O HERALD O The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 Deol to built eco-friendly home in Goa Bollywood actor Abhay Deol is building an environmentally friendly home keeping with his responsibility as ambassa- dor of the Climate project, founded by former US vice president Al Gore. The star has already bought one acre of land in North Goa to build his eco-friendly dream house, construction of which begins in a month’s time. Sources close to the actor said the contemporary house designed by architect couple Vishakha and Muninder Chowdhry will reflect Deol’s personality and will have four bedrooms, a master bedroom, a living room, an open kitchen and a dining room along with a 22- seater private screening room. – (PTI) Wikileaks claim Indian PM isolated Fresh Wikileaks cables have revealed that US Ambassadors had told the State department that Prime Minister Manmo- han Singh was “isolated” in his government on talks with Pakistan and that there was a pro-US tilt in Mani Shankar Aiyar’s removal as Petroleum Minister in 2006. A cable sent by current Ambassador Timo- thy Roemer in August 2009 after a meeting with the then NSA M K Narayanan says that “on Pakistan, Narayanan read- ily conceded a differing policy vision with his boss”. – (PTI) 3 killed as hailstorm hits coastal Orissa At least three persons, includ- ing a woman and a girl, were killed as a high-velocity hail- storm hit coastal Orissa Tues- day, uprooting trees and damaging houses. As wind with 60-80 kmph velocity swept the coastal areas, a large number of trees and electric poles were uprooted in many places disrupting ve- hicular movement and supply of electricity. – (PTI) Govt may bring GST Bill in Parliament Carrying forward its reforms agenda, Government cleared the Constitution Amendment Bill with plans to introduce it in current session of Parlia- ment to pave way for Goods and Services Tax. – (PTI) Report on Page 12 SURAJ NANDREKAR PANJIM, MARCH 15 After dilly-dallying for almost eight years, the government has finally taken a decision to with- draw the Goa Lokayukta Bill, 2007, which had become a thorn in the flesh for several politicians and bureaucrats. The Bill sought to provide the establishment of the institution of Lokayukta to inquire into griev- ances and allegations against public functionaries into the state of Goa and to make provision for the appointments of the Lokayukta and Upa Lokayukta. The Lokayukta is an anti-cor- ruption government organisa- tion at the State level authorised to investigate public servants accused of maladministration and graft. The controversial decision to withdraw the Bill was reached in the 49th cabinet meeting held last week. Interestingly, the same meet- ing had given its approval for the denotification of a 36,800 sq meters of land which was ac- quired for airport expansion at Dabolim. Moreover, Herald under- stands several key ministers were absent for the meeting, they were Churchill Alemao, Joaquim Alemao, Aleixo Se- queira and Babush Monseratte. The decision has come ex- actly a month after the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat told the assembly that the Bill would be withdrawn. The Chief Minister said the Central Government has sug- gested withdrawing the bill, as it suffers from legal infirmity. The cabinet note circulated to all ministers also says that the reason for withdrawal is as per the advice of the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi. Ironically, the government had come under flake from the Speaker of the Assembly Prat- apsing Rane who said that ‘jeal- ousy and worries’ of a few politicians and bureaucrats have inordinately delayed the actual execution of Lokayukta Bill. The speaker, at a private func- tion in 2010, has said that the Lokayukta Bill was passed in 2007, but, some people are IN BRIEF Visit us at:www.oheraldo.in panjim, wednesday, march 16, 2011 postal reg. no. Goa 101 price rs. 3.00 (air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4 Business: Foreign funds traced in 2G scam – ED Pg 12 Heartbeat: So what if I play Kamal’s wife: Sonakshi Pg 4 Fashion is a form of ug- liness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months. — wilde Sports: Zaheer remains India’s pace enforcer Pg 16 HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15 A day after gaining power on the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), Education Minister Babush Monserrate backed panel Tuesday elected Yatin Parekh as the next Mayor of the city. Parekh, who defeated Panaji First’s Mayor Candidate Ashok Naik from ward 14, was elected as the leader of the group in an hour-long meeting held at Mon- serrate’s residence in Taleigao. However, the formal meeting to elect Mayor is expected to be held on Friday after State Election Commission notifies the elected council. Rudresh Chodankar was elected as deputy mayor by the group, which also comprised all the candidates fielded by Babush for recently held CCP polls. Monserrate also announced that he will approach social ac- tivist Patricia Pinto to be co- opted on the corporation. Babush-backed panel elects Yatin as CCP mayor HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 15 A full-fledged 15-day budget ses- sion of the Goa Legislative As- sembly begins tomorrow with the Opposition again promising a “garam session”. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will present the Goa budget for the year 2011-12 on March 17. This will be the third time Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will present the State budget in the assembly. Last year, Kamat had pre- sented Rs 6,788 cr budget on March 23. Observers say that this could be the last budget Kamat will present for the current assembly term. Though the term of the current assembly will end in early June 2012, indications are that the next assembly election will be held before March 2012. It is in this backdrop that it is said in the political circles that the new budget, in all prob- ability, might be a populist one. There are about 2062 starred and unstarred questions tabled in the House by both Opposition as well as ruling MLAs. Besides, 10 private members resolutions would also be taken up for considerations. The Opposition, meanwhile, has once again promised to cor- ner the government on various issues like illegal mining, 15-day State budget session kicks off today Govt to withdraw Lokayukta Bill Lokayukta is an anti-corruption government organisation at the State level authorised to investigate public servants accused of maladministration and graft. The Lokayukta Bill was to provide the establishment of the institution of Lokayukta to inquire into grievances and allegations against public functionaries. Does the decision to withdraw Goa Lokayukta Bill come as a breather for many? On November 17, 2010, Goa As- sembly Speaker Pratapsing Rane had said that ‘jealousy and worries’ of a few politicians and bureaucrats have inordinately delayed the ac- tual execution of Lokayukta Bill. “I had tabled two Bills, both of which are pending although they were passed by the Assembly. The reason is that some people, in- cluding bureaucrats and some politicians are jealous,” Rane had at a function. The speaker elaborated that the Lokayukta Bill was passed in 2007, but, some people are trying to ‘kill it’ delaying its actual formation. “Right from Chief Minister to a Speaker and everybody comes under the scrutiny after the Bill is A breather for the jealous & worried? Bahrain under emergency, Indians safe PTI DUBAI, MARCH 15 Bahrain’s monarch Tuesday de- clared a three-month state of emergency, amid growing pro- democracy protests in the coun- try, forcing it to invite troops from Saudi Arabia and UAE to quell the unrest. Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a decree de- claring what it called a three- month State of National Safety in light of the worsening security situation in the country. However, Indians working in the country hit by protests are reported to be safe and are keeping a low-profile waiting for things to improve. Indian Embassy officials said they have set an emergency helpline but things are largely under control. Most of the phones, including that of the Indian ambassador in Bahrain, was unreachable. The King’s decree said that the decision has been taken fol- lowing a worsening security sit- uation that posed a serious threat to the citizens’ lives. King Hamad has delegated the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) to take the necessary measures in order to implement the De- cree. HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15 The ongoing movement in favour of English as the medium of schools at the elementary level is heating up with a dele- gation of city-based PTAs calling on the Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat on Tuesday, even as the Chief Minister has maintained that he has no plans to table the Right to Education Act be- fore the Assembly during the Budget session beginning from Wednesday. If the city-based parents and teachers interacted with the Chief Minister at his Malbhat residence on Tuesday, parents and teachers of Our Lady of Rosary high school, Fatorda will walk to the residence of local MLA Damu Naik and submit a memorandum demanding Eng- lish as the medium of instruction at the elementary level. The PTA delegation that called on the Chief Minister sought to know the Goa gov- ernment’s plans on the imple- mentation of the Right to Education Act in the coming Ac- ademic year. The Chief Minister was asked whether the medium of instruction would be in the mother tongue or regional lan- guages at Std V in the coming academic year as per the Right to Education Act. The delegation expressed ap- prehensions on the medium of instruction policy at the elemen- tary level, which would ad- versely affect the local students. The Chief Minister is believed to have given a patient hearing to the delegation by reassuring that nothing would be done without taking the stakeholders into confidence. The Chief Minister told Herald that he has asked the Director to study the Act in detail before English medium movement hots up Delegation of PTAs meets CM on Right to Education Act HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, MARCH 15 Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has said that there are no plans to place the Right to Education Act on the Floor of the House in the coming session of the Legislative Assembly. “There are no plans to table the Right to Education Act in the Assembly for adoption in the state. I have told the Di- rector of Education to study the Act in detail and get back to the government for further action”, he said. But, when his attention was drawn to the fact that the com- ing budget session of the Goa CM says no plans to table Act PTI FUKUSHIMA/TOKYO, MARCH 15 Japan’s nuclear crisis assumed dangerous dimensions Tuesday as two more blasts rocked the quake-crippled Fukushima plant spewing large amounts of ra- dioactive material which may float towards Tokyo, with Pre- mier Naoto Kan warning that there was a “very high risk” of further leakage. The hydrogen explosions at No 2 and No 4 reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant Tuesday morning prompted the govern- ment to announce that the ra- diation had reached harmful levels. A fire was also reported around 9:40 am local time at the No 4 reactor, where spent nuclear fuels were stored, but it was extinguished later, ac- cording to Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the plant’s operator. The blast at No 2 reactor at 6.10 am appeared to have dam- aged one of its containment sys- tems for the first time, triggering fears about more serious ra- dioactive leaks. TEPCO said the problem could develop into a critical “meltdown” situation after part of the No 2 reactor’s container vessel damaged following the explosion, Kyodo reported. A worried Prime Minister Kan, in his address to the na- tion, warned that the radiation had already spread from the crippled reactors and there was “a very high risk of further leak- age”. Japan’s nuke crisis on verge of catastrophe Indian gets death in Dubai PTI DUBAI, MARCH 15 An Indian national was sen- tenced to death and 11 other compatriots were given life im- prisonment for torturing and killing a co-worker here. Major Singh, from Punjab, was awarded death penalty and 11 others have been given life imprisonment after they were found guilty of murdering a co- Indian worker after a drunken brawl in 2009. A Pakistani man was also sentenced to life im- prisonment in the case. The identity of the deceased, who belonged to Kerala, was not revealed. “Major Singh got death sen- tence in this case while the re- maining boys, 11 Indians and 1 Pakistani, got life imprison- ment,” SP Singh Oberoi, the Dubai-based hotelier told PTI. DEAD END: A group of over 30 organisations and forums under the banner of Goemchea Rakhondarancho Awaz voiced their concern over issues that have hit Goans, at a protest-meet held at Azad Maidan on Tuesday. Agitated citizens also carried a coffin vouching to oust all 40 MLAs by not electing them in the next assembly election. Report on page 3. Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar A man feeds his child at a makeshift shelter at Ofunato, northern Japan, on Tuesday. Yatin Parekh and Rudresh Chodankar being greeted by Babush in the presence of Tony Rodrigues. Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar (Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 10)
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OHERALDOThe Voice of Goa Since 1900
Deol to builteco-friendlyhome in Goa
Bollywood actor Abhay Deol isbuilding an environmentallyfriendly home keeping withhis responsibility as ambassa-dor of the Climate project,founded by former US vicepresident Al Gore. The starhas already bought one acreof land in North Goa to buildhis eco-friendly dream house,construction of which beginsin a months time. Sourcesclose to the actor said thecontemporary house designedby architect couple Vishakhaand Muninder Chowdhry willreflect Deols personality andwill have four bedrooms, amaster bedroom, a livingroom, an open kitchen and adining room along with a 22-seater private screening room. (PTI)
Wikileaks claim Indian PM isolated Fresh Wikileaks cables haverevealed that US Ambassadorshad told the State departmentthat Prime Minister Manmo-han Singh was isolated inhis government on talks withPakistan and that there was apro-US tilt in Mani ShankarAiyars removal as PetroleumMinister in 2006. A cable sentby current Ambassador Timo-thy Roemer in August 2009after a meeting with the thenNSA M K Narayanan says thaton Pakistan, Narayanan read-ily conceded a differing policyvision with his boss. (PTI)
3 killed as hailstormhits coastal OrissaAt least three persons, includ-ing a woman and a girl, werekilled as a high-velocity hail-storm hit coastal Orissa Tues-day, uprooting trees anddamaging houses. As windwith 60-80 kmph velocityswept the coastal areas, alarge number of trees andelectric poles were uprootedin many places disrupting ve-hicular movement and supplyof electricity. (PTI)
Govt may bring GSTBill in ParliamentCarrying forward its reformsagenda, Government clearedthe Constitution AmendmentBill with plans to introduce itin current session of Parlia-ment to pave way for Goodsand Services Tax. (PTI) Report on Page 12
SURAJ NANDREKAR
PANJIM, MARCH 15
After dilly-dallying for almosteight years, the government hasfinally taken a decision to with-draw the Goa Lokayukta Bill,2007, which had become athorn in the flesh for severalpoliticians and bureaucrats.
