THE RAHEJAS SAGA CONTINUES by Freddy Agnelo Fernandes, Dubai

Rising from the ashes is the right proverb to describe the on going Rahejas saga in Carmona. Legally it has to be demolished because it is illegal and stands no chance as per the law. It is a clear cut violation of the terms and condition of construction by the TPC for the Rahejas project at Carmona, wherein there is a stipulated clause that says this construction is illegal without a 10mtr road.

This clause was drafted by the authorities for whatever reasons, has to be adhered to, to legalise this anomaly. Hence at present it stands as an illegal structure and should me demolished.

Orlando Dias with the help of his villagers has been fighting tooth and nail against this mega project in his village and for obvious reasons that we all know the PWD minister has been backing Rahejas, justice for truth against the power of money. The PWD minister in his ignorance even approved the 10mtr road on his letter head, trying to hijack the usual democratic process. As the PWD minister, does he become the judge, the jury and the executioner ? Since when has Goa become a part of Libya or Cuba ? Now after all the opposition to the project, the uncanny wise men in the government have come up with a novel idea, a similar modus operandi as the one to save the luxury hotel of mining baron Timblo but here no ordinance was passed but none the less efforts to hoodwink the public is made by a provisional condition before the final NOC for occupancy is given. Here is another attempt to undermine the democratic process with autocratic measures.

The authorities know fully well, a 10mtr road is next to impossible unless people’s houses and compound walls are demolished. Is the government willing to hurt the very Goans that brought them to power to facilitate a non Goan builder for his money ?

I hope Goans from all over Goa support Orlando Dias in is fight for justice to protect his village from being destroyed, plundered and run over by outsiders and illegal mega housing projects. Save Carmona save Goa !

HOUSELESS INCLUDED IN THE CENSUS BUT NOT THE OVERSEAS GOANS: NEW MIGRANTS TO BE GOANS SOON

MARGAO: Census officials fanned out to the nook and corner of the state on late Monday evening to enumerate the houseless migrant population ;to enroll them as GOANS.  In Margao, Deputy Collector Johnson Fernandes and his team of officials descended in the migrant inhabited Gandhi market at around 8.15 pm and went round the area tracking down the houseless.

Goans working overseas have been ordered to be excluded fromt he census as according to the Goa Government they are no longer GOANS even though they hold Indian Passports.  After tireless efforts of search of Migrants to Goanise them the Census team managed to enumerate a few persons from the locality under the houseless population head, before

IN SEARCH OF MIGRANTS: Census Officials Interacting
with a Migrant Family at Gandhi Market Margao

they moved on to another migrant inhabitant area at Cine Lata for the houseless.  “The exercise to enumerate the houseless population is part of the census operations carried out across the country. The houseless population is enumerated on the last day of the exercise”, he said.

The census team comprised of Manoj Kamat, Cynthia Nevis Joao, Vijay Sawant, Teja Naik under the supervision of Rajendra Gaonkar.  The Deputy Collector was later seen at the Margao railway station as part of the ongoing exercise and were scheduled to head towards the Khareband area of the city.

Salcete Mamlatdar, Paresh Faldessai was in the Gudi-Paroda area of Salcete taluka with a team of officials, as part of the exercise to enumerate the houseless.

The Guddi area of Paroda village has a sizeable floating migrant population, especially working on the stone crushers and quarrying. It is against this backdrop that the Salcete Mamlatdar descended in the village late this evening.

Incidentally, while the census officials has enumerated the houseless population as part of the exercise, many Goans working on board cruise liners and merchant Navy, besides working in the Gulf were left out from the exercise by the census authorities.

Under directions from the national census authorities, the local census officials have omitted large number of Goan youth working abroad from enumeration.  The problem will be felt the most in Salcete taluka where minimum one member of a family is employed on board the ships and return home every 6-9 months depending on the contract.

Local officials feared that the census will not dish out the correct information on the population with a large section of the society left out in the exercise.

SUSPENDED PI CHODANKAR DENIES CIPRIANO DIED IN CUSTODY

PANJIM: Suspended Police Inspector Sandesh Chodankar on Monday flatly denied that Cipriano Fernandes died in the Panjim police custody.  In his statement before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Panjim, Chodankar said that he saw Cipriano “sleeping” in the ‘officers room’ in the Panjim police station on January 7 evening.

