PRIVATE BUSES DRIVERS AND CONDUCTORS ON SCAN FROM OCT 1

PANJIM: The Transport department will start a drive against erring drivers and conductors from October 1.  The drive, initiated after private bus operators said that they have no control over erring drivers and conductors, will also keep a tight watch over passengers.

“The passengers too will have to restrain themselves from seeking undue favour from conductors or drivers,” Director of Transport Arun Desai said. Desai said that all seven RTO’s will be engaged in the drive along with the enforcement wing, headed by Additional Director of Transport (ADT).

When asked, he said that the guilty would be penalized as per the Motor Vehicle Act.  The department will be monitoring each bus driver and conductor to ensure that they do not violate the rules. They will be checked on parameters like proper uniform with valid name plates, no alcohol consumption or chewing of tobacco while on duty, over loading of buses, etc.

“We will make sure that drivers avoid rush and negligence driving and also see that they do not stop at unauthorized stops. The conductors are told not to overload,” director said.  Desai said that the behaviour of these people will be also under scanner.

“We receive several complaints from public over misbehaviour of conductors. Hence we have asked them to behave courteously with passengers,” he added.

The department feels that along with drivers and conductors it is also the duty of the public to see that there is smooth functioning of bus transport in the State. Hence the department has also set certain guidelines for the public, like payment of correct ticket fares, demand for proper tickets; do not occupy seats reserved for ladies or handicapped, not to insist for unauthorized stops and also not to enter the bus which is overloaded.

The department has said that the aggrieved people can contact the following numbers to lodge their complaints: Panjim - 2438288, Margao - 2741962, Vasco - 2515100 and Ponda - 2312749.

PHYAN CYCLONE VICTIMS GET NO RELIEF TILL DATE

PANJIM: The signs of devastation due to Cyclone Phyan that almost hit Goa coast last year are still visible in the shanties dotting Panjim. The lives of many are yet to be back on track after they lost their bread earners. And with government dilly dallying on compensation issue, the lives continue to remain tragic.

Yamuna Lamani, 33, residing at Betim shanty and originally hailing from Karnataka lost her husband in Cyclone Phyan in November 2009. After his death, she thought of piecing together her life by setting up a small make shift tea stall near Malim jetty. But with no money at hand, she prefers to do odd jobs at houses to eke out living.

Similar is the case of Aktar Firdoz, 18, who lost his father in the cyclone. He now does petty work in the fish market to feed his two younger siblings and does not want them to lose their schooling days.  The effects of Phyan can be still seen in the many families who are yet to tide over their grief.

A total of 68 fishermen and crew members from all seven jetties lost their lives. In many cases, even bodies were not found.  Goa government had announced Rs one lakh compensation to each deceased under Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

However, the promises have been half met. So far, few families have managed to get Rs 50,000 while others are awaiting their turn.

Chairman of Mandovi Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, Menino Afonso says, “The family members of the deceased fishermen are often calling, seeking to know about the remaining compensation amount. Moreover, this year we have faced acute shortage of staff as many have not returned back from their State after vacation.”

The society from this year has started a new scheme ‘Relief Fund’ wherein any crew member who suffers any damages will be given Rs 50,000 on the spot. “This scheme is the initiative of Malim Jetty members,” he said.

Thirty-eight crew members from Malim Jetty were snatched by the cyclone. Afonso further rued that the meetings with Chief Minister and Fisheries Minister have gone futile. “We only get assurances,” he said.

When contacted the Fisheries Director S C Verenkar said that rough estimate loss and assessment certificate along individual loss claims have already been submitted to the Collectorate.

Under the scheme “Calamities Relief Fund”, Fisheries Department was asked to conduct inquiries on the property and other losses borne by fishermen and trawler owners at each of these seven jetties.

The monitoring agency – Collectorate was submitted the said report in July but it returned back 33 proposals of Pernem and Bardez talukas to process it as per the guidelines by the Central Government.

Speaking to Deputy Collector (LA) Anthony D’Souza said that all cases of natural calamities relief fund till 2009 are disposed off.

“It should be kept in mind that under such circumstances, according to the Centre’s guidelines, only fishermen who own traditional canoes and traditional nets are eligible to get funds,” said the officer.

While, the maximum prescribed amount of Rs 7,500 is granted for replacement of fully damaged traditional crafts and nets, Rs 2,500 is disbursed for partial damages.

Sources say that the officials were asked to probe into losses because the claims made were too high.

Meanwhile, speaking on Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Verenkar said that the delay was due to technical problems on confirmation of deaths of fishermen.

The department this year is leaving no stone unturned in taking precautionary measures. “We are alerting them in advance. We have also set up monitoring cell to receive messages on weather updates, which will be immediately disseminated to societies and jetties,” the fisheries director further stated.

WOMAN ACQUITED IN MURDER CASE OF TADEU DINIZ

MARGAO: The South Goa Sessions court on Thursday acquitted Filsu alias Rani in the murder of history sheeter from Khareband-Margao Tadev Diniz for want of evidence.

Additional Sessions Judge Desmond D’Costa gave the accused woman the benefit of doubt as the lone eye witness cited by the prosecution could not convincingly state that he had seen the accused stabbing the deceased.

The prosecution had in all examined 12 witnesses, but their testimony could not convince the court on the involvement of the accused woman in the murder.

It is learnt that the mental condition of the woman also helped her acquittal after doctors submitted in the court that the accused was not in a position to understand the consequences of her actions during the quarrel with the history sheeter, given her poor mental frame of mind.

Adv Joe Antao, who appeared for the accused, said that the court acquitted his client for want of evidence. “There was one eye witness who could not clearly state that he had seen the woman removing the knife to stab Tadev to death,” he added.

The Margao police had on December 17 last arrested the accused woman for stabbing Tadev to death outside a hotel at Khareband after some quarrel. (HD)

GREATER GOA CREATION IS SENSELESS: SHANTARAM NAIK

MARGAO: Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Shantaram Naik said that there is absolutely no sense in the demand for Greater Goa by merging Konkani speaking areas of Karwar into the state,  instead Goa should insist on Special Category status for Goa.

In a lighter vein, Naik said that in the event of Karwar included into Goa, Margaret Alva or R Deshpande may one day become Goa chief minister.

“There is no sense of merging Karwar and other areas into Goa for various reasons. Already, one third of Goa’s population hail from outside the state and have settle here for many years now. In such a situation, there will be chaos if Karwar is merged into Goa

Secondly, he said that the size of the Goa Legislative Assembly may go up from 40 to 60 seats to accommodate the political aspirations of the people of Karwar and neighbouring area.

Moreover, he said that no one knows what would be their stand on language and added that the Karnataka government would never allow an inch of their land to be merged into Goa.

The suggestion came first from the PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao and Ravindra Kelekar, which are poised to create more tension and chaos already taking place.

KINGFISHER REFUSED LANDING BY DABOLIM AIRPORT

VASCO: In a shocking incident, the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) at Dabolim airport denied landing permission to a Bangalore-Goa flight carrying 51 passengers on Thursday morning.

The Kingfisher flight was forced to return to Bangalore, sparking off angry protests from commercial airline operators, who have criticised the high-handed attitude of the ATC.

According to sources at the airport, the Bangalore-Goa Kingfisher flight was scheduled to arrive at Dabolim airport at 7.45 am and the return journey was scheduled at 8.15 am.

Due to a heavy fog in Bangalore, the flight got delayed and reached Goa at about 8.45 am.  However, since Dabolim airport is also a defence airfield, the runway and airfield is shut for civilian aircraft from Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 1 pm, as this time is reserved for naval sorties.

Since the Kingfisher flight reached 15 minutes after the scheduled cut-off time for civilian flights, the ATC denied the landing permission to the aircraft at the last moment and the aircraft had to be diverted to Bangalore.

“The ATC was well aware that the flight took off late from Bangalore. The ATC could well have asked the flight not to take off from Bangalore since it would have arrived late in Goa and beyond the cut-off time for civilian flights,” complained an angry official at the airport.