The Bill sought to provide theestablishment of the institutionof Lokayukta to inquire into griev-ances and allegations againstpublic functionaries into the stateof Goa and to make provision forthe appointments o f theLokayukta and Upa Lokayukta.
The Lokayukta is an anti-cor-ruption government organisa-tion at the State level authorisedto investigate public servantsaccused of maladministrationand graft.
The controversial decision towithdraw the Bill was reachedin the 49th cabinet meeting heldlast week.
Interestingly, the same meet-
ing had given its approval forthe denotification of a 36,800sq meters of land which was ac-quired for airport expansion atDabolim.
Moreover, Herald under-stands several key ministerswere absent for the meeting,they were Churchill Alemao,Joaquim Alemao, Aleixo Se-
queira and Babush Monseratte.The decision has come ex-
actly a month after the ChiefMinister Digambar Kamat toldthe assembly that the Bill wouldbe withdrawn.
The Chief Minister said theCentral Government has sug-gested withdrawing the bill, asit suffers from legal infirmity.
The cabinet note circulatedto all ministers also says thatthe reason for withdrawal is asper the advice of the Ministryof Home Affairs, New Delhi.
Ironically, the governmenthad come under flake from theSpeaker of the Assembly Prat-apsing Rane who said that jeal-ousy and worries of a fewpoliticians and bureaucrats haveinordinately delayed the actualexecution of Lokayukta Bill.
The speaker, at a private func-tion in 2010, has said that theLokayukta Bill was passed in2007, but, some people are
IN BRIEF
Visit us at:www.oheraldo.in panjim, wednesday, march 16, 2011 postal reg. no. Goa 101 price rs. 3.00 (air surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4
Business: Foreign funds traced
in 2G scam ED Pg 12
Heartbeat: So what if I play
Kamals wife: Sonakshi Pg 4
Fashion is a form of ug-liness so intolerable
that we have to alter itevery six months.
wilde
Sports: Zaheer remains Indias
pace enforcer Pg 16
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
A day after gaining power onthe Corporation of the City ofPanaji (CCP), Education MinisterBabush Monserrate backed panelTuesday elected Yatin Parekh asthe next Mayor of the city.
Parekh, who defeated PanajiFirsts Mayor Candidate AshokNaik from ward 14, was electedas the leader of the group in anhour-long meeting held at Mon-serrates residence in Taleigao.
However, the formal meetingto elect Mayor is expected tobe held on Friday after StateElection Commission notifiesthe elected council.
Rudresh Chodankar waselected as deputy mayor by the
group, which also comprised allthe candidates fielded by Babushfor recently held CCP polls.
Monserrate also announced
that he will approach social ac-tivist Patricia Pinto to be co-opted on the corporation.
Babush-backed panel elects Yatin as CCP mayor
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
A full-fledged 15-day budget ses-sion of the Goa Legislative As-sembly begins tomorrow withthe Opposition again promisinga garam session.
Chief Minister DigambarKamat will present the Goabudget for the year 2011-12 onMarch 17.
This will be the third timeChief Minister Digambar Kamatwill present the State budget inthe assembly.
Last year, Kamat had pre-sented Rs 6,788 cr budget onMarch 23.
Observers say that this couldbe the last budget Kamat willpresent for the current assembly
term. Though the term of thecurrent assembly will end inearly June 2012, indications arethat the next assembly electionwill be held before March 2012.
It is in this backdrop that itis said in the political circlesthat the new budget, in all prob-ability, might be a populist one.
There are about 2062 starredand unstarred questions tabledin the House by both Oppositionas well as ruling MLAs.
Besides, 10 private membersresolutions would also be takenup for considerations.
The Opposition, meanwhile,has once again promised to cor-ner the government on variousissues l ike i l legal mining,
15-day Statebudget session kicks off today
Govt to withdraw Lokayukta Bill
Lokayukta is an anti-corruption government organisation at theState level authorised to investigate public servants accused ofmaladministration and graft. The Lokayukta Bill was to providethe establishment of the institution of Lokayukta to inquire intogrievances and allegations against public functionaries.
Does the decision to withdraw GoaLokayukta Bill come as a breatherfor many?On November 17, 2010, Goa As-sembly Speaker Pratapsing Ranehad said that jealousy and worriesof a few politicians and bureaucratshave inordinately delayed the ac-tual execution of Lokayukta Bill.I had tabled two Bills, both ofwhich are pending although theywere passed by the Assembly. The
reason is that some people, in-cluding bureaucrats and somepoliticians are jealous, Rane hadat a function.The speaker elaborated that theLokayukta Bill was passed in 2007,but, some people are trying to killit delaying its actual formation.Right from Chief Minister to aSpeaker and everybody comesunder the scrutiny after the Bill is
A breather for the jealous & worried?
Bahrain under emergency, Indians safe
PTI
DUBAI, MARCH 15
Bahrains monarch Tuesday de-clared a three-month state ofemergency, amid growing pro-democracy protests in the coun-try, forcing it to invite troopsfrom Saudi Arabia and UAE toquell the unrest.
Bahrains King Hamad bin IsaAl Khalifa issued a decree de-claring what it called a three-month State of National Safetyin light of the worsening securitysituation in the country.
However, Indians working inthe country hit by protests arereported to be safe and arekeeping a low-profile waitingfor things to improve.
Indian Embassy officials saidthey have set an emergencyhelpline but things are largelyunder control.
Most of the phones, includingthat of the Indian ambassadorin Bahrain, was unreachable.
The Kings decree said thatthe decision has been taken fol-lowing a worsening security sit-uation that posed a seriousthreat to the citizens lives.
King Hamad has delegatedthe Commander-in-Chief of theBahrain Defence Force (BDF)to take the necessary measuresin order to implement the De-cree.
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 15
The ongoing movement infavour of English as the mediumof schools at the elementarylevel is heating up with a dele-gation of city-based PTAs callingon the Chief Minister, DigambarKamat on Tuesday, even as theChief Minister has maintainedthat he has no plans to tablethe Right to Education Act be-fore the Assembly during theBudget session beginning fromWednesday.
If the city-based parents andteachers interacted with theChief Minister at his Malbhatresidence on Tuesday, parentsand teachers of Our Lady ofRosary high school, Fatorda willwalk to the residence of localMLA Damu Naik and submit a
memorandum demanding Eng-lish as the medium of instructionat the elementary level.
The PTA delegation that
called on the Chief Ministersought to know the Goa gov-ernments plans on the imple-mentation of the Right to
Education Act in the coming Ac-ademic year. The Chief Ministerwas asked whether the mediumof instruction would be in themother tongue or regional lan-guages at Std V in the comingacademic year as per the Rightto Education Act.
The delegation expressed ap-prehensions on the medium ofinstruction policy at the elemen-tary level, which would ad-versely affect the local students.
The Chief Minister is believedto have given a patient hearingto the delegation by reassuringthat nothing would be donewithout taking the stakeholdersinto confidence.
The Chief Minister told Heraldthat he has asked the Directorto study the Act in detail before
English medium movement hots upDelegation of PTAs meets CM on Right to Education Act
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 15
Chief Minister, Digambar Kamathas said that there are no plansto place the Right to EducationAct on the Floor of the Housein the coming session of theLegislative Assembly.
There are no plans to tablethe Right to Education Act inthe Assembly for adoption inthe state. I have told the Di-rector of Education to studythe Act in detail and get backto the government for further
action, he said.But, when his attention was
drawn to the fact that the com-ing budget session of the Goa
CM says no plans to table Act
PTI
FUKUSHIMA/TOKYO, MARCH 15
Japans nuclear crisis assumeddangerous dimensions Tuesdayas two more blasts rocked thequake-crippled Fukushima plantspewing large amounts of ra-dioactive material which mayfloat towards Tokyo, with Pre-mier Naoto Kan warning thatthere was a very high risk offurther leakage.
The hydrogen explosions atNo 2 and No 4 reactors at theFukushima Daiichi plant Tuesdaymorning prompted the govern-ment to announce that the ra-diation had reached harmfullevels.
A fire was also reportedaround 9:40 am local time at
the No 4 reactor, where spentnuclear fuels were stored, butit was extinguished later, ac-cording to Tokyo Electric Power
Company (TEPCO), the plantsoperator.
The blast at No 2 reactor at6.10 am appeared to have dam-aged one of its containment sys-tems for the first time, triggeringfears about more serious ra-dioactive leaks.
TEPCO said the problemcould develop into a criticalmeltdown situation after partof the No 2 reactors containervessel damaged following theexplosion, Kyodo reported.
A worried Prime MinisterKan, in his address to the na-tion, warned that the radiationhad already spread from thecrippled reactors and there wasa very high risk of further leak-age.
Japans nuke crisis on verge of catastrophe
Indian getsdeath in Dubai
PTI
DUBAI, MARCH 15
An Indian national was sen-tenced to death and 11 othercompatriots were given life im-prisonment for torturing andkilling a co-worker here.
Major Singh, from Punjab,was awarded death penalty and11 others have been given lifeimprisonment after they werefound guilty of murdering a co-Indian worker after a drunkenbrawl in 2009. A Pakistani manwas also sentenced to life im-prisonment in the case.
The identity of the deceased,who belonged to Kerala, wasnot revealed.
Major Singh got death sen-tence in this case while the re-maining boys, 11 Indians and 1Pakistani, got life imprison-ment, SP Singh Oberoi, theDubai-based hotelier told PTI.