Next morning on January 8, he stated, Cipriano was “sitting on the bench” in the police station’s ‘officers room’. 

“I was attending crime meeting at Porvorim with other police officers till about 8:15-8:20pm on January 7. I received a phone call from the police control room that Georgina is stabbed by somebody at Caranzalem. I immediately phoned the police station and asked a team to rush to Caranzalem,” he said further.

In a two and half hour deposition, the suspended police officer stated that on reaching the police station he got involved investigating a murder case till about 9:30pm.

He was later dropped at his Dona Paula home by the police driver.  “I came back to the police station at 2am on January 8 for District night patrolling duty. On checking the station diary, I learnt that Cipriano was arrested under section 151 Cr.P.C.” he said admitting that he had seen Cipriano in the police station earlier.

He claimed that he was however not informed about Cipriano’s arrest.  “I inquired from head constable Sandip Shirvaikar as to why Cipriano was arrested for a non-cognizable complaint to which he said that Georgina was insisting to pick him up (Cipriano) as she feared he might slap her,” he added.

Cipriano, 38-year-old seafarer on his vacation back in Goa, was arrested after his lady friend complained that he threatened her. He was arrested on January 7 and died on January 9 after being referred to Goa medical college and hospital (GMCH).

Police had refused custodial killing initially claiming that Cipriano suffered from epilepsy.

Chodankar also confirmed that even as no bail application was filed for Cipriano’s release, the police submitted a ‘chapter case’ against Cipriano to the SDM. “Since he was admitted in the GMC, we could not produce him before the SDM. Based on Shirvaikar’s report, the SDM granted him bail,” he further added.

He said that the seafarer’s death was informed to him at 8am on January 9 after which Georgina and Cipriano’s paternal cousin Cosme Fernandes were called for inquiry.  Three policemen including Chodankar, sub inspector Radhesh Ramnathkar and hawaldar Shirvaikar are already suspended for procedural lapses by the department.

The statement by SDM came in as a further nail in the coffin as the inquiry proved that Cipriano was badly assaulted with blunt object in police custody.  So also, the autopsy report confirmed that he died due to two fatal injuries on the head.

The Crime Branch is meanwhile investigating a case of murder registered against several police officials attached to Panjim police station in the custodial killing. JMFC has adjourned Chodankar’s further deposition to March 4.

DISGUSTED by Roque Manuel Coutinho, Quepem

Sir,

I am not only disappointed but disgusted with not only the politicians ( Luizinho Faleiro, Francis Sardinha, Churchill Alemao and Prakash Velip to name a few who have either been my comrades in Lar de Estudantes or I have assisted) and the reporter Sanvodar of Goa 365 from Sanvordem, To start with the politicians I always backed this lot during the elections with the notion that they would do some good for the Goans but looking at the plight of the Goans today including myself it is pathetic.

They have done nothing for the Goans but filled their coffers and that of their cronies. The Goan youth have to go on the ship or abroad to earn a decent living and the void is filled by people from other states because the standard of living is better than in their states and so is the income. Goans have a high standard of living and do not live on Dal and Rice. The Portuguese gave us a good life and people were content as far as the standard of living and facilities but because of a few disgruntled people and the take over of the Indian Government see where we are. India was not ready for Independence quote Winston Churchill who told Lord Mountbatten that he was giving the country into the hand of rouges and thieves. How true he was because no sooner did he give Independence the country was divided for power and today India is run by rogues and thieves who have made sure that people remain uneducated and are divided. There are MP's and other politicians who are criminals and some are in jails and they are still MP's etc. They have abused Democracy but are still in governance. Our Goan politicians have made a mockery and taken us

Goans for granted. I think it is high time that those Goans who really love Goa and do not want it to be destroyed get rid of all the politicians who are and were in government and have new faces in the government. Wake up Loyal Goans and SAVE Goa before it is too late like the Arab nations who are fed up of corrupt politicians and don’t let them sell and turn Goa into a concrete jungle instead of a paradise Island it once was. I am willing to stand up to save Goa if honest Goans are willing United we Stand Divided We fall - Roque

POLICE MAKE BREAKTHROUGH OF MERCES MURDER: MIGRANT FROM CHIMBEL ARRESTED

OLD GOA: Having arrested a 21-year-old resident of Indra Nagar-Chimbel, the Old Goa Police seems to have made a breakthrough in the murder case of Amitabh Borkar, who was found murdered at an isolated place in Merces on February 2.