“However, the high-handed attitude of the ATC was such that they chose not to intimate the flight crew and allowed the flight to reach Goa. Then at the eleventh hour, the ATC refused permission to the flight to land at Dabolim,” the official added.

To make matters worse, a short while after the Kingfisher flight was forced to divert to Bangalore, the ATC permitted an IC 567 flight to take off from Dabolim airport to Chennai at about 9 am, infuriating the commercial airline operators.

As a result of the diversion of the Kingfisher flight to Bangalore, 58 passengers stranded at the Dabolim airport were accommodated in a Jet Airways flight at 2.30 pm. The Kinghfisher flight with 51 passengers later returned to Goa at 5.30 pm.

According to airport officials, the ATC and commercial airlines generally have a mutual understanding when a flight approaches the runway for a delayed landing.

“Whenever a delay occurs, one or two flights are adjusted, especially if they are close to the runway,” said the official.

Though officials of the commercial airline operators, including the airport staff, were reluctant to speak officially about the incident, they expressed their outrage to the media over the ATC’s decision to prevent an aircraft from landing at Dabolim airport at the last minute.

When contacted for a comment on the incident, the ATC claimed that the issue would be addressed by the Airport Director D Paul Manickam.

While repeated efforts to contact the airport director proved futile, a source at the AAI said: “The airport director has nothing to say on the matter since the ATC at Dabolim airport is not managed by the AAI.” (HD)

NOT VERY PLEASANT READING FOR EVERYONE by Menino Franco

Goa has been re-colonised not only by the Brits, Russians and the Israelis but also by the bold and the beautiful and the rich and powerful from other parts of the country. By RAJAN NARYAN.

A FEW days ago the sarpanch of Morjim investigated complaints that a Russian national, who had bought property on the border of Morjim and Arambol, had blocked the traditional access to the beach. The security guards of the Russian national who had fenced the traditional access to the beach assaulted the sarpanch. The sarpanch has lodged a police complaint against the security guards who assaulted him. This is not an isolated case. There are large areas of Morjim, particularly in Vithaldas-waddo, which have been totally colonized by the Russians.

Locals are not allowed to enter any of the properties which are fenced off and guarded by armed security guards. Russians, who have bought huge amounts of property in Morjim and other villages in the North Goa coastal belt, have built massive structures within 500 metres of the High Tide Line in flagrant and blatant violation of the CRZ Rules. The Chief Secretary told me on Monday that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority that is presided over by him intends to crack down on foreigners who have violated the CRZ Rules.

RUSSIAN INVASION

I recall visiting the Olive Ridley shack on the Morjim beach over five years ago. The shack then was owned by a Polish woman. There was already talk that Russians had begun buying large amounts of property in Morjim. On a subsequent visit to Morjim, I saw a shack in the middle of the beach less than ten metres from the High Tide Line which was festooned with Russian flags. I heard stories of all-night rave parties by Russians and saw the debris of the previous night's party on the beach.  But it is not only in Morjim that foreigners have bought large amounts of beachfront property. If Morjim is dominated by Russians, Chapora is dominated by the Israelis. Several parts of the Palolem beach in Canacona have also been colonised by the Israelis. But the largest numbers of foreign citizens who have bought property in Goa are not the Russians or Israelis, but the British. Indeed on the road leading to Calangute from the St. Alex Church there is even a real estate agency which proudly advertises the fact that it is British-owned and only sells property to Brits and other foreign nationals.

BI-LINGUAL MENUS

OVER the Holi week, which coincided with the Holy Week, I happened to spend the weekend at a small rural resort in Carmona close to the Fatrade beach. I had occasion or provocation to have a look at all the shacks betweenFatrade and Mobor. The overwhelming majority of the shacks were full of phirangs. In the shacks on the Cavelossim beach, I saw a wild Holi celebration on with gallons of bhang (opium). The revellers were all Russians. On the tables of many of the shacks, menus were not in English, but Russian. I have seen menus in Hebrew in several beach shacks in Chapora and in Palolem. I have never come across a menu in any Indian language let alone the official language of the state, Konkani in any beach shack anywhere in Goa . Even though a large number of domestic tourists visit Goa .  I very often have occasion to visit many of the starred hotels in Goa located both on the North Goa beach belt and the South Goa beach belt for some function or the other. In the last two or three years, whenever I have visited beach resorts, particularly in the Southern coastal belt, stretching from Majorda to Mobor, I have noticed that the details of the various activities planned for the benefit of foreign tourists - including charter tourists - displayed on the activity boards are increasingly in Russian. Depending on the nationality that the hotel is catering to, the activity boards can be even in German or Hebrew for the benefit of the large number of German and Israeli tourists who visit Goa ..

NIGHT BAZAAR

GOA has been colonized by phirangs and the signs of their colonial domination of Goa are everywhere, particularly on the beach belt. The largest and the most successful night bazaar in Goa is not run by a Goan or even by an Indian, but by a German called Ingo. During the Bazaar you can see Ingo with two armed bodyguards going around collecting the rentals from those who have taken stalls. I do not know if the bodyguards who accompany Ingo have licenses for the weapons that they openly brandish. The majority of the stalls, particularly the food stalls at Ingo's Saturday Nite Bazaar are run by phirangs of various nationalities. A lot of the material sold at the Saturday night bazaar is imported. I do not know whether they have been imported into the country legally and whether any of the foreigners doing roaring business at the Saturday night market have business visas. Tourists - whether white, brown or black - who come on tourist visas are not allowed to work in Goa . Thanks to my better three-quarters' fascination with exotic food I often get dragged, reluctantly, to little known restaurants. Restaurants which are run by phirangs for phirangs. Just recently I visited an Italian restaurant tucked away in the lanes of the village of Anjuna in the garden of an old Goan house which is run by an Italian lady and is patronized entirely by phirangs. I am told it is a favourite of the Italians. Tara and I were the only locals at the restaurant at the time we went there. The oldest and the best known among the restaurants which are owned by phirangs for the benefit of phirangs are the Lila Café and Bean Me Up. The few times I have gone there I have only seen phirangs.

ANTI-LOCAL

THERE are pubs in the North Goa beach belt which are run by Brits for Brits. Even some of the shacks on both the North and South Goa coastal belt are openly hostile not only to locals but even domestic tourists. On the odd occasion when I have approached a beach shack for renting a beach bed and an umbrella, I have been rudely told that they are only for phirangs or that they have been reserved. Many beach shacks treat locals and domestic tourists like untouchables. But it is not only the phirangs including the Russians and the Israelis and the British and the Germans who have colonized Goa . As phirang friends of mine point out, Goa has been invaded in a much bigger fashion by the bold and the beautiful and the rich and the powerful from Delhi and Mumbai and other parts of the country who are steadily pushing up the prices of real estate out of the reach of locals. All the fancy apartments and the villas advertised on the internet and at exclusive Goa property exhibitions held by the Times of India and other organizations have prices often quoted in dollars and pounds. Presumably because the real estate sharks who have taken over Goa know that Goans cannot afford to buy property any longer.

HERITAGE PROPERTY

MANY of the old ancestral homes in Goa have been sold to foreigners and non Goans because their owners cannot afford to maintain them any longer. In many cases of course there are so many claimants to the ancestral house that everybody's property becomes nobody's property and no one is willing to bear the cost of maintaining old houses. So most owners of ancestral property take the easy way out and sell it to outsiders including foreign nationals. But the largest owner of property, particularly old sprawling restored ancestral homes in Goa are not phirangs or the bold and beautiful and the rich and powerful from Mumbai and New Delhi . There are of course the Vijay Mallayas and the Jimmy Gazdars and the Jaipuryas who have bought or built huge mansions on the beach belt. But the property king in terms of the largest amount of real estate owned by a single individual is a Kashmiri who owns Sangolda House. His most recent acquisition is Souto Maior House in Ribandar. Also, half the shops in the five star and seven star hotels have been leased by this Kashmiri who claims to be a major carpet exporter and goes by the name of Mir.