DEAD END: A group of over 30 organisations and forums under the banner of Goemchea Rakhondarancho Awaz voiced their concern overissues that have hit Goans, at a protest-meet held at Azad Maidan on Tuesday. Agitated citizens also carried a coffin vouching to oust all 40MLAs by not electing them in the next assembly election. Report on page 3. Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar
A man feeds h is ch i ld a t amakeshift shelter at Ofunato,northern Japan, on Tuesday.
Yatin Parekh and Rudresh Chodankar being greeted by Babush in thepresence of Tony Rodrigues. Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar
(Continued on page 10)(Continued on page 10)
(Continued on page 10)
(Continued on page 10)(Continued on page 10)
(Continued on page 10)
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GOAOHERALD
O
Pg 2GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011
B Ed teachers were seen protesting late Tuesday night against non-regularisation of their services opposite Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim.The teachers are on an indefinite strike, which began on Monday. Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar
mP for foolproof strategy to protect Kaiga nuke plant
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naiktoday said that the central gov-ernment should chalk out a fool-proof strategy to protect theKaiga nuclear power plant,which was giving Goa constantnightmares in the wake of thetsunami-triggered crisis atJapans Fukushima nuclear plant.
The plant is less than 25 kmfrom the coastal States southernborder with Karnataka.
Naik said in a statement re-leased here, quoting his speechin parliament, that the govern-ment should ensure that thehorrific Fukushima experiencedoes not get repeated in thiscoastal state.
Nuclear power plants are es-tablished to meet power needsof the country, but although theKaiga nuclear power project is
close to Goa, the state itself hasnot benefited from it, Naik said.
Goa has not been allottedany power from the plant, headded.
The Congress MP also saidthat the Kaiga plant was givingGoa constant nightmares.
He further said a study con-ducted by environmental engi-neer Shivaji Rao submitted tothe Goa government had esti-mated that evacuation of 2-5
km area around the reactor mustbe completed within six hours;within 12 hours for an area 5-25 km away, within 24 hours foran area 25-75 km away andwithin 48 hours for distancesbeyond 75 km of an accident.
As far as Goa is concerned,areas up to Quepem and Chaudifall within 77 km of Kaiga; whilePanjim, Ponda and Bicholim arewithin 115 km of the nuclearplant, Naik said.
Local environmental activistshave also cautioned against thesetting up of the Jaitapur nuclearpower plant towards the northin Ratnagiri district in Maha-rashtra.
The controversial nuclearproject has also resulted in thedeath of a protester, Yusuf Kazi,40, who died during an agitationagainst the proposed Jaitapurplant in December last year.
The Fukushima incident is aserious warning for an environ-mentally and socially fragilestate like Goa, said activistKalanand Mani, who runs Peace-ful Society, an NGO operatingfrom Goa.
The state could become anatomic sandwich betweenKaiga and Jaitapur as environ-mental destruction does notknow state boundaries, headded.
n As far as Goa isconcerned, areas up toQuepem and Chaudi fallwithin 77 km of Kaiga;while Panjim, Ponda andBicholim are within 115km of the nuclear plant.
-- Shantaram Naik
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
Entertainment Society of Goa(ESG) has chalked out extensiveplan worth Rs 18 lakh to cele-brate its 7th anniversary on May6, which is expected to be astar-studded event.
ESGs Governing Councilwhich met in Panjim on Mondaydiscussed the plans to host theanniversar y. The meetingchaired by Chief Minister Digam-bar Kamat decided to felicitateall the past Chairmen and CEOs,during the function.
ESG Chief Executive OfficerManoj Srivastava said that theevent is budgeted at Rs 18 lakhand entire expenditure wouldbe raised through sponsor-ships.
We will not allow a singlepaisa to be spent from the Statecoffers, he said adding that
sponsorship worth Rs 4 lakh isalready arranged.Birthdays or anniversary are
the occasions to express thanksto the partners and people whohelp you exist. For us this isthanksgiving occasion for all ourpartners, film industry people,Goa government and all the pastCEOs and chairmen, Srivastavasaid.
Interestingly, even as themeeting on Monday unani-mously decided to hold the cel-ebrations, some of the membersexpressed their dissatisfactionover the programming of theevent to the media.
Sources stated that duringthe meeting there was no op-position for any programmingeven as Srivastava made a pres-entation about the expenditurewhich also includes a mega aer-obic show by Yogi Group.
Yogi group, in past, had hitthe controversy after they pre-sented belly dance for the in-auguration of Anjuna PoliceStation.
ESG officials, however, saidthat this time, Yogi Group hascome with an international stan-dard presentation of aerobic andother acts.
Sources stated that of thetotal Rs 18 lakh expenditure,Rs 10 lakh will be paid to Yogiwhile Rs 3 lakh for sound,stage and light, Rs two lakhfor ESG brochure and Rs 3 lakhfor travel and accommoda-tions.
Union minister for Informa-tion and Broadcasting AmbikaSoni will be invited by the chiefminister for the event. SeveralBollywood and regional starsare also expected to make theirpresence.
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 15
A major fire reduced a beachshack Eddies Place Pub andrestaurant located at Colva vil-lage to ashes late last night, de-stroying property worth over Rs12 lakh.
Shack owner Mariano Fernan-des informed that goods suchas deep freezers, cooking range,toasters, and other items were
destroyed in the inferno.As usual, we had closed down
the shack for the day at around10.30 last night. At late night, Iheard my relative screaming say-ing the shack is on fire. When wereached the site, the entire struc-ture was on fire, he said.
The fire brigade which rushedto Colva could not be of muchhelp since the shack was alreadydestroyed in the fire.
A generator, TV set, canechairs and store, besides otheritems were also damaged in thefire.Replying to a question, heput the total estimated loss toaround Rs 12 lakh.
Marianos nephew ThomasRodrigues informed that thegovernment should work outa compensation package insuch disasters since there isno insurance cover for the
beach shacks. He said the gov-ernment should take the ini-tiative and come out with arelief package in times of suchdisasters.
Thomas said that Valanka vis-ited the site and assured to takeup with the concerned authoritiesthe question over the compensa-tion. The Talathi and the policehas visited the site and conducteda panchanama, he added.
Colva shack gutted in blaze
The Colva beach shack which was gutted in a major fire last night. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 15
Asserting that the regional party is committedto protect the interest of Goa and Goans, theUnited Goans Democratic Party has demandedspecial category status for the state to protectthe states identity.
UGDP Secretary General Adv Anacleto Viegaspointed out that its now nearly two years sinceCongress President Sonia Gandhi had promisedto bestow special category status for Goa, butlamented that the proposal has not been fulfilledtill date. The Congress president came down toGoa during the Lok Sabha polls and promised toconsider the demand for special category statusfor the state. Two years have elapsed, but theCongress and the its government is yet to bestowthe special category status, Adv Viegas said,while issuing a warning to the Congress leadershipthat Goans would not take things lying downanymore if special status is not bestowed on thestate forthwith.
Briefing newsmen, he further said that thatthe UGDP leaders had been actively participatingin all major agitations in the state, including thedemand for a High Court, pollution free state,
against mining activities and had been voicingthe grievances of the people at various fora acrossthe State.
The UGDP may not have participated in thename of the party, but party leaders have beenproactive in all agitations when it came to pro-tecting the interests of the State. Whether wefight in the name of the party or nor, all the leaderhave been in the forefront in the agitations, hesaid.
Criticizing Chief Minister Digambar Kamatsways of functioning, Viegas said the Chief Ministerhad been virtually allowing his ministerial col-leagues to do what they do without any control.
Citing the case of rampant mining activities inthe State, Viegas said mining has not benefitedthe people of the State, adding that activity oughtto have benefited the people in terms of sub-sidised water and power supply, but lamentedthat only the politicians and a few industrialistshave benefited from the activity.
The mining wealth should go to the generalmasses in terms of subsidized public utility facil-ities, he demanded and warned of an agitationif rampant uncontrolled mining is allowed in thestate.
UGDP demands special category status for Goa
Navelim BJPunit wants
Aquem-Baixo panch arrested
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 15
The Navelim unit of the BJP onTuesday demanded the imme-diate arrest of Aquem-Baixo vil-lage panchayat member AshokShirodkar in connection withthe abetment to commit suicideoffense registered against himand his family members in con-nection with the suicidal deathof the 20-year old maid servantat Moti Dongor.
BJP leader Shaikh Jina saidShirodkar has not been arrestedby the Margao police till datebecause of political pressure anddemanded the reason behindthe delay in arresting the panchmember when the police werequick to arrest Mickky Pachecois a similar case last year.
While demanding to knowwhy PWD Minister Churchill Ale-mao is supporting Shirodkarwhen the police have registeredan offence against him, Jina saidthe Panch member should im-mediately resign as member ofthe Aquem-Baixo village pan-chayat.
Demanding that the Margaopolice should conduct a detailprobe into the death of the 20-year old maid servant, he saidthe police should probe into allangles into the case without anypolitical pressure. There maybe something else behind thedeath of the young girl otherthan theft. It is for the police toinvestigate and unravel the truefacts before the public, he de-manded.
While serving a deadline onthe police to arrest the panchmember, Jina said the BJP wouldmobilize its supporters acrossthe state if the police fail to ar-rest Shirodkar in the case.
Chargesheet filed againstMahanand
MARGAO, MARCH 15 (HR): The Maina Curtorimpolice have filed a chargesheet against accusedMahanand Naik in the Deepali Jotkar murdercase.
PI Sidhant Shirodkar said the case waschargesheeted in the court on Monday after seek-ing legal opinion in the case.
In this case, Deepali Jotkar was found dead atBalli in Quepem taluka and the police later arrestedMahanand Naik in connection with the murderafter her family members spilled the beans vis--vis his relationship with deceased Deepali.
This is the third murder case against MahanandNaik chargesheeted in the South Goa SessionsCourt. The previous two murder cases ending inacquittals for want of evidence from the prose-cution.
Incidentally, Mahanands acquittal in one ofthe murder case by Additional South Goa SessionsJudge Desmond DCosta had kicked up a row ofsorts after the Judge was placed under suspensionfollowing a complaint lodged by South Goa Ses-sions Judge Utkarsh V Bhakre.
Judge Desmond is presently under suspensionupon orders of the High Court and an inquiryhas been initiated against him vis--vis the com-plaint made against him by the Sessions Judge.
Nigerian held with drugs PANJIM, MARCH 15 (HR): A Nigerian man was
arrested on Monday night with illegal possessionof drugs in an anti narcotics raid near a shack atArambol Anjuna police said.
Thukwueduka Gidson Igvokue was arrestedwith 54gms of Heroin and 7 gms cocaine which,according to the police is total Rs 3.73-lakh ininternational market.
Police was acting on a tip off that the Nigerianwould carry packets of drugs for his prospectivecustomer. He was caught red-handed near CocoLoco shack at Arambol. Police also seized fromhim a black wallet containing Rs 730 in differentdenominations, Wego bike GA-03-K-5147 andother accessories. He was arrested and later re-manded to police custody for interrogation bythe NDPS Court, Mapusa.
Forgery case registered MARGAO, MARCH 15 (HR): The Margao police
have registered a case against one Rajesh Srivas-tava for forgery and cheating to fraudulently ob-tain a plot at Per-Seraulim village under the20-point programme.
