  they can put them, we will have to ramp up our quality and productivity.

 

These are difficult days and support to the Government will ensure we can fight this virus together. Whatever y

Lockdown: The New Normal

 

Its been one month and some of us have just started operations in Goa, you cannot call it normal as the downstream distribution or upstream suppliers in other parts of India are still at home. In many parts of the country they are still locked down till May 03, or the rules are so stringent or cumbersome they cannot start. Goa, also has the distinction of being COVID free at present. To assume this means the danger is past us would be erroneous. China the epicentre of this global pandemic is already on the go, seems unfair, but that is life, usually seems unfair.

 

We can be sure that while we have slowed the progress of the virus with a lock down, we cannot stay locked in forever. We are no longer hunter gatherers, we are now used to having our food delivered, no reference to swiggy here. We neither grow our own vegetables, nor have our own source of meats, barring a few. A fisherman, may be able to get fresh fish, but everything else required to cook and eat it he would need to be supplied. This also means that given we are not a welfare State, a vast majority earn and eat on a daily basis.  Just think about it, check all that you used while on lockdown and realise, that someone somewhere had to work to ensure it finally reached you. This means that economic activity has to happen.

 

A lock down cannot be a permanent answer. What it did do was ensure that there was no run on the medical system. Will this be the only lock down, the answer is most likely no, “lockdown” will be the new normal, atleast till a vaccine is developed or at best we pick up the “herd immunity” that is being talked about. For that to happen we have to operate and live normally, the virus will get to most and once it has done its round, we will become generally immune. The age group 20 to 50 or thereabout have the best chance of developing this immunity and surviving. Older or younger will have to be protected.

 

While many State governments have responded well including the Goa government. We have to understand this a totally new phenomena, with no precedent, so if the governments change a decision quickly,  it is understandable as they are accessing the situation and course correcting. Social media also help highlight the issues quickly.

 

The decision to allow only one person per bike and two in a car or one can walk to work seems reasonable. However, that means a lot of people especially women who cannot ride, just cannot go to work in the absence of public transport. Assuming, it is a family member on the pillion, surely it can make no difference because they live in the same house anyway. So, the government must look at this aspect quickly in the absence of public transport. COVID has really made Government take quick decisions, we are a nation that moves without a helmet or a seat belt with impunity, we can now get a challan for carrying an extra passenger, oh yes and one hopes that the anti spitting rule stays. What about the pan shops at every nook and corner, should that not be taken out first, since you cannot have a “non spit” pan anyway. COVID is teaching us to follow rules.

 

It was a treat to watch how the industry and Government collaborated to ensure the smooth start to industry in rural areas. The Goa State Industries Association(GSIA), took the lead and aided by industrial estate associations worked with Government officials to help restart almost 1600 units smoothly, including issuing of approx 20000 odd travel permits for cars, buses and two-wheelers. This was all made possible by a simple online application. The better part was to see, industry self regulate and insist on Companies starting only if they could fulfil the Ministry Of Health conditions which included thermal scanning, disinfecting equipment and sanitising personnel. Earlier when only companies under essential services had to start the District officials were overwhelmed with the applications in addition to their disaster management duties, causing unintended delays. Frankly it was great to see the MD of GIDC, Mr. Neto with his team working with industry officials side by side to ensure the smooth distribution of passes across Goa, on a Sunday. This cooperation is going to go a long way in the future.

 

Today, if you go around, you will see people standing in a neat line with proper social distancing in front of before shops, ATMs etc. That is surely a change from our normal way of crowding around and someone behind shouting his order despite people ahead of him. Is it not a better system, why did this little virus have to teach us these niceties? The down side to the big markets closing is the springing at every nook and corner of street vendors. Is this a good thing, you have authorised vendors who have paid their taxes and registration sitting and twiddling their thumbs and yet a whole lot of fly by night operators with suspect quality making hay while COVID lurks. The authorities should make some changes here for sure. SO COVID brings out both good and not so good.

 

Everyone will look back and say, they have never seen days like this, true and the days ahead are going to be very different.  The human race has always looked at adversity in the eye and come out stronger. This is because we are, as Sadhguru recently paraphrased it “agile, brave and competent” enough to face any challenge. We will soon get used to the new normal and life will go on, hopefully in a better way.