In the last few years, a lot of new real estate has come up in Goa - premium properties which offer goodies like 24-hour power generation backup, a swimming pool, a fitness centre and video telephone for security. Many of the new projects like the one being constructed by the Geras in Caranzalem also promise rooftop gardens. While attempting to do some futile flat hunting - since it is absurd to even look for a flat in Panjim with less than a crore of rupees, I discovered that less than 30% of the flats in all the fancy new buildings are occupied. The flats have either been bought by outsiders or bought purely for speculative offices in the hope or the confidence that real estate prices will go up even further.

PARADISE PIE

EVERYONE wants a piece of the paradise that Goa is perceived to be. The phirangs do not mind the fancy prices in the shacks or the fancy prices of real estate because, in foreign exchange terms and compared to prices of property back home or in any other beach resort in the world, the prices of real estate or of food or drink in Goa is much cheaper. The Mumbaikar does not mind the high prices of property in Goa because even in the distant suburb of

Virar in Mumbai or in Thane, the prices of property range between Rs. 60,000 and Rs. One lakh per square foot against Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakhs per sq m in Goa . So much so, it makes sense for those who have property in up market or even in down market areas in the metros to sell their property and relocate to Goa and live on the difference between the money they got for selling their property in Goa and the money they paid for their property purchased in Goa . For those who are faced with the prospect of paying thousands of rupees for square feet and square centimetres,

Goa is a very attractive proposition whether for a second holiday home or just as an investment. And the fact that Goan hotels have kept hiking their prices to ridiculous levels makes it even more attractive to own a holiday home in Goa.

Goa has been totally colonized. The beaches have been colonized. The premium real estate has been colonized by land sharks from Russia and the UK and Germany and Dubai and of course our own home grown land sharks like the

Rahejas. Goan jobs, particularly jobs in the hospitality industry have been colonized by young people from Nagaland courtesy the Governor and his OSD and for people from Jharkand courtesy the Pilar society and people from Orissa courtesy all those who run security agencies and people from Gorakhpur who dominate the carpentry business in Goa.  A time will come when there will be no more Goans in Goa.

GOA POLLUTION BOARD CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL MINING

The fate of 51 open cast iron ore mines now hangs in balance as they carried on mining without proper clearances from the state pollution control board. The board will decide soon whether the mining operations at these sites will be allowed to continue.

The state's top pollution authority also said that mine owners in Goa took pollution clearances for granted.

The Goa State Pollution Control Board had issued show cause notices to 51 mining operations, which were illegally functioning without pollution-related clearances.

Speaking to IANS, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) chairman Simon de Souza said the documents submitted by the respective mine operators in response to the show cause notices were being scrutinised.

'We are processing the documents which the mine operators submitted. They have all been heard and a decision will be taken shortly,' de Souza said.

'Of the 104 mines operational in the state, only 42 had consent to operate under the Water and Air Act. The consent of 62 mining operations had expired,' he said, adding that of the 62, six were subsequently granted permission as their renewal applications were in order.

Four other cases were sub-judice and one was denied consent, De Souza said.  De Souza also expressed concerns about the unwritten norm in Goa, where mines blatantly operate despite expiry of tenure, under the assumption that they can continue extraction after putting in a simple application for renewal.

'The consent to operate under the Air and Water Act needs to be renewed every 2-3 years. However, these mine owners took it for granted that their permissions would be renewed even while their applications are still pending before the GSPCB,' De Souza said.

Illegal and unchecked mining is a sensitive issue in Goa with both civil society groups and the opposition repeatedly voicing their concerns about the issue.

According to data submitted in the monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly, ore worth Rs.4,000 crore was illegally mined and exported to countries like China, Japan, and Romania.

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar claims that nearly 18 percent of Goa's total 40 million mining output comprised of illegally mined ore. He has also accused Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and several of his cabinet ministers of being in hand-in-glove with the illegal mining industry.

GOVT. ASKS RPHM TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL TO REMOVE PRINCESS

PANJIM: The River Princess saga has no dearth of surprises. The state government has now asked the River Princess Hatao Manch ( RPHM)- a group of villagers from Sinquerim to submit a proposal for the removal of the ill-fated vessel.

Incidentally, Salgaocar Mining Industries Pvt Ltd (SMIPL), which had assured to execute the job free of cost; is now out of the fray. SMIPL had said it would furnish a bank guarantee of 1 crore. However, the government asked it to submit a bank guarantee of 10 crore - matching that of Titan Salvage, which SMIPL refused.

"As far as the government is concerned, SMIPL is out as it has declined on submitting a bank guarantee of 10 crore. As the River Princess Hatao Manch had also offered to execute the removal job for free, they are the next option," sources said

"The government has asked the River Princess Hatao Manch to submit its proposal detailing the process of how they are going to cut up the ship and what equipment will be used for the purpose," sources said.  It maybe recalled here that the River Princess Hatao Manch had vehemently opposed the government considering SMIPL for the job.

Citing that SMIPL was responsible for the ship being grounded off the Sinquerim beach, the Manch said it did not trust the company's free offer.  It subsequently made its own offer to the government and said it would furnish a bank guarantee of 2 crore.

"Our offer is similar to that of Salgaocar and we are as competent as he is for the job. In fact, our offer is as risky to the enviornment as Salgaocar's. We fear that the situation of the grounded vessel will end up more as a mess if SMIPL gets the removal job," Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes had told this paper.

It maybe pointed out here that SMIPL offered to remove the vessel free of cost at a moment when the government had almost finalized Singapore-based Titan Salvage for the job.

Titan Salvage had agreed to remove the vessel within a period of six months with tender cost of 125 crore.  The government decided to give priority to SMIPL after it made the offer to do the job free of cost. (TOI)

GOA`S BULLFIGHTING SEASON: by N. Fernandes, London

I am under the impression that Bullfighting (Dhirio) of the “BOVINE” kind has been banned or made illegal in Goa.

However I am please to hear that bullfighting of the “HUMAN KIND”, has only just begun. A little bit early, but nevertheless welcome and entertaining…..especially after the rather long monsoon season. Seems like we will now have sunnier times ahead, in Goa

Now before all you guys and Gals hitch a ride to downtown Ponda, (Goa`s gambling Mecca) to place your bets with the Matka King Ravi Naik, please consider who to place your bets on and how many hard earned Rupees you can afford.

Also remember the “Z” & “Z” plus security which is in place around these parts and more notably around the Matka King. His new court “jesters” are equipped with Guns…not “LATHIS”.  I also, would not recommend you, to buy any medication sold by Roy Naik`s “Pharmacy“.

From the information that I have, these medications, which were confiscated by the Law Courts, have been stolen and sold to Roy Naik from the Goa Police (who prefer the public to address them as GUA POLICE) warehouse, by Ashish Shirodkar, and under instructions & guidance of Dy Sp Chandrakant Salgaonkar.

Now! If you were looking to taste some Israeli Kosher food at “ATALAS”…remember he is no longer operating and has returned to Israel, either via Nepal or Bangladesh.

You may ask me, how Atala returned to Israel.I only know as much as you do. However, I would certainly AND IN NO WAY suggest that he was helped by Mickky Pacheco`s Immigration services. By the way,Mickky`s Immigration services is currently undergoing renovation.He has just inherited $2 million.

The venues of these Bullfights will be in various places.The first event is taking place in a well known Dhirio stadium…Benaulim.I do not intend to insult anyone by not mentioning their favourite venues,like Colva,Nuvem,Varca etc.However remember this is due to the recent boundary changes and my limited knowledge.

Here now are the main contestants of the “Human Bullfights”

In Benaulim we have:

Valanka vs. Viola

Valanka vs. Francis Sequeira

Churchill vs. Faleiro

Churchill vs. Sardinha

Dr H Gomes vs. Valanka

Dr H Gomes vs. F. Sequeira.

**In Nuvem:

Mickky vs. Alexio Sequeira

**In Margao:

Kamat vs. Azgaonkar

**In Valpoi:

Vishvajeet vs. ??

This is the best that I know currently.I am sure you will now assist me with the other venues & contestants; and with a little commentary too, so we can make judgements on a good bet.Best of luck.