The case was registered against the accusedbased on a complaint lodged by the Mamlatdarof Salcete, Paresh Faldessai. In his complaint, themamlatdar stated that the accused person priorto December 19, 2010 approached the office andfraudulently entered his name in the old rationcard belonging to his mother-in-law and producethe same before the mamlatdar to obtain PlotNo 120 at Sokhoband Per-Seraulim under the 20-point programme. The complaint further statedthat the accused person later sold the plot toone Basavraj. A case of forgery and cheating hasbeen registered against the accused under Sec-tions 465, 471 and 420 of the IPC. The Margaopolice are investigating.
Order reservedMARGAO, MARCH 15 (HR): The South Goa
Sessions Court on Tuesday reserved its orderin the bail applications filed by Govind Naikand Nitin Dicholkar in the headless body murdercase.
While the duo had knocked the doors of thecourt for bail, the Maina Curtorim police havevehemently opposed the bail applications.
After hearing arguments in the matter on Tues-day, Additional Sessions Judge Vijaya Pol has re-served orders in the case to Wednesday.
Jharkhand duo held MARGAO, MARCH 15 (HR): The Colva police havearrested two persons, both natives of Jharkhandin connection with the murder of a person in thevillage.
The police said the two accused persons havebeen remanded to seven days police custody forthe purpose of investigations. The Colva policehad last month recovered the skeletal remainsof a male person in a paddy field.
Police said the duo is being interrogated andexuded confidence of achieving a breakthroughin the case.
The police are investigating.
crime beat
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, MARCH 15
The Goa Barge Owners Associ-ation (GBOA) has appealed toUnion Finance Minister PranabMukherjee to roll back the hikein export duty on Goan low-grade iron ore, as it would havean adverse effect on the Stateeconomy and lead to mass re-trenchment of workers.
The association has statedthat a delegation of barge own-ers would like call on the unionfinance minister to explain inperson about the seriousnessof the situation.
In a letter to Finance MinisterMukherjee, GBOA President AtulJadhav has stated that Goa ex-ports only low-grade ore witha ferrous content of 52-58grades.
Increase in duty, in the re-cently presented budget, pro-posed from 5 per cent to 20 percent together with the fall ironore price in the internationalmarket have made export of ironore totally unviable.
Many exporters from Goa havebeen forced to cancel its ship-ments, as increase in export dutywill be a double blow, as Kar-nataka has already imposed a banon export of iron ore, besides un-seasonal rain till June 2010 hadalready led to a fall in export by15 per cent, said Jadhav.
ESGs 7th anniversary likely to be a star-studded event
Clarify on no parkingresolution in Gandhi
market complex: vendorsHERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 15
Gandhi Market vendors and meat traders called on Margao MunicipalCouncil Chairperson Sushila Naik, seeking clarifications on theresolution passed by the Standing Committee to declare no parkingin the market complex.
Led by President Rajendra Azgaonkar, the vendors drew attentionof the Chairperson that any move to declare no parking wouldaffect loading and unloading of goods in the market area.
They told the Chairperson to allot an alternative area for loadingand unloading of goods and take all the stake holders into confi-dence before taking any decision.
We have come to draw attention of the chairperson that noparking in the market area would affect the trade and business inthe market. The chairperson has assured to take all concernedinto confidence before taking a final decision, Azgaonkar said,adding that the municipality should provide alternate place forloading and unloading of goods in the market.
After giving the delegation a patient hearing, the MMC chair-person said she would ask the municipal inspectors to conduct asurvey of the area before taking a final decision on the issue.
Roll back export duty hike on Goan low-grade ore: GBOA
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
Goan iron ore exporters are wor-ried that Japan tsunami may haveits ripple effect that would affectthe ore exports to this nation.
Goa Mineral Ore ExportersAssociations (GMOEA) ExecutiveDirector S Sridhar said thatJapan market has not shown anyaffect till now but the exportersare keeping a close watch onthe developments in tsunamiaffected nation.
If there is impact on the nu-clear plants in Japan then thatwould result into power problemsthere, which would further affect
the steel production, he said.The Goan iron ore, which is
exported to Japan, is used as araw material by the steel indus-try. The state exports around 3million metric tones of iron oreto this nation annually.
Japan stands second in theexports after China. Before thesurge in demand from Chinamarket, Japan was the biggestimporter of iron ore from Goa.
Sridhar said that so far therehave been no cancellations ofexport assignments. He said thatmany of the major ports, whereGoa ore is off loaded are sparedfrom the Tsunami impact.
Impose of hike in duty willlead to the death knell of iron oreexport trade, added Jadhav.
He further said that hike induty leading to further cut inexport will kill the already tot-tering barge industry, as basedon export projections, some 30new barges were added to thefleet at a cost of Rs 150 croreand the bank finance to the tuneof Rs 120 crore was taken to fi-nance the additional fleet.
Under such circumstances,the barge owners will not beable to breakeven and will be
constrained to default in theircommitment to their financialinstitutions. If the situationworsens, it could lead to largescale retrenchment of bargeworkers, said Jadhav.
He further said the barge in-dustry has employed nearly 7,000workers directly and over 15,000workers in ancillaries like repairs,administration, port, etc.
He requested the union fi-nance minister to initiate afavourable action to preventcollapse of the social fabric ofGoa.
Tsunami may hit ore exports to Japan, fear Goan exporters
No field to get affected dueto Panchawadi bypass
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 15
PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao has said that he has reported tothe Chief Minister Digambar Kamat stating there is no problem tobuild the bypass road at Panchawadi since no field would beaffected by the proposed road.
Alemao told newsmen in the presence of the Panchwadi DeputySarpanch John Braganza that Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik wasbehind the road closure at Panchwadi during his visit to the areafor inspection of the land for the proposed road.
After my visit to the area, I can say with confidence that 90 percent of the people want the bypass road. The MLA and one Cristoare opposing the road. Majority of the people are in favour of theroad, he asserted. The PWD Minister said the government iswilling to scrap the bypass road if any square meter of fields is tobe affected by the project. I am not responsible for the clash be-tween two groups. I had just gone to inspect the road upon an in-vitation from the people. But, the people who got exposed closedthe road, creating tension in the area, he added.
Property loss estimated at Rs 12 lakh
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GOAOHERALD
OPg3
GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
Agitated over the ruthlessnessand insensitivity by Goa govern-ment to various social issues,the citizens groups today re-
solved to demand Special Statusfor Goa by the Central Govern-ment meant for the protectionof Goan culture and land.
Over 30 organizations and fo-rums under the banner Goem-
chea Rakhondarancho Awaz(Voice of the Protectors of Goa)GRA on Tuesday held a protest-meet at Azad Maidan, also de-manded to eliminate bogusvoters from the voters list and
Strike off bogus voters from electoral list: GRA
A huge gathering of people at the protest meet held at Azad Maidan, Panjim on Tuesday. Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar
NCP yet to decide on Jose, Nilkants resignations
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
Even a day after their resigna-tions, the fate of two NCP min-isters- Jose Philip and NilkantHalarnkar remains undecided asthe party is yet to take a call onthe matter while the chief min-ister distanced himself from thedevelopment.
The two ministers yesterdaysubmitted their resignations to
Jose Philip Nilkant Halarnkar
end corruption in the State. Goan votes are lost. We de-
mand to remove bogus votersfrom the election voters list,who have not deleted their vot-ing rights back at their nativeplace, Advocate Yatish Naik,representing Pilerne CitizensForum (PCF) addressed the pub-lic rally. Similarly, concerns wereraised on the increasing mi-grants in Goa, who are beingused as their vote banks duringelection.
The aggrieved membersvouched to oust all 40 MLAs,by not electing them in theforthcoming assembly election,as they have been selling Goa.They said that it is high timethat Goans elect new faces andthose who are literate to runthe government well.
PCF President Prakash Ban-dodkar said that places likeChimbel and Moti Dongor Chief Minister Digambar Kamatsconstituency, are flooded by il-legal immigrants. The increas-ing slums and migrants havebeen created by politicians onlyto get votes. These outsidersare residing in Goa without anycredentials, he said.
Bandodkar alleged that the40 legislators and respectivemamlatdars are hand in glovesin allowing migrants to takeshelter here.
Besides, environmental issueswere also raised at the gatheringwith environmentalists demand-ing to scarp governments de-
cision to bring out Vision 2035document for the developmentof Goa.
It is the utopian idea by theGoa government. When it couldnot responsibly work on Re-gional Plan 2021, then Visiondocument is something whichit should not think of. In fact, itshould be scrapped, renownedenvironmentalist Ramesh Gawassaid.
He further stated that Goa isturning into a sophisticated andlawless State as government isturning a blind eye to severalillegal mining activities here.Goa is already facing water cri-sis, and if mining continues, thenGoans will cry for every singledrop of water. The non-stop min-ing would create other problemsas well, he said.
Scores of people from all walksof life participated in the rally,chanting anti-government slogans.
Swati Kerkar of the SEZ Vi-rodhi Manch rued that villagesand agricultural lands are beingdestroyed in the name of devel-opment. We should not suc-cumb to the governments falsepromises of jobs and develop-mental activities. We should in-stead unite and f ight theinjustice. How can we get jobswhen industries have alreadyfailed here? she said.
The much talked about issueof the police-drug nexus alsodominated the agenda of thegathering, besides other issueson rampant sand extraction,
mining, land and the proposedMopa airport.
A local from Margao CroydanMadeira took a pot shot at thegovernment on drugs scenealong the coastal belt. He saidthat while outsiders are awardedjobs here, many local youths arerendered jobless and hence in-dulge in anti-social acts.
Goan politicians take advan-tage of the frustrated local youthwho are jobless and induce theminto doing drugs or alcohol.Youths should not fall prey toall this, he said.
their resignations, he said. NCPs Goa unit chief Surendra
Sirsat told reporters here thatPawar is yet to respond to theresignations.
Sirsat said that Pawar was im-pressed with the stand taken by
the ministers, who have provedtheir loyalty to the party.
Goa Legislative AssemblySpeaker Pratapsing Rane saidthat the resignations will haveno bearing in the assembly asthe duo has not resigned be-
fore the chief minister. If the ministers (Tourism
Minister Nilkant Halarnkarand Revenue Minister JosePhilip DSouza) resigned al-leging lack of developmentin Goa, then they should havetendered it to either chiefminister or the Governor andnot to NCP party ch ie f(Sharad Pawar), he said.
Margao policedirected to stop land
filling at GogolHERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 15
The district authorities on Tues-day evening directed the Margaopolice to stop land filling atGogol on land admeasuring33,000 sq mts.
The action came following acomplaint lodged by FatordaMLA Damu Naik to the DistrictCollector G P Naik claiming thatland filling was going on at thefield since this evening. The MLAalso lodged his complaint withthe Member Secretary of theSouth Goa Planning and Devel-opment Authority (SGPDA), de-manding action against theillegal land filling.
When contacted, Deputy Col-lector, Margao Johnson Fernan-des said that he has directedthe Margao police to stop theland filling activity.
As per information, debriswas found dumped on the landin question, but inquiries haverevealed that the filling was notmore than 50 cm. The filling isnot more than half a meter andhence is not a violation, he said.
Johnson said the District Col-lector G P Naik had personallyvisited the site following com-plaint from the MLA, adding thatdirections to the police were is-sued after inspection of the landby the Collector.
