from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Jul 27: Congress-led Goa government's tall claims of transparent and non-corrupt governance seems to have fallen flat with the pastoral letter written by Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao Goa and Daman, noting serious concerns about governance in Goa.

The Archbishop has lamented that "sound values are given less importance in our governance; corruption in our public administration goes unabated and very little seems to move without bribing in Goa".

In his pastoral letter which is addressed to priests, clergy and laity of his diocese, Archbishop has stated that "our society is entangled in
corruption, that it is easy for anyone to sink into the mire and be enslaved by it".

"I pray therefore that good principles be taught in our families, in our schools and in our catechism classes and also efforts be made to put these principles into practice," reads the letter which contains general admonition, instruction and directions for the behaviour for the followers under different circumstances.

The Archbishop has pointed out that "z number of our young people leave Goa, due to lack of suitable employment and the winds of Globalization have been blowing in Goa too, and the impact is clearly felt".

The letter, which is originally written Konkani language and translated in English reads: "Some experiments with western culture seem to threaten what is best in Goan culture. The business of tourism has contributed towards the devaluation of the human person and Goa is being unscrupulously sold in the name of economic development".

Talking about the religious, cultural and human principles, the Archbishop has noted that respect for the elders, concern for family and neighbour is slowly eroding. "Our educational institutions fail to challenge our students and to fire them with enthusiasm for doing research and for pursuing excellence," it adds.

The letter also portrays a positive picture about the coasta state. "Compared to the other States in India, Goa is not only an oasis of relative peace, but it also stands out in its economic development," Archbishop has written.