RTI COMPLAINT AGAINST GCA: VERDICT ON 1ST OCT

PANJIM: The Goa State Chief Information Commissioner Mr. Motilal Keny will on 1st Oct pronounce his verdict on the complaint filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against the Goa Cricket Association for its refusal to furnish information sought under the Right to Information Act.

After Adv. Aires Rodrigues sought information from the Goa Cricket Association on the fees paid to their lawyer Mr. Subodh Kantak, the Goa Cricket Association which is headed by Goa’s former Law Minister Mr. Dayanand Narvekar took a stand that it does not come under the purview of the RTI Act.

The Goa Cricket Association has stated it did not come under the purview of the Right to Information Act as the Goa Cricket Association has not received any financial or other assistance from the Goa Government or the Sports Authority of Goa.

Adv. Aires Rodrigues has however submitted documentary proof to the effect that the Goa Government has granted a 99 year lease to Goa Cricket Association of land admeasuring 1,30,328 sq meters at Tivim for the construction of a cricket stadium at a nominal rent of Rs 50,000/- per year.

Adv. Rodrigues has further stated that the Sports Authority of Goa had also granted to the Goa Cricket Association financial assistance of Rs 50 lakhs in the year 2000.

Adv. Rodrigues has also submitted that the Goa Cricket Association is also recognized by the Sports Authority of Goa and is designated as a State Sports Association, and that the Goa Cricket Association is a member of the General Body and the Governing Council of the SAG.

Adv. Rodrigues has pointed out that the Goa Government had in the Official Gazette dated 8th July 2010 notified that all sports organizations and State Sports Associations recognized by SAG would be covered under the RTI Act and that this notification had not been challenged by the Goa Cricket Association.

SUICIDE BY A CONTRACTOR AT CALANGUTE

CALANGUTE: A 59-year-old contractor from Kolhapur committed suicide by hanging himself to a ceiling in his resort flat on Wednesday.  According to Calangute Police, Bhairo Shankar Mishal, resident of Porba Vaddo- Calangute, was found hanging to the ceiling hook with the help of nylon rope at about 9 am.

Police further informed that Mishal was working as a contractor at a resort in Porba Vaddo.  “The post mortem report indicated that the person died due to hanging,” informed PSI Harish Gauns.

Meanwhile, a man in his mid thirties was found dead near an apartment at Naikka Vaddo-Calangute on Wednesday at about 11.30 am.

Calangute Police informed that the body has been preserved at GMC Hospital in Bambolim for post mortem.  PSI Harish Gauns is investigating the case. (H)

REVENUE MINISTER JOSE PHILIP UNAWARE OF NAVY'S PLAN

VASCO: Claiming he is unaware of any proposal of Goa Navy to acquire islands off Arabian Sea, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza on Wednesday said he would inquire if any such proposal is with the South Goa Collector.

D’Souza, who recently arrived from a trip abroad, was quick to oppose any plans by the Navy to acquire the islands off the Baina coast.

“I won’t allow it to happen,” said D’Souza, while speaking to reporters at his residence on Wednesday morning.  “There is no such proposal and if such proposal is with the South Goa Collector, we will inquire into it,” assured D’Souza.

“In the name of security, we have donated large chunk of land to the Central government as most of the places have been occupied either by MPT, GSL, Navy and Coast Guard or other central organisations in Vasco,” he claimed.

“We need to preserve remaining land for the benefit of the local people, as there is scarcity of land in Vasco,” added D’Souza.

He further said both Pequeno and Grande islands are significant for Hindu and Catholic fisher folk community, while in terms of tourism, it is also important for boat and water sports operators.

“People will be definitely restricted if both the islands are acquired by the Navy. People apprehensions are true that once it is acquired, threw will be restrictions for fishing and other tourism activities surrounding the islands,” claimed D’Souza.

“We will support the cause of the fishermen, boat and water sports operators since this government is for the people,” said D’Souza.

Islands are significant for fishermen during rough weather conditions, as boat and canoe operators use these islands as berthing facility, besides religious significance for Hindu and Catholic fisher folks.

He further informed that it was his old proposal that islands should be developed for tourism activities, as these islands have tourism potentials.  Meanwhile, Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (GFBOA) has also opposed Navy’s proposal to acquire the islands.

GFBOA President Simon Pereira said once islands are acquired, the security personnel would certainly harass the fishermen and restrict fishing activities surrounding the islands. (HD)

NIZ GOENKAR ADDS: It is rather strange and dogmatic that the Revenue minister is not aware of the fact, that the navy is trying to grab the islands.  Every Goan is aware about the situation except the minister.  What does this ignorance mean?  Should we allow such ministers in the chair? or is he involved somewhere?

GOA TOURISM WANTS TO PROMOTE "CRUISE TOURISM"

PANJIM: The Tourism Department is looking forward to promote Goa as hub of “cruise tourism” once the new cruise terminal at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) becomes operational by December end.

In the last few years cruise liners calling at MPT have gone up, yet the Tourism Department restrained itself from promoting cruise tourism for want of proper cruise terminal.  However, this situation is likely to change in December when the new terminal is made operational.

Speaking to Herald Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik, said they had series of meetings with the Director General of Shipping as also MPT and the independent cruise terminal will be thrown open in December.  Currently, cruises calling at MPT use cargo terminal and it is not good situation due to coal dust pollution emanating from adjacent terminal.

“There were complaints in the past from cruise liners about coal dust pollution,” says the director, explaining why they did not go ahead with promotion of cruise tourism even as number of cruises calling at MPT increased.

Besides regular cruise liners, the department is also looking at recreation sorties of foreign navies as another lucrative option from tourism point of view.

“MPT receives a lot of enquiries from foreign navies,” he added.  In view of the increase in the number of cruise ship arrivals at MPT — Goa’s natural advantage in cruise tourism is clearly evident.

While in 1996-97 eighteen cruise vessels with total 3813 visited MPT; by 2006-2007 the number of cruise liners visiting Goa port crossed the seventy mark with total 8433 passengers.  According to the tourism director, benefits from cruise tourism are high as cruise liners carry passengers in big numbers.

Presently though, many cruise liners call at MPT, the State has not been able to benefit in a big way because passenger ships halt for a brief period.

“Cruises come in the morning and leave in the evening,” Naik pointed out, indicating that tourism industry will definitely benefit when new cruise terminal is commissioned.

It means passenger vessels will halt for a longer period. A large cruise vessel has carrying capacity anything between 1000 to 1500 passengers where as the capacity of smaller ones is anything between 500 to 1000 passengers.

DEEPAJI RANE FILES NOMINATION FOR VALPOI, SETBACK FOR BJP

VALPOI: In a setback to the BJP, Deepaji Rane, executive member of State BJP Committee, on Wednesday filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the October 18 bye-election for Valpoi constituency.

Rane filed his nomination before Returning Officer Raju Gawas, who was assisted by Mamlatdar Satish Dessai and Joint Mamlatdar Trupti Rane.  Rane’s action has surprised everyone in Valpoi, as Deepaji is the executive member of State BJP committee.

Rane, who was the former sarpanch of Pissurlem Panchayat, had unsuccessfully contested against Pratapsing Rane in Poriem constituency in 1999 elections and had polled 3,000 votes.

The soft-spoken and a very gentle person Mr. Deepaji is well known in Satari having worked for BJP for over two decades. He was also the president of BJP Poriem Unit few years ago.

Addressing a press conference at Valpoi late Wednesday evening, Deepaji Rane informed that he does not want to disclose his strategy or purpose of contesting the election at this point of time, but would announce his strategy after October 4.

“I am contesting the election in my individual capacity and I am still a BJP worker,” stated Rane.  He further stated that he is not contesting against the BJP candidate, but against Congress candidate.

“I am fighting the election on two issues, employment and environment conservation,” he added. Rane, who is associated with social and cultural organisation, besides politics, disclosed that he had intimated senior BJP leaders before filing his nomination.

When contacted, former deputy speaker Narhari Aldoncar said there is no ‘rift’ in BJP.