The Fatorda MLA claimed thatthe land filling activity just be-hind the petrol pump was car-ried out without permissionfrom the authorities.
He pointed out that the zoneof the land in question was con-verted to Commercial I and won-dered why the land fillingactivity was conducted withoutpermission.
the party supremo Sharad Pawarin New Delhi.
The duo alleged lack of de-velopment in the State. Theyput down their papers beforePawar but not the Chief Minister.
Surprisingly, the move cametwo months after the partysupremo asked them to tendertheir resignations to make wayfor Mickky Pacheco into theState Cabinet.
The duo had defied the partyorders and continued as theministers.
Chief minister DigambarKamat said here that he is yetto receive the resignation fromthe ministers.
Its their internal party matter.I will react only when I receive
New Vaddem flat burgledHERALD REPORTER
VASCO, MARCH 15
In the second burglary within a week, burglars decamped withgold ornaments and cash of Rs 1 lakh from a flat at New Vaddem,Vasco, on Monday.
According to Vasco Police, gold ornaments estimated at Rs99,000 and cash of Rs 1,000 was found missing from the flat ofone Gokuldas Vast in Avelino Apartment, New Vaddem, Vasco, onMonday.
Vast had locked his flat in the morning and when he returnedin the evening after work, he found the main door open. Thelocker in the cupboard was open and belongings were ransacked,informed police.
Police pressed the dog squad and finger print experts to getlead in the investigation.
Vasco Police have registered a case of theft against unknownperson under Sections 454, 457, 380 of IPC and is investigatingthe case.
Earlier on March 9, burglars had decamped with gold ornamentsand cash of Rs 1.97 lakh from a flat at Mangor-Hill, Vasco.
Demands end to corruption
CM distances himself from development
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Pg4 GOAGOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011
SHORT TAKES
OHE
RALD
O
POWER SHUTDOWNMARCH 16
MAPUSA: From 9 am to 1 pm. Areas affected are Prabhu Estatecolony, Shetyewada and surrounding areas.
SANVORDEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Durganand-nagar, Camral, Khamamol, Capxem, Sanvordem-Tisk, Gandhinagar,Mopa, Panchwadi etc under Sanvordem VP and Panchwadi VP.
Womens Day celebrated
Saifulla Khan presenting a certificate to a participant onWomens Day in the presence of Kishori Haldankar, YashashriGadekar and other members of Kalashree Mahila Mandal at Be-labaim, Vasco.
PANJIM (HND): Kalashree Mahila Mandal celebrated WomensDay with a sweet dishes cooking competition at Belabaim,Vasco.
Saifulla Khan, president of Goa Pradesh Congress Minoritycell and MMC councillor was the chief guest and gave awaythe prizes. He complimented the Mahila Mandal for their ex-cellent job in organising various programmes for women inthe port town. He highlighted the importance of self helpgroups and mahila mandals and spoke about various governmentschemes for women.
Yashashri Gadekar welcomed and president of KalashreeMahila Mandal Kishori Haldankar proposed the vote of thanks.
Students felicitated
Councillor Michael Carassco presents certificate and mementoto Hardik Patel. Also present is Shiv Mandir Samiti PresidentArun Bicholkar.
PANJIM (HND): Shri Shiv Temple at Satt-Adhar complex,Karaswada, Mapusa celebrated Mahashivratri, during which,over 2000 devotees visited the temple for worship. Shiv MandirSamiti also felicitated students from Mapusa and surroundingareas.
Hardik Patel who topped the science stream scoring 92%marks, Sandriya DSouza, Omkar Vaingankar and Steffy Mathewwere felicitated for scoring the highest marks in their respectivestreams by the chief guest Michael Carassco, councilor and ex-chairperson of Mapusa municipality. He presented mementosand certificates to the students.
Samiti President Arun Bicholkar and vice-President KailashNaik were present. Arun Bicholkar welcomed and the vote ofthanks was proposed by Kailash Naik.
Souvenir released
PANJIM (HND): Youth Force of Goa released its 1st annualsouvenir recently at the hands of vice president of the GroupNaresh Gawas in the presence of president Osbert DCunhaand other committee members at a city hotel in Panjim.
Speaking on the occasion, president Osbert congratulatedthe souvenir committee for the success achieved by vice pres-ident Lawrence Lobo, vice president Naresh Gawas, generalsecretary Pranay Haldankar, block president of Saligao Chan-drashekar Morajkar, Rabiya Muzaver, South Goa block presidentJalesh Velip and others. He also said that there will be a con-vention of Youth Force Of Goa in the month of April in Panjim.This will motivate more youth to join this group. The functionwas followed by cutting of the cake followed by dinner to markthe birthday celebration of vice president Naresh Gawas.
Waste comes in handy
Parents and teachers admire creativity of school children of Lit-tle Lamb School, Taleigao. Children had made these creationsout of waste.
PANJIM (HND): An exhibition of Wealth Out of Waste wasconducted at Little Lamb School, Taleigao. Children exhibitedtheir talents by using waste items such as empty glass bottles,plastic spoons, etc and created lovely items such as windchimes, glass paintings, vegetable prints, paper mache andmore. Present for the exhibition were Terezinho Afonso, asenior citizen from Taleigao, PTA Chairman Imtekha Sayed,chairman of school managing committee Christopher Po andart teachers Veleini Gonsalves and Elita Jorge.
Water is a natural resource,taken very much for granted.It is usually free and available formany of the privileged people thatits true value is lost entirely.
Imagine a day without water. Nowater to brush ones teeth in themorning; no water to shower withbefore going to school; no water todrink after a tasty lunch theprospect is quite scary. We humanbeings cannot survive without thisessential liquid, and yet we treat itso casually.
As global citizens, it is our civic re-sponsibility to do our best to con-serve our dwindling naturalresources. After all,we have an obliga-tion as inhabitants ofthis beautifulplanet, not to takeits precious re-sources forgranted. So whatcan we do to pre-vent wastage ofwater?
The trouble withconservation is thatmostly everyone looks
to someone else to do it. It actuallystarts at home. Simple things likewater-efficient flush tanks can go along way: Low-flow toilets as theydo not flush out more than 1.6 gal-lons of water, whereas a conven-tional toilet flushes out at least 3.5gallons of water. Rainwater har-vesting techniques and efficientwater distribution could be imple-mented in buildings and homes togreat effect. Tanks can be used tocollect water and this water can beused in the house for washing andcleaning purposes.
Among the big-ger aspects ofthe environ-ment, wastedisposal andair pollution,we tend tooverlook ourb a t h r o o m swhere a lot ofwater getswasted. En-
ergy-efficient plumbing productshelp us to save water in our homesas well. Electronic faucets are be-coming increasingly popular andnot just for their good looks. Thesefaucets are energy-efficient in thattheir sensor features prevent thefaucet from being left open. Meter-ing faucets are also energy-efficient,as manual metering faucets are notonly cheaper than electronic ones,but the push-button feature pre-vents water from being wasted asthe faucet is turned off when not inuse.
There is a significant amount ofwater wasted on a daily basis, inevery home and in practically everyneighbourhood. It is up to us totake measures to prevent the daywhen we turn on a tap and no watercomes out.
A Little About Civics
Ever imagined a day without water?
March 16
High Tide: 0712; 2054
Low Tide: 0154; 1347
TIdES
UPCOMING EVENTS
Poetry book release PANJIM (HND): Utsavkuvar an anthology of poems of earlier
years of N Shivdas, titled Sarth Dukkarth which he publishedunder pen name Utsavkuvar will be released by Konkani poetNaguesh Karmali, at Goa Konkani Academy premises on March17 at 4.30 pm. The book is published by Rudra Prakashan.Ramesh Veluskar will speak on poems of N Shivdas and poetand playwright Vishnu Wagh will be the chief guest.
Konkani quizs final round PANJIM (HND): The final round of Kaleidoscope Konkani quiz
for students of higher secondary schools, organised by Com-municare Cultural Centre will be telecast on March 18 onPrudent at 2 pm, with repeat telecasts at 4 pm and 10.30 pm.
Quizmaster Jayesh Raut will take the final four teams througha series of questions based on grammar, culture, and spellingskills.
LESA quarterly meetingPANJIM (HND): The quarterly regular meeting of the Loyola
Ex-Students Association (LESA), Margao, will be held on March20 at 10.30 am at Loyola school hall, Margao. The statementof the National Congress for Jesuit Alumni/ae held recently atPatna will be read out at the meeting, plans for the next quarterwill be taken up for discussion.
Sopo auction in CortalimPANJIM (HND): The auction for the collection of market fees
(sopo) for the year 2011-2012 will be held on March 21 at 12noon in the office of the Village Panchayat, Cortalim-Quelossim.The condition laid down by the panchayat for the auction areavailable at the panchayat office during working hours.
CME programmes at GMCPANJIM (HND): The Department of Pathology of Goa Medical
College in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Cytologistswill organise two Continuing Medical Education (CME) pro-grammes in the pathology department seminar room, GoaMedical College Bambolim.
The first CME programme on thyroid will be held on March 22at 3.45 pm and the faculty will be Dr R G Wiseman Pinto. Thesecond CME programme is organised in collaboration with theneurosurgery department, GMC and will be held on March 23 at3 pm. There will be a Clinico Pathological Conference on theclinical case of central neurocytoma -- of the lateral ventricle ofthe brain. The speakers are Dr Yatin Kher from the Departmentof Neurosurgery and Dr Anuya Bandekar from the Department ofPathology. This will be chaired by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto and DrPonraj Sundaram. Goa Medical Council has given CME accreditationto the CME programmes and they are open to doctors in Goa.
Workshop on special status PANJIM (HND): Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights As-
sociation and Village Groups of Goa will conduct a workshopon Special Status for Goa under Article 371 of the Constitutionof India, on March 19 at Grace Church Complex Hall, opp LaxmiPlaza, VV Road, Margao, from 3.30 pm to 6 pm. Public can par-ticipate in the interactive session. For details, call 9822166876/9822102131or e-mail: [email protected].
HERALD NEWS DESK
PANJIM, MARCH 15
Canara Bank celebrated the In-ternational Womens Day Cel-ebrat ion by organ is ing afunction, recently at their circleoffice in Panjim. Some of thesuccessful lady entrepreneursof various branches of the bankand all the women working inthe branches/offices of Goa wereinvited and honoured.
Divisional Manager SathishNayak welcomed the gathering.Deputy General Manager CircleOffice, Goa, PN Parameswaran,presided over the function. Inhis speech, he emphasized therole of women in this demand-ing world and urged the womento rise to the occasion and come
on par with men.Associate Vice President Fi-
nance, Sesa Goa Ltd, Lalita Cor-re ia Afonso, inspired thegathering by giving a brief his-tory of her struggle and her de-termination to study hard andhow she had achieved the posi-tions hitherto occupied by men.
Ex-chairperson of MapusaMunicipal Council and councillorRupa G Bhakta exhorted theladies not to depend entirely ontheir family members but to de-pend on self to achieve anythingin life.
Some of the other lady en-trepreneurs of various branchesof the Bank and staff membersspoke on the occasion. Vote ofthanks was proposed by Belinda.
