If you can't beat them join them, seems to be the motto of the Goa Government. After years of waging a losing battle against matka operators the state government is toying with the idea of legalising the underground single digit lottery.

Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro told the state legislative Assembly recently that he was in favour of organising matka online so that gamblers can lay bets over the internet. Of course, the chief minister was indulging in some loud thinking as few matka lovers have access to the internet. Moreover matka operation have roped in street corner paan wallahs and motorcycle cabbies to offer door-to-door services in the state.

Even as Faleiro's political rivals and the moral majority saw red over the proposal, one prominent minister in his Cabinet who is rumoured to control a big chunk of the illegal is seen sporting a huge grin on his face. Is it another gambit by the CM to win friends and influence people among rebel Congressmen?

Computersin schools

Even as school managements and parents in Mumbai fight it out over payments for computer education, Goa is all set to steal a march on the issue. As per a proposal formulated by the state education department every school in Goa will be provided at least one computer in the next two years. Already some 67 higher secondary schools and 44 high schools are imparting computer education in the state.

If only the authorities maintain a healthy students-to-computer ratio Goa could be setting an example to other states.

Silicon saga

Among the regulars at a happening night spot at Baga beach is a trans-sexual who lets his/her silicon-enhanced assets hang out for all the world to ogle at. Recently, a tourist who couldn't believe his luck at being asked to partner the off duty airhostess on the dance floor whipped out a pocket camera and clicked his partner in action. Of course, none present at the venue dared to inform the gentleman the truth about the `man trapped in a woman's body' lestit dampen his ardour!

Tailpiece

An handicrafts dealer in Panaji advertises his new diversification thus: ``For expert advice on Feng Shui (Chinese Vaastu Shastra) contact here....''