“Deepaji Rane has filed his nomination in his personal capacity as Independent and party cannot prevent him in doing so,” Aldoncar said.

However, rumours are doing round that it is a BJP strategy and Deepaji Rane has acted as per the direction of some senior BJP leaders and the picture would be clear only after October 4.

Meanwhile, BJP President Valpoi Unit Narayan Gawas has also filed his nomination on Wednesday evening as a dummy candidate for BJP candidate Santosh Aldoncar.

In all, there are only three candidates, who will contest the bye-election, Vishwajeet Congress, Santosh Aldoncar BJP and Deepaji Rane Independent.

INTERIM RELIEF IN PLEA AGAINST HOTEL PROJECT REFUSE BY HIGH COURT

PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa comprising of Mr Justice D G Karnik and Mr Justice F M Reis refused to grant any interim relief in the petition challenging the permissions granted to the Hotel Grand Hyatt project at Bambolim.

The petition was filed by Goa Foundation. In the petition the petitioners sought to challenge the permissions granted by the authorities to the project as the same was not approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF).

Moreover, the petitioners also challenged the occupancy certificates granted to the hotel. The petitioners had also prayed for interim relief to stay further construction during the pendency of the petition. The court was pleased not to stay the construction but observing that the petition needs consideration, the court admitted the petition.

Earlier, the Goa Foundation and Peoples Movement for Civic Action had filed a petition challenging constructions being carried out by Aldeia de Goa within 100 metres of the high tide line. Both the petitions are tagged together and are being heard simultaneously by the court.

In the petition against Aldeia de Goa the petitioners had argued that the permission was granted for the project in 1995, prior to a Supreme Court judgment declaring the amendment to the CRZ regulations illegal. By the amendment the no development zone had been relaxed from 100 to 50 metres. (NT)

KAMAT SEEKS BLOCKING OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

PANJIM: Creation of fake profiles on Facebook has become a cause of worry in the state; a fake account in the name of Education Minister, Mr Atanasio Monserrate had already created a flutter some time back, and now it was the turn of the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, whose account was flashed on the social networking site by an imposter.

The Director of Intelligent Quotient Security System, Pune, Dr Herald D’Costa, said such incidents of bogus Facebook accounts and e-mails have increased.

Dr D’Costa said that the Chief Minister, after learning about his fake account, had asked him to write a letter to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology asking it to block the social networking websites like Orkut, Facebook and others.

The draft stated that social networking sites like Orkut, Facebook, Hi 5 etc, have been adversely affecting the lives of people in Goa with unscrupulous elements using these sites to post defamatory, vulgar and obscene materials to blackmail, defame, cause mayhem among the people and destroy the social fabric of a peaceful society like Goa.

"Innocent people fall victim to emails or "add friend" requests when it seems those email IDs belong to their friends or people known to them. They then have a rude awakening when they find out that they are now part of ‘friend list’ of such obscene groups," the draft stated

The fallout of such sites and the misuse by unscrupulous elements is defamation to peoples’ characters, marital break ups, disharmony among families and even suicides, the letter stated urging authorities to block/ ban such sites. (NT)

GOVERNMENT TO FIX exIGP'S CAR DAMAGED BY SON

PANJIM: In a shocking move, the state government has sanctioned.` 4.5 lakh for repairs of the police vehicle that was involved in an accident in December 2009 while being driven by the then IGP's son. "Government vehicles are never insured.

When a government vehicle is involved in an accident, the cost of repair is recovered from the driver or officer responsible if they are at fault, or it's paid for by the government. In this case, as the IGP is now retired, the government has decided to bear the expense of the vehicle's repairs and sanctioned the same," government sources said.

At the time of the accident, the vehicle was driven neither by then IGP K D Singh (now retired) nor his driver, but by the former IGP's 18-year-old son Siddharth. The boy had taken his father's new official car out on December 4, 2009, when he met with an accident late at night. Vasco police had registered a case against Siddharth under Section 279 and 337 of IPC. (TOI)

WAGES OF SIN-....SUPARI (RED BLOOD) by N. Fernandes, London

The Naiks will no longer enjoy the freedom , we decent & law abiding Goans do.They will have to keep watching their every step,move & backsides now. Roy Naik will have his "bulbous eyes"popping out even further now.Ravi Naik will also lose most of his sparse and limp hair in due course.  When one enters the world of "THE DRUG MAFIA",as a career, there is no code of conduct.  It is a lawless and violent organisation and a killing field too.As the saying goes..."you shall reap what you sow"....

 ... ** The Goa government Wednesday provided personal security officers (PSOs) to both sons of Home Minister Ravi Naik after the police “uncovered” a plot to kill one of them.

Superintendent of Police (Security) Tony Fernandes said the decision to provide PSOs to Naik’s sons — Roy and Ritesh — was taken on the recommendation of senior officials after recently-arrested criminal Michael Fernandes confessed to accepting a “supari” (contract) to kill Roy.

“Following this, we have decided to provide PSOs to the home minister’s both sons. The home minister’s security had already been enhanced from ‘Z’ category to ‘Z Plus’ category in May after a security review meeting,” Fernandes said.

Roy (35), has been surrounded by controversies of late, after slain British teenager Scarlett Keeling’s mother Fiona MacKeown accused him of administering drugs to her daughter. Scarlett was found lying dead at Anjuna beach in north Goa in February 2008.

A Swedish model and former girlfriend of Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala also accused Roy of having links with the drug mafia.

The opposition has demanded a probe into the allegations and demanded that the home minister be stripped of his portfolio to facilitate an impartial probe.

Police sources said Michael, a key accused in nearly 35 cases in Goa and other neighbouring states, had confessed during interrogation that he had accepted ’supari’ (contract) at a popular pub in Baga this month to kill Roy. Michael was arrested Sep 10.

Police are, however, tight-lipped about those who had given Michael the contract to kill Roy, who is bracing up to start his political innings in the legislative assembly election scheduled next year.

Police spokesperson Atmaram Deshpande said he was not aware of the development.

(Courtesy Thaindian.)

WE WANT A GOVERNMENT IN GOA THAT GOVERNS! by Roger D'Souza

The time has come for every Goan to voice their opinion in a strong and clear voice and intensify the struggle to hold the Government of Goa accountable. RP2021 is nowhere in sight and it obviously serves the Government of Goa to keep Goan and Goans hanging in limbo all these years after Goans voiced their strong opposition and protests to repeal the Regional Plan that was sought to be hoisted on them.

The Government of Goa knows that it's to their advantage to delay and procrastinate in implementing Regional Plan 2021 so that they can take advantage of the deficiencies so taht they can carry on their nefarious plans to destroy Goa. The Government of Goa does not care about listening to the voices of the Goan people. It is evident to all that the Government of Goa doesn’t care for Goa nor for the common man in Goa. All that our Ministers, Government officials, TCP, Directorate of Panchayats, Forest Department can think of are devious means to rake in the loot and hoist all sorts of con-schemes to the detriment of the people and further the interests of the Builders, Mining Lobbies, Casinos, Hotel Lobbies and other vested interests. What do they care for Goa and Goans when all they think of is satiating their unending greed! We need to question our elected Representatives whether it's the MLA, the Panchayat members or our Government Officials and hold them accountable!

All Goans need to rally together to take this agitation forward before it’s too late. May all of you who care about Goa share this message so that we together hold the Government of Goa accountable!

Let us together put a stop to the destructive forces working to destroy our beautiful Goa, our Goan villages, forests, hills, coastal regions, islands, khazan lands, and our Goan way of Life. Let us rally together every Goan man, woman and child who cares for Goa. Let us carry this message to every town and village of Goa, to our temples, churches, mosques, to our Gram Sabhas to every Goenkar! Let us without fear hold the Government of Goa and our elected representatives accountable for their actions and inactions!

The Government of Goa cannot get away with the destruction of Goa! We all stand behind GBA's clarion call and look forward to their direction in taking this forward and holding the Government of Goa accountable!