Canara Bank honours women
Rupa G Bhakta speaks at International Womens Day celebration or-ganised by Canara Bank recently at their office in Panjim. DGM P NParameswaran, Lalita Correia Afonsa and DM A Sathish Nayak arepresent.
Partagal Swamiji in MangaloreSPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
PANJIM, MARCH 15
Shree Vidyadhiraja TeerthaVader Swamiji of the SamsthanGokarn Partagali Mutt arrivedin Mangalore to participate inthe Lagu Vishnu Yaga and theShata Kalasha initiation beingorganised on the occasion ofthe completion of 350 years ofthe foundation of Shree GokarnMutt at Car Street in the city.
The Swamiji was extended aceremonial welcome on his ar-rival, with an ornate welcomearch set up near Swadeshi Store,and brought to the Mutt in animpressive procession.
At the Mutt, the Swamijipresided over a religious meet-ing. Goa Chief Minister Digam-bar Kamat, Dempo GroupChairperson Srinivas Dempo,Canara Bank executive directorsK L Jagadish Pai and H S U Ka-math, Bank of Baroda Chairper-son and Managing Director MD Mallya, and philanthropist andentrepreneur Dr P Dayanand Paiwere present.
The Swamiji delivered anashirvachan or benedictory ad-dress on the occasion.
Maharashtraconsidering
ban on SanatanSanstha
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
PANJIM, MARCH 15
The Maharashtra governmentis considering a ban on theSanatan Sanstha. Seekers ofthis Hindu fundamentalist outfitare alleged to have been in-volved in bomb blasts in Thanedistrict and in Goa, accordingto a report in TwoCircles.net.
Maharashtra Minister of Statefor Minority Affairs Arif NasimKhan told TwoCircles.net: Ihave been demanding a bansince ATS Maharashtra ChiefHemant Karkare sought a banon the Sanstha, when six of itsmembers were allegedly foundinvolved in a blasts in theatresat Thane and Vashi.
Two other members of theSanstha died in a blast while al-legedly trying to plant a bombat the Narkasur procession in2009 in Margao, on the eve ofDiwali, while another in-tended to explode in Vasco was defused at Sancoale afterit was spotted by an alert pick-up driver. Six other membersof the Sanstha are accused ofinvolvement in this terroristplot, and their trials are under-way.
NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad,whose party is part of the rulingcoalition in Maharashtra, con-firmed the government moveto consider ban on Sanstha.The government is really seri-ous about it, and is working ona proposal to be sent to thegovernment of India, he said,according to the report.
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
PORVORIM, MARCH 15
Shiv Sena has demanded can-cellation of house numbers al-lotted to residents of Assagaoby Mapusa Municipal Council(MMC), failing which the ShivSena has threatened to takenecessary action.
In a memorandum to MMCchief officer, Shiv Sena Ad Hoccommittee member Philip D-Souza stated that residents hav-ing houses near the electricitydepartment sub-station at theAssagao hilltop, which is legallyin the jurisdiction of AssagaoPanchayat, have been givenhouse numbers by MMC.
Subsequently, the revenuein the form of house tax andother taxes are collected byMMC, which should otherwisebe the revenue income of As-sagao Panchayat, stated thememorandum.
The memorandum furtherstated that the residents resid-ing in the area, who are mostlymigrants from other states,have also been issued electionand ration cards that enablethem to exercise their votes infavour of candidates of MMCand those contesting the Ma-pusa constituency.
The voting rights of theseresidents should be in favour
of prospective ward membersfor Assagao Panchayat andSiolim MLA, states the mem-orandum.
Shiv Sena has suggested thatMMC should take assistancefrom Land Survey Departmentand Town and Country PlanningDepartment and survey all ten-e m e n t s i n t h e h o u s i n gboard/Assagao hilltop and lo-cate the irregularities that arein the form of wrong jurisdic-tion, illegal constructions, en-croachments, etc and correctit.
This is necessary in lieu ofthe ensuing assembly elec-tions, adds the memorandum.
Assagao houses registered by MMC, alleges Shiv Sena
Woman held for
murder dies HERALD CORRESPONDENT
BICHOLIM, MARCH 15
The 50-year-old woman, whowas arrested in connectionwith the murder of her para-mour at Vathadev-Bicholim,died at GMC Hospital in Bam-bolim due to natural causes.
It may be recalled that oneRajani a l ias Ka lyani a l iasBabita Raghu Gawde fromDeulwada Narve was arrestedunder Section 302 of IPC inconnection with murder ofone Babu Viro Mote (52) fromVathadev.
According to Bicholim PIHarish Madkaikar, Rajani, whowas arrested on March 4, wasadmitted to GMC Hospital fol-lowing a medical check-up atPHC Bicholim. She died a nat-ural death at GMC Hospital.
The doctors have claimedit a natural death as her lungshad collapsed, informed PIMadkaikar.
Assagao houses which are given numbers by Mapusa Municipal Council. Photo by Anil Shankhwalker
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Pg 5GOA GOA, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH, 2011
OHE
RALD
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HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 15
Will the Tourism Department fi-nally crack a whip against thedischarge of kitchen and sewagewaste from its stalls into theColva creek?
Once again, the Colva Pan-chayat has knocked the doorsof the Tourism Department tostop the nuisance and the con-tamination of the creek. Thecontention of the panchayatbody is simple: The tourismstalls are owned by the TourismDepartment and its natural thatthe department provide a plantto treat the effluents dischargedby the stalls into the creek.
Says acting sarpanch Anthonyalias Mama Fernandes: Thepanchayat body had requestedthe Tourism Department lastyear to initiate necessary action,days after the Goa State Pollu-tion Control Board confirmed
contamination of the creek bysewage and waste water. Sincethen, the panchayat has sent re-minders to the Tourism Depart-ment seeking action, but invain.
If the acting sarpanch is tobe believed, the Tourism De-partment should initiate actionagainst the stalls or in the al-ternative make available the ef-fluent treatment plant.
The last reminder dispatchedby the panchayat body to theTourism Department was onFebruary 14 when the bodydrew attention of the depart-ment to the inspection carriedout by the Pollution ControlBoard and the observation thatthe occupiers of hotel, restau-rant, eateries in the tourismstalls are discharging kitchenwaste/sewage into the creek.
After discussing the report atthe village panchayat meeting,
the panchayat felt that imme-diate action to repair and plasterthe creek walls by plugging theholes needs to be initiated on apriority basis to avoid furtherdamage to the creek and to stopnuisance and pollution of thewater body.
Moreover, the panchayatbody had written to the TourismDepartment to take up the re-pair and clean up of the drainfrom the Sulabh Sauchalayatouching the creek to stop entryto waste and dirty water intothe creek.
Till date, however, action hasnot been forthcoming from thetourism department, the actingsarpanch said, adding that thepanchayat body has been un-necessarily blamed for the situ-ation when the concerneddepartment is involved in ablame game on the sensitiveissue.
COLVA CREEK CONTAMINATION
VP knocks Tourism Dept doors to stop nuisance again
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, MARCH 15
The maiden budget presentedby the newly formed MormugaoMunicipal Council (MMC) on Fri-day for the financial year 2011-12 has portrayed a dismalpicture yet again.
For the fourth year in a row,the MMC has presented a deficitbudget and this has raised someeyebrows on the councils abilityto undertake developmentalprojects in the port town.
The revised budget for pre-vious financial year 2010-11 sug-gest that the council hardlymade any progress, as originalreceipts were estimated at Rs18.76 crore, which were revisedat the end of financial year atRs 10.87 crore. The original ex-penditure was estimated at Rs19.95 crore and later revised toRs 11.95 crore.
Surprisingly, the MMCsStanding Committee approvedthe budget with minimum rec-ommendations.
The budget for financial year
2011-12 has been estimated atRs 28.41 crore (receipt) and Rs30.80 crore (expenditure).
As expected, MMCs inabilityto improve its track record onrecovery (rents and housetaxes) reflects on its revisedbudget.
Since the last four years, theMMC has presented a deficitbudget, where spending has ex-ceeded receipts. A major chunkof the receipts has been spenton salaries, wages, pension gra-tuity of staff and daily wageworker and administrative ex-penditure.
Though the MMC is awarethat nearly Rs 6 crore is out-standing as rent and house tax
for last many years, MMC hasmade a feeble attempt to re-cover its dues.
Despite the deficit budget,the MMC has made a provisionto undertake development in all20 wards of the MMC. A provi-sion has also been made to up-grade and develop the existinggarbage treatment plant.
Debating the issue at thebudget meeting, former MMCchairperson Carlos Almeidagrilled the taxation departmentofficial and chief officer for beinglethargic towards enforcing thedouble entry system, due towhich council did not get centralgrants.
Chief Officer Gopal Parsekarand Councillor Tara Kerkar werealso involved in a heated argu-ment.
Kerkar had al leged thatParsekar was lethargic in exe-cuting works and Parsekar re-taliated by daring her to proveher allegations. He also statedthat the council is free to de-mand a new chief officer.
Expenditure outweighs receipts in Mormugao councils budget
n The budget forfinancial year 2011-12 has beenestimated at Rs28.41 crore (receipt)and Rs 30.80 crore(expenditure).
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CANACONA, MARCH 15
Canacona Municipal Council(CMC) has approved a budgetof Rs 3.10 crore for 2011-12with an anticipated balance ofRs 4.33 crore between receiptsand expenditure for the currentfinancial year.
The budget meeting was con-vened on Friday and almost allthe councilors, including Chair-person Ratnakar Dhuri werepresent.
Chief Officer L S Pereira sub-mitted the budgetary provi-sions for the approval of thecouncil with receipts of Rs10,08,87,100 and expenses ofRs 5,75,15,100 keeping a bal-ance of Rs 4,33,72,000 in theCMC coffers.
Some of the major head ofthe budgetary provisions for2011-12 are market income ofRs 22,00,000 (last year Rs9,60,750) and income fromtaxes on houses and lands Rs 4lakh.
The last three budgetary pro-visions made by CMC was Rs1,62,72,400 (2008-09), Rs2,07,28,196 (2009-10) and Rs3,68,16,529 (2010-11).
CMC has also eyed Rs 2 crorefrom various developmentalworks taking place in the mu-nicipal areas, while it plans tora i se Rs 20 ,00 ,000 f romshacks/stalls, temporary struc-tures activities taking place inmunicipal coasts.
Another major head of re-ce ip t s to the tune o f R s20,00,000 is from non-specifiedincome.
On the expenditure front,CMCs coffers is likely to takemajor beating from varioussalary head accounts with anearmarked expenses of Rs90,00,000 which includes Rs15,00,000 for salary to commoncadre, Rs 25,00,000 for pay andallowances to establishmentsand Rs 50,00,000 to permanentestablishments.
For the first time, CMC hadmade provisions for reimburse-ment of child education fees ofRs 5,00,000 and for pension gra-tuity of Rs 5,00,000.
Rs 5,55,000 has been ear-marked for honorarium to thechairperson and councilorswhile Rs 3,00,000 will be ex-pended for taking various studytours by the council.
Other major expenses headsare Rs 45,00,000 towards work-ers wages, expenses of Rs150,00,000 towards GIA devel-opmental works, Rs 5,00,000(miscellaneous public works)and Rs 30,00,000 are markedfor minor developmental worksthat could be taken-up by thecouncil.
Interestingly, the CMC whichis overflowing with vehicles hasalso marked Rs 40,00,000 to-wards purchases of new vehiclesand Rs 3,00,000 as repair ex-penses of existing vehicles.
CMC okays budget of over Rs 3 crore
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CANACONA, MARCH 15
A voluntary organisation con-structed and gifted a house toa widow at Palolem, whosehouse had collapsed a monthafter it got submerged in theunprecedented floods of Octo-ber 2009.
Keshav Seva Sadna, a socialorganization having its branchin Canacona, constructed theroof tiles house for Amba Pagui,a widow residing at Palolem, ata cost of Rs 1.75 lakh.
The social organizationstepped in reportedly on theappeal of Canacona MLA VijayPoi Khot, as house collapsewhich came late after Canaconafloods could not be included inthe list of flood victims.
The house keys were handedover to Amba in the hands ofCanacona MLA Vijay Poi Khoton Monday evening in the pres-ence of Palolem-Devabhag Coun-
cilor Rajeshri Pagi and CMC ex-chairperson Divakar Pagui.
A pujan was organised, whichwas attended by Keshav SevaSadna South Goa President AdvK Hegde Dessai, other organi-zational office bearers Nama
alias Laximan Vaman BheremMataji Mandir Adhyaksh AnantNa i l Gaonka r, J e tendraAmshekar, Vasant Nagarsheskaramong others. Dr DivarkarjiVelip welcomed and comperedthe function.
Palolem widow gifted house
Amba Pagui with Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot, Palolem-DevabhagCouncilor Rajeshri Divakar Pagui and other office bearers of KeshavSeva Sadna. Photo by Kathy Pereira
Bicholim woman escapes
monkey attackHERALD CORRESPONDENT
BICHOLIM, MARCH 15
A 52-year-old woman fromVathadev-Bicholim escaped apossible attack from a monkeyat Vathadev on Tuesday.
According to reports, oneSuman Manjrekar was workingin the Kulagar when a monkeyjumped from the tree andstarted chasing the woman.
Sens ing danger, Sumanstarted running, but the monkeyfollowed her to a distance ofabout 100 mtrs.
Hearing her shouts for help,a man who was working closeby began pelting stones at themonkey and the animal laterfled away.
It may be recalled that a sim-ilar case was reported in the vil-lage some days back, when amonkey had chased anotherwoman, who was working inthe Kulagar.
As per the reports, the mon-key is alone and runs after peo-ple, especially if they are alone,besides damaging crops in thearea.
Body found lying on
rail tracksHERALD CORRESPONDENT
CANACONA, MARCH 15
Railway Police recovered a malebody lying across the tracks atKRCs Ponsulem tunnel in Cana-cona.
According to reports, themale body was found lying in-side the Ponsulem tunnel acrossthe KRCs Canacona-Karwar railtracks on Thursday.
The man was wearing a blueco loured t - sh i r t and ablack/white half pant. His bodyhas been shifted to Hospiciomorgue, informed sources.
According to sources, threedays ago KRC authorities hadundertaken a public awarenessprogramme for railway gatecrossing and the discovery ofthe body on the railway trackshas come barely in two daystime.
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
Smile Foundations path-breaking movie I Am Kalamwas honoured with the bestyoung jury award on Mondayin a ceremony, which was ex-tension to IFFI 2010.
The film director Nila Mad-hab Panda and Producer Ji-tendra Mishra were awardedwith the Young Jury awardby Chief Minister DigamberKamat.
Addressing the gatheringChief Minister said Entertain-ment Society of Goa (ESG), anodal agency to host IFFI,will continue with the initia-tive.
This was for the firsttime that we introducedyoung jury award, which wasan opportunity for young-sters to be judge as well ascritic, Kamat said addingthat initiative will boost filmculture among young Goanartists.
For the first time, 12 youngcritics from Goa, who weretrained by experts in the field
of film critics, had come to-gether and selected I amKalam for the award.
Expressing himself, film di-rector Panda said that thefilm was very special to himbecause it has come at a timewhen whole nation is cele-brating historic Right to Ed-ucation (RTE) act.
The movie has already re-ceived nine internationalawards, which includes threeaudience awards. The suc-cess of this movie will moti-vate many young minds tocome forward with theirunique ideas, he said.
The film is about a poorboy who gets inspired afterwatching a speech by Indiasformer President A P J AbdulKalam, which urges him tomap the course of his destinythrough determination, per-severance and hard work.
It can be recalled, thatthough the award was de-clared during IFFI 2010 butwas not awarded for long dueto lack of communicationamong ESG officials.
I Am Kalam bestowed young jury award
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
In order to revive the dying oc-cupation of farming in Goa, As-sembly Speaker Pratapsing Ranehas said that farming should bemade a highly paid occupationto encourage youngsters to fol-low this as a career.
Speaking at a day-long work-shop to discuss strategies forAgriculture Development in theState at Dona Paula on Tuesday,Rane said that the best way toencourage new entrants wouldbe ensuring that farming is aprofitable and a respected oc-cupation.
Government should supportthe farmers and find out as towhy the younger generationchase behind white collar jobsand find farming unattractive,he told the gathering in the pres-ence of other ministers, MLAs
and department officials. He maintained that legislators
should take up issues of farmersin right earnest to give agricul-ture sector a boost and makeGoa self sufficient in agricultureproduce.
Chief Minister DigambarKamat laid stress on the needto make farming economicallyviable by enabling farmers toreap the fruits by introducingbetter and cost-effective tech-nologies.
Dy Speaker Mauvin Godinhoexpressed the same opinionadding that agriculture shouldbe promoted for ecological bal-ance also as it would promotegreen tourism in Goa.
He said that governmentshould support the cultivatorswith sufficient subsidies on ma-chineries, electrical fencing andsoil investment.
Rane, besides, insisted theneed for new schemes for thebetterment of farming commu-nity and modify those schemeswhich are not derived by thefarmers to carry out their agri-culture and allied activities.
He said that problems raisedby the farmers related to irriga-tion, fencing, desalting, naturalcalamities, among others,should be resolved on priority.
Chairman of Goa State LawCommission, Adv Ramakant Kha-lap opined that Tillari waterscould be supplied to farmersand hence theres a need to im-plement CADA making it manda-tory for the people to use thewater available for the agricul-tural purpose.
Similarly, other panelists andattendees suggested that gov-ernment should aid poultry anddairy farming being a profitable
Farming should be made profitable, respected occupation: Speaker
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastavahas asked consumer organiza-tions to educate masses on thechallenges while buying anyproduct.
He said that consumersshould protect themselves byfully understanding their rightsand not to fall prey to unrecog-nized marketing.
Srivastava was speaking as achief guest at the function ofConsumer Rights and the Com-mon Man: Redressal of Con-sumer Gr i evances byGovernment Agencies, on WorldConsumer Rights Day held atDona Paula, on Tuesday.
Speaking further, he said thatGovernment should not shunits responsibility from address-ing to grievances of the con-sumers.
In a democratic set up, peoplehave the right to question thegovernment, as they have respon-sibility towards the commonmen. The government should en-sure timely service to con-sumers, he told the gathering,which was also attended by NGOsand other civic activist groups.
Admitting governments slug-gish response, he said that thereneeds to be a revolution tochange the lethargy attitude ofgovernment employees in han-dling consumers matters.
Educate masses on consumerism: CS
HERALD NEWS BUREAU
PANJIM, MARCH 15
Pope Benedict on Saturday appointed Bishop Thomas DSouza ofBagdogra as coadjutor archbishop of Calcutta. Born in Adyapady-Mangalore on August 26, 1950, Bishop DSouza was ordainedpriest on April 16, 1977. He was elected Bishop of Bagdogra onJune 14, 1997 and consecrated on 25 January 25, 1998.
Bishop DSouza is coadjutor archbishop of Calcutta
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 15
After getting a windfall throughCompensatory AfforestationFund Management Authority(CAMPA), the State Forest De-partment has now decided toform a decade long Vision Doc-ument detailing spending ofmoney and priorities.
The State Forest Department,for the year 2010-11 had re-ceived Rs 12.10 crore while forthe next fiscal it will fetch Rs10 crore under CAMPA, a CentralGovernment sponsored schemethat gives back 10 percent ofthe money collected from theState for diversion of forest land.
The Forest Department hassought help from Centre for En-vironment Education (CEE), abody of environmental experts,who will be preparing VisionDocument over CAMPA fundingwithin next two months, whichwill be later placed before stategovernment for approval.
A Forest Department officialconfirmed that an official agree-ment with CEE and State ForestDepartment would be signedsoon.
The document will providevarious guidelines over expen-diture of funds received underCAMPA. This is basically to cur-tail misallocation of funds, theofficial said.
The State Government has al-
ready sanctioned works worthRs 11.9 crores for the last financialyear when fund of Rs 12.10 crorewas allocated to Goa. The Statescumulative contribution for thecentral kitty was to the tune ofRs 120 crore, all these years.
The central scheme basicallyaims to increase the forest andtree cover along with wildlife con-servation. As per the objectivesof the scheme, which was formu-lated in the wake of a SupremeCourt order, the State has to pur-sue activities for preservation ofnatural forests, management ofwildlife and other allied works.
As per the Forest Depart-ments record, last year, the de-partment took up project toafforest 150 hectares of de-graded land under CAMPAfunds. In all 75 hectares eachwas afforested in each division North and South.
The department is also goingto set up tissue culture labora-tory at Forest Training Schoolin Valpoi, which would befunded under CAMPA.
Official stated that fundsunder CAMPA are not justutilised for protected forestareas but also for upgradationof non-protected areas. He saidthat funds also helps the de-partment to create infrastruc-ture like patrolling stations,check posts, office buildings,equipments and others.
Forest Dept to form Vision Document
Coachingclasses
in NET/SETPANJIM (HND): UGC sponsored
coaching classes in NET/SETPaper II and III will be conductedby the respective departmentsof Goa University for students ofSC/ST/OBC and minority commu-nities from April 10. General cat-egory candidates may also applysubject to availability of seats.Only candidates who have se-cured minimum 55% marks atpost graduation are eligible forthe coaching program. Candi-dates who have secured 55%marks in the first year of postgraduation and are scheduled toappear for the final year exami-nation are also eligible to apply.
Students desirous of joiningthe coaching program may con-tact the Heads of respective Uni-ve r s i t y Depar tment s fo rregistration and further infor-mation.
In the subjects of Geography,Law and Education, the con-cerned students may contactthe Principal of Chowgule Col-lege, Salgaocar College of Law,and GVMs College of Education.Last date for registration isMarch 22.
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CORTALIM, MARCH 15
Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe NeriFerrao recently released a bookon Letters of Blessed JosephVaz at Sancoale Sanctuary.
The book was released at theSunday Mass which was at-tended by the visiting Sri Lankanpilgrims who are on a visit tothe Holy places of BlessedJoseph Vaz in Goa from March12 to 15.
In his homily, the Archbishopsaid the Lent was a time forthose who have drifted awayto come to God. The Arch-bishop also spoke on the temp-
Book on letters of Bl Joseph Vaz released
tations which was thrown toJesus by the Satan, but saidthat Jesus did not fall pray andsaid mankind should also sim-ilarly fight to win over temp-ta t ions . Archb i shop a l so
thanked all those who had putin efforts in compiling thebook.