MINISTER SUPPORTS WHOLEHEARTEDLY MINING IN GOA

PANJIM: Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane, who will fight the Valpoi by-poll to retain the seat, on Tuesday said that he whole-heartedly supports the mining industry in Goa.  Rane, represents the Valpoi constituency and has a strong support in the talukas of Bicholim and Satari, where the people have been demanding ban on mining due to the air pollution and environment reasons.

However, addressing a press conference at his Dona Paula residence, the junior Rane said that those who talk about banning mining should first speak about how they intend to give employment to the people of the area.

“The mining industry today provides employment to thousands of people. The people of Satari, Bicholim and Valpoi were poor people but due to mining they are now well to do as they have business and employment,” he said adding “…but mining should not be at a cost of environment”.

Further, he stated, “I do not give permissions for mining in the areas. It is the people who decide whether they want mines in their area or not during the hearing for Environmental clearance.”  Referring to BJP’s statements on mining, Rane said, “during BJP’s regime too mining existed and it is not something we have started.”

“If the BJP was so much concerned they should have stopped it when they were in power,” he said. “As far as I am concerned I am totally backing the mining industry,” he said. Replying to queries, he said there were no illegal mining in Valpoi constituency.

VISHWAJEET ACCUSED BJP OF TRYING TO MISLEAD VALPOI VOTERS

PANJIM: Mr Vishwajit Rane, who is seeking re-election from Valpoi constituency on a Congress ticket in the by-polls to be held on October 18, has said that while he was trying to garner votes on the plank of development done by him as an independent legislator and Health Minister over the last three years, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party was trying to mislead the voters by engaging in sheer politics.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Rane said that the development done by him over the past three years besides job opportunities created with active support from the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, will ensure that he got huge chunk of the votes while his opponent from BJP will lose his security deposit.

Stating that he might not have been able to achieve 100 per cent of what he had planned for his constituency, the Congress nominee for the by polls said that he has done much more than others ever achieved and that Valpoi would be a model constituency once all the on-going works were completed, most probably in the next few months.

Hitting out at the BJP for trying to rake up non-existent issues, he said that the opposition party has failed to carry out development in the constituencies where it was in power and that it was he who ensured that backward areas were brought on development path. He said that the Sattari taluka has developed because his father earlier nursed it well and now he was also doing the same.

Mr Rane said that the opposition party only tried to derive advantage from voters by promising the youth unemployment allowance, which was released to some beneficiaries only once and then withdrawn, and on the other hand he ensured that many competent youth from Valpoi and other areas got the jobs on merit by creating job opportunities.

He said that he has undertaken or got works worth sanctioned in Valpoi constituency as the representative of that constituency even as he said that he would ensure piped water to entire constituency once all the proposed works that have been sanctioned were completed in a year or so but surely before the next general elections to the assembly.

On the issue of his joining the Congress, he said that he was invited by the Congress president, Ms Sonia Gandhi, to join the party and he without giving a second thought grabbed the opportunity and quit his seat in assembly to join the party with which his father has been associated for over three decades. He said that henceforth he would remain with Congress, even if he was denied a ticket in the next election.

On his criticism by Mr Laxmikant Parsekar, the state BJP president, Mr Rane said that rather than trying to find faults with him in Valpoi, the BJP president should try to develop his constituency, even as he said that he would pay attention to Mandrem after the by-elections.

Stating that he would go with the people on the issue of permitting mining in his constituency of Valpoi, he went on to add that mining was a major economic contributor and that it would not be wished away just because it would add to environmental issues. He, however, said that he would inform the people about the hazards of mining particularly in Paikul area where the mining activity proposed to be started was nearer to a proposed water treatment plant. (NT)

BJP CANDIDATE FILES NOMINATION FOR VALPOI POLLS

VALPOI: BJP candidate, Mr Santosh Aldoncar submitted his nomination form to the returning officer, Mr Raju Gawas in presence of Leader of Opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar, president of state BJP party, Mr Laxmikant Parsekar and others.

The Bharatiya Janata Party candidate, Mr Santosh Aldoncar on Tuesday filed his nomination for the Valpoi by-election.

He was accompanied by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar, state BJP president, Mr Laxmikant Parsekar, Mr Vinay Tendulker, state BJP spokesperson, Mr Govind Parvathker, former deputy speaker, Mr Narahari Haldankar and Mr Narayan Gawas.

Mr Haldankar submitted his nomination form to the returning officer, Mr Raju Gawas assisted by mamlatdar of Satari taluka, Mr Satish Desai and Joint Mamlatdar, Ms Trupti Rane at Mamlatdar office at around 11.45 a.m.

Mr Manohar Parrikar alleged that the Congress party is misguiding the people of Satari over the last two decades. Speaking to press, Mr Santosh Aldoncar said that the party has taken Mr Vishwajit Rane’s recent statement of wiping out the BJP from Valpoi constituency as a challenge

MONSERRATE'S SON SUMMONED BY HIGH COURT

PANJIM: The division bench of the High Court of Bombay at Goa comprising of Mr Justice D G Karnik and Mr Justice F M Reis issued notice to Mr Amit Monserrate, son of Education Minister, Mr Atanasio Monserrate, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA), to appear before it.  The notice was issued while hearing a petition filed by Dr S P Deshpande, ex chief town planner.

In the petition it was alleged that Mr Monserrate encroached about 900 square metres of the plot number 5 and 6 at Miramar earmarked as free space as per the planning rules by building an illegal compound wall which forms a part of Monserrate’s bungalow.

Mr Deshpande appearing in person submitted to the court that inspite of bringing the said encroachment to the notice of concerned authorities, no action was sought to be taken. He stated that a site inspection had been carried out by the CCP, wherein it was clearly confirmed that the structure was an encroachment.

The current market value of the encroached plot is around ` 10 crore and prayed that the authorities should be directed to take action against the encroachers.

The matter will now come up for hearing on October 18 where Mr Monserrate alongwith the CCP and the NGPDA is expected to remain present.

DRIVE AGAINST BOGUS RATION CARDS FROM OCTOBER 15

PANJIM: The directorate of Civil Supplies will initiate a drive against bogus ration card holders from October 15 in the state. However, sufficient time would be allotted to submit and surrender such cards till October 14 to the said department or the concerned taluka mamlatdars or talathis, informed the director of Civil Supplies, Mr Gurudas Pilernkar on Monday.

The director also informed that no action would be initiated against those who surrender their ration cards before the expiry of the grace period, but if they failed to do so, a criminal offence would be registered against the erring card holders.

He said a team from civil supplies would make door-to-door visits to ensure genuineness of the ration card and if the card was found to be bogus, on the spot action would be initiated and the card would be seized.

"As per records available with us, there are 3.5 lakh card holders in the state and bogus card holders are mostly hailing from Tiswadi, Salcette, Bardez and Mormugao due to high number of migrants in these four talukas," he informed.

In many cases he said, the ration card is being used by other persons when law states that it is non transferable. Migrants are entitled for temporary ration cards for a period of six months which can be renewed later for two years but they have to surrender it to the concerned authorities when they are leaving the state for their native place, he added.

He also informed that it has come to light of the authorities that most of the migrants do not return the cards as a result these cards are being misused adding that the drive is being initiated in view of the Supreme Court guidelines.

VERDICT ON GOA'S SERIAL KILLER ON OCTOBER 1

PANJIM: The local court will give its final verdict on the charges of rape levied against serial killer Mahanand Naik on October 1. The district court in Panaji has heard the arguments in the rape case, which first brought Mahanand in the eyes of Ponda police way back in 2009.

Subsequent investigations had revealed that 40-year-old Mahanand was involved in series of killings.

Mahanand was accused of blackmailing and raping his wife's friend, a college going girl, for over three years in the town of Shiroda, 40 kms away from Panaji.

The complaint was filed with Ponda police in the last week of April 2009.  During the custodial interrogation, Mahanand had confessed of killing around 18 gullible women by luring them in love.  According to the police, the killer used to go on a date with them to secluded place and kill them with their dupatta.