In his homily, Rector ofBlessed Joseph Vaz SanctuaryFr Eremito Rebelo who is alsothe vice-postulator for the Causeof Canonisation of BlessedJoseph Vaz said Joseph Vaz hadbuilt a spiritual bridge betweenIndia and Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the book,the Rector expressed deep grat-itude to Historian Fr CosmeCosta for his help in compilationof the book, which has beenpriced at Rs 100.
He also thanked Fr JoaquimMiranda of the Pilar Society andthe committee of the Cause ofCanonisation of Blessed JosephVaz for their contribution in re-leasing the book. Later, the Arch-bishop also presented gifts tothe Sri Lankan pilgrims.
Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao releases a book on Lettersof Blessed Joseph Vaz at Sancoale in the presence of Fr EremitoRebelo and Fr Cosme Costa. Photo by Alvaro Colaco
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Portray correct pictureJacinto Almeida, Cortalim
The PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao, saidthe state will not go ahead with the 4-laning of the National Highway 17, if thecentre doesnt accept demands placed be-fore it by the state. It is high time forChurchill to do some serious thinking andstop fooling the people. If the NH17 isgoing to be 4-laned then the question of45 to 60 metres of land doesnt come inthe picture. This can be done in 25 to 35metres.
It is rumoured that in Cortalim and Agas-saim around 60 houses are going to beaxed to make the way for the new bridgeand road widening. Can the above ministersexplain as to whats being done to savehouses at Agassaim and Cortalim?
Please stop playing with the peoplessentiments and come out with the correctpicture about national highways. Goanscannot be fooled all the time.
Customary heckleMarcos Alemao, by email
The Congress ticket at Fatorda Constituencyalready been promised to Vijay Sardessai.Which Congress ticket does Mrs MonicaDias expect? (Herald, 10 March). It is toolate to demand this precious ticket. De-mands pertaining to more representationfor women will never be met in Goa aslong as the present sitting representativesare there. It is the custom of Monica andother mahilas to demand tickets beforeelection, wherein they warn the Congressparty to boycott the elections if they donot get the representation. But they finallysuccumb to pressure and support the can-didates. This has been observed severaltimes in the past.
Niz Goenkar weaknessFrancis DSilva, Alto-Betim
I am not at all surprised that a so-calledfreedom fighter has joined hands with com-munal elements to suggest meaninglessthings like changing names of streets, mark-ing the 50th year of Goas annexation toIndia. There was an effort being made toerase Goa from the map by merging ourbeloved land with Maharashtra. We areaware of his anti-Goan stance. It is a tragedythat Goa has spawned such individualswhom we niz Goenkars, unwittingly tolerate,instead of ostracising them.
Goas political destinyAllwyn George, Carmona
Goas political scene seems to be heating upas probable candidates are again trying toentice the Goan voters with goodies to influ-ence their support. Sadly, Indian Constitutiondoes not restrict the number of times a personcan get elected as an MLA. Today, power andpolitics has become an addiction for ourMLAs as they will never give up their seatsvoluntarily. New aspiring faces with little re-sources are not able to withstand the money,muscle power and the government machinery.
Will Goans ever see new faces with a visionto serve the state or will the same old MLAsand their proxies be back in their seats? Ifthis happens, Goans have to blame them-selves. Goa is heading for a government offamilies and their friends. We need to lookbeyond the four boundaries of our dwellingsto prevent this from happening.
Ill-timed announcementAdelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has re-cently announced an Rs3 crore increase inthe Member of Parliament Local Area Fund(MPLAD fund) from the present Rs2 croreto Rs5 crore.
The additional allocation for this will beapproximately Rs2,370 crores. It must be saidthat this announcement was ill-timed as stateslike Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengaland the Union Territory of Puducherry areheading towards assembly elections.
The Members of Parliament, especially inGoa, should see to it that the enhanced allo-cation in the MPLAD fund is utilised to thefullest, but it should come at a apt time.
Extend 108 facilityAyres Sequeira, Salvador do Mundo
A villager in my neighbourhood suddenly
took ill on 11 March. The 108 ambulanceservice was summoned. It arrived 45 min-utes later from Calangute. By then, the vil-lager had expired. This is the normalexperience which villagers face, who livein the interior. The 108 service also en-counters difficulty in maneuvering the wind-ing roads, some of which are not in goodcondition.
Two ambulances are stationed, one eachat Mapusa and Calangute. They are quiteaway from the villages of Salvador doMundo, Socorro, Penha de Franca and Pom-burpa. Since the aam admi government hasthe required funds, the facility of 108 serv-ices needs to be extended to far-flung vil-lages.
Konkani in Roman ScriptWilmix Wilson Mazarello, by email
Most educationists in Goa have come outopenly against the Goa governments policyof schools in Goa teaching Konkani in theDevnagari script. Why? Do these educa-tionists love Konkani any less? It is noneof these. Its just being realistic. The ed-ucationists of Goa have read the Writingon the Wall loud and clear. This is as clearas daylight i.e., English written in the RomanScript, is the strongest language in todaysworld.
We have to be prepared to protect ourKonkani by giving it full protection withan armour of the Roman Script. A vast ma-jority of Goans in Goa read and writeKonkani in the Roman Script.
The writing on the wall is plain and sim-ple. It is English written in the Roman Scriptfor the protection and development of ourAvoi-Bhaas Konkani.
Faithful inner voiceMathew Oommen, Pune
L K Advanis admission to the effect thatthe demolition of the Babri Masjid was thesaddest day in his life is the inner voiceof an ordinary Indian citizen who is havingfaith in nationalism and secularism. All po-litical leaders should sincerely involve innation building projects and need to fashiona pan-Indian identity. Let us dilute emphasison ethnic, religious , linguistic or castebased identities. The anti-secularists forcesoperating in this country should understandthat every citizen of this country has equalright to freedom of conscience and religion.Moreover, the state will not espouse or es-tablish or practice any religion or becomepartisan to any social group.
Tips for plastic-free zoneSvatantra Sarjano, by email
I read with a great interest your story abouthelping Goa to be free from the tons ofplastic which are literally suffocating ourbeautiful country, but my conclusion is thatit will depend from each of us only, andthat we cannot blame anyone else. Forexample, when you go for shopping, carryyour own bag..
I have a restaurant in Vagator since nineyears, and after the first month I had 500empty plastic bottles of mineral water todispose, I decided to change the game dra-matically! And what I did? I bought a coupleof 20 liters containers of the same mineralwater, and with that I filled 40 elegant bottles.It served amongst everybodys delight, be-cause each one is happy to contribute in sav-ing Goa from plastic, which costs nothing.Strangely, I remain the only restaurant in Goato use this simple practice. This is a genuineadvice to save Goa from the menace of plas-tic.
This experience is hardly unique. It musthave happened to you too, at least some-where along the way, if not more often. I
stopped at a roadside cobbler the other day,somewhere near the municipal garden the otherday. He quickly understood I needed a shoe-shine, and politely got into the act. While ex-changing some pleasantries and enquiries aboutthe shoes (where they were bought from, and atwhat price), he did his job efficiently. So I thought...
Soon he realised that they needed a pair oflaces. I concurred readily. A couple came with achild for some other work, and waited for theirturn. Next, the cobber found out that my shoeswere weakening inside. He quickly opened hisneatly-packed box of wares, and took out fourinner soles.
Before I realised what was happening, twonew inner soles had been added to each shoe.Another person, by now, was also in the queue.On taking out a hundred rupee note, all I gotwas an apologetic smile. Its Rs 110, the cobblertold me. So what started out as a shoe-shine,ended up as a bill for Rs 110!
* * *This is a routine experience in todays Goa.
Why do customers have to walk with fear anytimethey approach anyone for a service or some prod-uct? Whether it is our cobblers, our taxis andmotorcycle pilots, our retailers, or our doctors chances are that the buyer in Goa ends upbadly overcharged, and feeling cheated. Goa haslong been known to have higher inflation levelsthan much of the rest of India. But this madeonly worse due to the attitude of overchargingcustomers here. Catch one customer, hit himhard. It doesnt matter if he never returns. Thisseems to be the Goa approach of doing business,for the most. Of course, there are rare and hon-ourable exceptions to the rule, but these are onlya few cases.
The cobbler Ive mentioned above told me hehadnt had a single customer since morning. AsI walked away (it was late evening), I thought tomyself, belatedly: Now I know why.
Taxi drivers, rickshaws and motorcycle pilotsare no better. So are professionals, the health-care sector (a few are still very dedicated), andthose whom we depend on in life-or-death situ-ations. In Mumbai, you wouldnt think twicebefore jumping into a taxi. But here things are
quite different. Okay, Goas geography doesnthelp. Goa is not a city, and the scattered natureof the geography means that return trips areoften not available. Yet, the make-fast-money at-titude only makes things worse. Its a chicken-and-egg situation of the worst kind. Because taxisare costly and tend to overcharge, fewer peopleuse them. Because fewer people use them, theyturn costlier.
To make things worse, there is no centralisedpool for linking passengers with taxis (or motor-cycles), by way of wireless communication asdone in some tourist-oriented areas like Penang.
Lets call this the Goan taxi drivers way todoing business. No, one is not making fun of thetaxi driver here. They are as much victims of thesituation, as you and I are. While the passengersget a raw deal, its not as if the taxi-driver is earn-ing decently either! Even he too is facing poorbusiness. Nobody gains. This is a classic lose-lose scenario.
Due to a lack of vision or guidance thetaxi drivers approach in Goa is to hike chargescontinually. Not only that, they keep carving outtheir turf, and cautiously protecting the same.Taxis who have dropped a passenger off atDabolim airport are not allowed to pick up some-one who has just landed in Goa. North Goa taxiscant do business in the South, and vice versa.Butthe Goan consumer, it is not just about getting
fleeced while travelling. Every professional in de-mand, every service offered, tends to get over-charged.
Recently, some doctors in Panjim (and beyond)went about suggesting whom the citizen shouldvote for in the civic poll. At least, some politiciansshot back by suggesting that the doctors them-selves should charge their patients more reason-ably. They have a point, one which resonateswith the common man... even if being used as adefensive argument.
Try and get your equipment serviced and re-paired, and youll quickly realise the inefficiencyof a state like Goa. Your vendor, who was prom-ising you the moon till yesterday, will give you ahundred-and-one reasons as to why you need tobuy a new replacement. Not only is this a wasteof money, but a needless drain on the environment.
Recently, one had an experience with servicinga notebook. The vendor sent me to the servicecentre. The service centre gave a dozen excuseswhich seemed aimed at pushing the computeraway. Was the computer physically damaged?Was the warranty registered properly? Had acomplaint been registered (with a number in Ban-galore)? Had the Windows software sticker beentampered with? (The last was the most ludicrous,since the computer entirely uses Free Software,and doesnt have a line of proprietorial Windowscode installed on it.)
This market inefficiency hurts Goa hard, apartfrom the other problems we face here an un-responsive political system, lack of curbs on cor-ruption and communalism, undemocraticallycontrolled political parties, and inegalitarian so-cial-economic-political str
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