The alleged killer has been acquitted by the court in three out of 18 murder cases in which the Judge ruled that there was no evidence against the accused. (PTI)

FIVE STAR HOTEL EYEING HERITAGE STRUCTURES OF GOA

CANACONA: Five star hotel lobbies are behind a controversial amendment to a heritage conservation legislation which heritage protection groups Tuesday alleged would put historic monuments and sites at risk.

Prajal Sakhardande, executive member of the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG), said the amendment, which has been assented to by Governor S.S. Sidhu, had put the 51 notified heritage structures in Goa at risk.

'The clauses in the act makes the heritage structures susceptible to the greed of five star lobbies, who plan to commercially exploit these monuments,' Sakhardande said.

'There are attempts by a European hospitality company to take over the Cabo de Rama fort in Canacona (located 80 kms from Panaji) by denotifying it,' Sakhardande said.

Some heritage sites at risk include nine forts built by the Portuguese and erstwhile rulers of the state, rock art sites and numerous temples and Churches from the Portuguese and pre-Portuguese era, his group said. - CN

SIGNALMAN FROM MP MISSING FROM GOA

MARGAO : Two months after an army personnel from this town went missing after he got down at Madgaon station in Goa, army and Goa police were clueless about his whereabouts.

Mr Govardhan Solanki's son Surendra Singh Solanki was posted as signalman in the Signal Regiment of Indian Army. He left from Mandsaur to Goa on July 24 and got down at Madgaon station next day.

Mr Solanki said Surendra had talked to her mother and fiance after he got down at Madgaon station but was missing since then.

Surendra's elder brother Virendra Singh had gone to Goa on July 28 and met Brigadier K S Chouhan and lodged a missing report in police station.

The family has appealed to the President, the Union Home Minister and the Goa Government to cooperate in the matter. Upset over the matter, Mr Solanki has sought permission for voluntary death. --UNI

GOA TAR BALLS CREATED RIPPLES IN MOSCOW TOO

PANJIM : Extensive media coverage of tar balls swamping Goa's beaches has created a few ripples in far away Moscow too, a top tourism department official has said.

Tourism director Swapnil Naik, who has returned from a tourism promotion event in Russia, told IANS Monday that the tourism industry captains there were keen on knowing more about the phenomenon and about the steps taken by the state government to handle the coastal crisis.

'They raised three issues one of which included tar balls. They happened to have read about the phenomenon,' Naik said.

'We had attended the 'Leisure Fair' held in Moscow and met a delegation of over 76 different representatives from the tourism trade,' said Naik, who was part of the official delegation to Russia along with Tourism Minister Nilaknth Halarnkar and other tourism department officials.

'We informed them that this - was an annual phenomenon and that it has been taken care of. With regard to the issue of security for tourists, there were some issues, but we told them that a special tourist force was being put in place to handle this aspect,' Naik said, adding that Russia was crucial to tourism in Goa, because it sent nearly half a lakh tourists to the sun-kissed beaches of the state.

'We told them that out of 24 lakh tourists who visit the state each year, almost everyone goes back happy. We have reinforced the idea that Goa is a safe tourism destination,' Naik said, adding that queries about new visa guidelines released by the home ministry were also discussed.

The 'Leisure Fair' was held in Moscow from Sep 21-24 and included a road show in which the Goa tourism officials had participated

GOA`s PAIN & GOA`S HOPE by N. Fernandes, London

It is very shocking to see,hear and read, the extent of how all these politicians have milked Goa of its wealth for their personal ambitions and next of kin.  This has not been done with Business acumen...but by stealth & Corrupt acumen.However I hope if history has proved correct in many ways...these or their next of kin will have a price to pay someday or in the not too distant future.

It is purely a matter of time.  But it will happen.  It must happen.  Take the examples of these corrupt people.  Saddam Hussein (Iraq), Idi Amin (UGANDA), Pol Pot(CAMBODIA), Robert Mugabe(Zimbabwe), Papa Doc (of Haiti), Shah of Iran (Iran), Ceascescu (Romania), Slobadan Milosovech ( Serbia), Marie Antoinette (France) & the "Tin Pot dictators of Africa and South America.  These are just the few that come to my mind.

Goa is slowly evolving (very slowly), There will be a bigger educated class.The divisions between Rich and poor will narrow down.  At some point in time all these corrupt Politicians & their next of kin will have to give an account if they have not sought asylum somewhere.  Many years ago Goa was ruled by the Land owning and upper castes.  Currently Goa is being run by a bunch of perfidious (traitors) idiots and corrupt and ill-educated machinery.

I only pary that Goa one day will be administered by decent & honest and truly good and morally upright people, where all resources are shared justly and for the benefit and upliftment of all Goans and more specially our kids and the next generations.  The Physics theory of releativity will surely prove it self again........"every action will have a corresponding reaction".

INDEPENDENT NIZ GOENKAR CANDIDATE THE NEED OF THE HOUR by Johnads

I know, this might rouse the dormant to wake or even the deceased to be on a vigil however, I am not here for a debate.

To be a politician is quiet a remarkable achievement and is not for the weak of heart but, for those that capitalize on their inner hardcore beliefs. Only such individuals, can rise to the occasion and get the nominations. These are the foxes that are always on the prowl to get out of their foxholes prior to the elections to mesmerise or influence the electorates. Some bring in money to the podium whilst others criticize the electives giving out ferocious and fiery speeches against those corrupt so as to cool the nerves of the upset electorates, some write editorials of uneventful potrayals and occurrences in the news media, and others appease by their good looks, personality and so called community services.

As is seen here on the "Niz Goenkar" forum that every other politician that gives a news briefing to the media is either perverse, stupid or abnormal as an Ass and talk rubbish all the time and do nothing. It seems very clear by the characteristics of most individuals on this forum to say something that is lacking in positive attributes. I sincerely believe, if we are the children of the same God than, no one is ever born to be, perfect in character. I doubt it, if we are to ever find one amongst us or elsewhere, who has not acted selfish or cheated his way to the top, be it in his personal or public life. We as human beings are often motivated by genuine concerns at the helm, to always do good and feel proud of our achievements but very few are in such ranks.

Is there an individual that would rise to occasion with a character of rank on this forum who is genuine and sincere, one who would fight for the cause of the Goans. In lieu of, venting out our frustrations, criticzing every political move, character assasinatings of these Goan corrupt and down to earth politicians. It would be wise to see a representative of the Niz Goenkar come forward and conduct himself as an Independant in the next elections and form a new "Niz Goenkars Party". That would be a commendable achievement.

Do you have what it takes to climb up the ladder or forever hold your peace and accept the changes made by the Goa's corrupt governance.

DIGAMBER KAMAT MAY FACE BABU AZGAONKARs BROTHER

MARGAO: The brother of Panchayat Minister, Babu Azgaonkar has threatened to contest against the Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat in the Margao constituency if justice is not done to him on the reservation of wards.

Babu’s brother Rajendra Azgaonkar, who is the sitting MMC councillor is sore over the fact that his ward has been reserved for women in the ensuing municipal election. What has agitated Azgaonkar is the fact that the ward he is representing was reserved for women during the previous term and wondered how come the same ward can be reserved again for women after one term.

Azgaonkar has contended that there are a couple of wards in the Margao Municipal Council which have not been reserved for women in the last four terms. To cite a few instances, he said that ward No 5 represented by Councillor Raju Naik has not been reserved for a women in the last three terms and is once again declared a general ward in the ensuing polls. Similarly, he said the ward represented by Councillor Gonzaco Rebello has not been reserved for women for the last three terms and is declared a general ward for the coming elections.

“There are other wards too which have not been reserved for women for many terms now. Why is the government hell bent in only reserving my ward every alternate term”, Azgaonkar demanded to know.

“I am not against reservation of seats for women. But, why is the government so keen to reserve my ward, while other wards have not been reserved for women for many terms. Why this double standard for me and for others”, he asked.

Sources in the know said the matter has been brought to the notice of the Chief Minister to rectify the anomalies in the reservation of wards. “If the government is determined to see that I don’t contest the Municipal polls, then I will prepare myself to contest the Municipal polls from Margao”, he asserted.

BOMBAY CJ URGED TO EXPEDITE PROBE AGAINST JUDGE NUTAN SARDESAI

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has today urged Bombay High Court Chief Justice Mohit Shah to expeditiously hold an inquiry against North Goa District Judge Ms Nutan Sardesai for her having heard cases in violation of judicial propriety.

Adv. Rodrigues has also sent to the Chief Justice a copy of the recent judgment passed by a Division Bench of the Bombay High Court at Goa comprising of Justice A.S.Oka and Justice F.M.Reis in which certain very serious observations have been made against District Judge Ms Nutan Sardesai.

The observations were made by the High Court while quashing an order passed by her on 29th April 2009 as Principal District Judge, Margao.in a matter connected to the River Princess.

The High Court in its judgment has held that Judge Nutan Sardesai had exercised her discretion contrary to the well settled principles of law and had committed a serious error in appreciating the evidence in the case.

The High Court further held that Judge Nutan Sardesai had totally misdirected and committed an error by directing the Goa government to refund Rs five and half crores to Jaisu Shipping Ltd even though there was no such prayer from the company in their petition.

Adv. Rodrigues has in his letter to the Chief Justice today stated that the observations made in the High Court judgment only confirms the allegations made by him against Judge Ms Nutan Sardesai.

It may be recalled that Adv. Aires Rodrigues had in his complaint to the Chief Justice earlier stated that it was very improper for Judge Nutan Sardesai to have heard matters involving the interests of her former employer Industrialist Mr. Anil Salgaocar.

Adv. Rodrigues had also drawn the Chief Justice’s attention that Judge Nutan Sardesai contrary to judicial propriety and high standards of judicial ethics that is being sought to be laid down by the Supreme Court had also heard a divorce matter relating to her own cousin brother.

EARLY ASSEMBLY POLLS? by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

With so many politicians seen doling out bags containing goodies this Ganesh Chaturthi, it may be a sign that Goa is gearing up for early assembly polls which otherwise are scheduled for May 2012. In the run up to the elections the people will make the best of the bonaza. The voters of Nuvem, Benaulim, Navelim, Porvorim and Mayem amongst other constituencies may see some very good times.

Goa will now see lots of buses departing on political sponsored pilgrimages to Shirdi, Tirupati and Vailankanni. There will be a spurt in sports tournaments sponsored by prospective candidates. Candidates will also be moving around wooing the voters with a list of household appliances. This year we will witness a lot of Narkasurs and Christmas tree festivities. All festivals till the assembly elections will be celebrated with added pomp and gaiety. As usual at all times there will also be no dearth of xacuti and biryani. The PWD taps may run dry but liquor will flow. But please watch out for the spurious stuff. The politicians care a damn if the Aam Aadmi dies as long as they win to live on or live to win?

Aires Rodrigues

T1 - B30, Ribandar Retreat

Ribandar - Goa - 403006

Mobile: 9822684372

PROMOTE A GOOD CAUSE by K. K. Swami, Panjim

RECEIVED BY EMAIL FROM SHYAM SAWANT, PONDA

I do not understand why the Sangh Parivar, VHP, RSS, Bajrang Dal and the Sanatan Sanstha get excited over minor issues like the exhibition of Dr Jose Pereira and Subodh Kerkar. Don’t they have better work to do?

Wasn’t Sanatan Sanstha responsible for last year’s blast at Margao? The blame was then shifted on to other religions. Yet, no government action was initiated.

What’s the difference between saffron terror and Islamic terror? These so called organisations should come forward and work in hand in hand with other religions to promote a good cause. They should treat everyone as brothers and sisters.

NEWS FROM GOA IN BRIEF

PARRIKAR: ACCUSED ABUSED ME

Former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday submitted before a court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao that he was abused by accused in a 2004 case at Cuncolim.

Deposing before the court, Parrikar said the accused Ballapa Desai abused him, thus showing disrespect to the chair of the Chief Minister.

The incident had occurred in the run up to the 2004 Lok Sabha polls when Parrikar’s PSO lodged a complaint with the Cuncolim police alleging that Ballapa abused the Chief Minister during his visit to Cuncolim.

Based on the complaint filed by the PSO, the Cuncolim police arrested Ballapa before chargesheeting the case in the court.

CAMERAL THEFT: MAPUSA POLICE ARREST ONE

Mapusa Police on Monday arrested a thief on charges of stealing a camera worth Rs 10,000. According to Mapusa Police, Jude Pinto alias Savio was moving around Alankar Theatre in a suspicious manner on Monday evening. After some people noticed him and informed the police, the police team led by Police Sub Inspector Nitin Halarnkar rushed to the site and nabbed Savio.

On interrogation at the police station, Savio confessed that he had stolen a Sony Cyber Shot Camera worth Rs 10,000 from a shop near Mapusa Court a few days ago. Police arrested him Savio and will produce him before the Judicial Magistrate First class on Tuesday for remand.

HUNT FOR JOE BOY: GOA POLICE RETURNS EMPTY HANDED FROM MUMBAI

PANJIM: Goa police team on trail of Joe Boy in Mumbai has returned back empty handed on Monday morning. Sources told Herald that a team of three North Goa police officials returned back nearly five days after police chief DGP Bhim Sain Bassi had sent them to Mumbai in search of the suspected accused.

Joe Boy is on a look out after Michael Fernandes during police interrogation confessed that the former was given the contract to kill Roy, son of the Home Minister Ravi Naik.

A special police team was immediately formed and sent to Mumbai, on tip-off information. So also, police teams in Goa have still not achieved any further breakthrough even as Home Minister’s family is given fool-proof police security.

Rumors of Joe Boy’s arrest floated today evening though reliable police sources confirmed that they are still carrying out intense search to locate the history-sheeter. “We are still tracing him…Our teams are on constant look out for Joe Boy in Goa and outside,” a police officer said

When contacted the Deputy Inspector General of Police Ravindra Yadav refused to divulge anything on the investigation. “I am not aware,” was his pat reply when questioned on the rumours of Joe Boy’s arrest.

Joe Boy was apparently paid Rs 2 crore to accomplish the task. Before the police could reach Joe Boy after confession by the pistol-wielding chief Michael Fernandes, he managed to give the police a slip. The BJP however has rejected the story by the police and the Home Minister. They said that it was just a ploy to safeguard themselves after the Lucky Farmhouse declaration of Roy being involved in drug trade.

CHURCHILL CHALLENGES SARDINHA AND LUIZINHO

MARGAO: Just a day after Luizinho Faleiro and Francisco Sardinha made their presence in Benaulim constituency; PWD Minister Churchill Alemao has challenged both of them to contest from Benaulim in the next Assembly polls instead of supporting the candidature of aspiring candidates.

Reacting to the presence of Luizinho and Sardinha at Colva at the birthday function of South Goa Congress Vice-President, Francis Sequeira, who has disclosed plans to contest from Benaulim, Alemao sought to know why Luizinho and Sardinha are propping other candidates in Benaulim.

He challenged one of them to contest from Benaulim instead of supporting others as that would make them realise their stand in the constituency. “It appears that Faleiro now thinks that he is above Congress President Sonia Gandhi as he has started assuring tickets to Congress candidates”, he said, adding that both Luizinho and Sardinha are trying their best to return to State politics and dared them to contest from Benaulim constituency in the coming polls.

On Faleiro’s statement that he is opposed to Greater Goa, Alemao said that it was the dream of late Ravindra Kelekar, who had espoused the cause of inclusion of Konkani speaking areas into Goa to make the state Greater Goa. “I have only made a suggestion to the Goan leaders to debate on Kelekar’s dream to decide the future of the State”, Alemao said.

Incidentally, the PWD minister said that he was accused by many when he had signed the Tillari and Konkan Railway project on grounds that these projects would adversely affect Goa and Goans, adding that Goans have now realised how these and other projects have benefit the State.

“Karwar has land admeasuring 3250 sq kms and around three lakh population. If the area is merged with Goa, then we can get nuclear power from the Kaiga plant and can shift the Navy from Dabolim to the Sea Bird at Karwar”, he added.