Old Goa Police has arrested Hyder Ali Badekar an obvious migrant in connection with the murder case of Borkar (19) of Kirlawada-Chimbel.

According to Old Goa PI Francis Corte, Hyder was arrested by the Old Goa Police late Saturday night from his residence, after Old Goa Police came to a conclusion that Hyder was the last person who had taken Borkar along with him before committing the murder.

“Hyder has confessed to committing the crime and the reason behind committing the murder was previous enemity between him and Borkar, where the deceased had earlier slapped Hyder at Panjim bus stand over an issue. Hyder was waiting to take revenge of it,” informed PI Corte.

Over 50 people, who included family members, relatives and friends of Borkar were interrogated and even Hyder was questioned twice over the matter. During the course of investigation, the Old Goa Police had detained a 19-year-old boy from Chimbel on suspicion.

Hyder has been remanded for 14 days police custody for further investigation. Incidentally, according to the police, Hyder is the brother of Asif Ali Badekar (Badekar?), who is one of the co-accused in the attack case on Adv Aires Rodrigues.

CLASH AT THE LAYING OF SULABH TOILET STONE

MARGAO: A function organized to mark the laying of foundation stone for a Sulabh toilet at Fakirbandh at the hands of chief minister Digambar Kamat on Sunday turned ugly after a verbal duel ensued between a CM's supporter Khushali Virdikar and ward councillor Pratima Coutinho. Non-cognisable offence has been registered by the Margao police against the two, police sources informed.

Trouble began after Kamat broke the sacred coconut to mark the commencement of the work, sources informed. Khushali Virdikar, who claims himself to be a close supporter of the CM, was not pleased on seeing Coutinho alongwith CM and apparently lost his cool. – TNN

GRA’S CLARION CALL by Freddy Agnelo Fernandes, Dubai

GRA, has come up with a cause to fight corruption and are organizing a meet on 15th March at Panjim. We do need a mass movement to force the corrupt Kamat government to their knees, a mass movement that can gather the much needed momentum, to go for the kill at the coming Assembly elections.

A lot of people are disappointed as it’s on a weekday, being a weekday people are not at liberty as such unfortunately a lot of people will not be able to participate even though they would love to do so. There are the school and college students who have to tend to their schools and colleges and parents too are held up with their kids and working people. If we are planning a movement of this dimension then every individual’s participation is of utmost importance, I am not trying to discourage GRA’s efforts but history speaks for it’s self. The GBA meeting last October is a good example, of people’s response on a weekday, people concerned should have learnt from that mistake.

If we want to bring the people together for a mass movement then it should be at the people’s convenience and that happens only on holidays. A lot of people say that the love for Goa should be our prime objective, agreed, but knowing our own weaknesses and limitations, we should make sure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in this mass movement, without any excuses.

Even then I pray to every Goan to heed to the clarion call made by the GRA and take part in this movement on 15th March and force the Government of tugs and crooks to their knees, it could be the last chance for Goans from all walks of life to make an effort to save Goa from the clutches of our corrupt politicians.

Goa Jai Ho.

A SINCERE REQUEST by Ashlon A. Fernandes, Nuvem

I was greatly shocked when the local MLA of Navelim organised a grand ceremony to celebrate the completion of a local bridge. Thousands of people went on the roads with the main purpose of displaying the flags and jerseys of his football club.

Later on, a concert in Konkani was organised. No doubt people ‘benefit’ from it, it would be a good gesture if the money was spent, on improvisation of our roads, which are in a very bad condition. Through this letter, I am also requesting all other MLA’s to stop doing ‘tamashas’. The people of Goa today want real development, and I am one of the thousands of Goan youth, who is fed up of corruption.

ST. ESTEVAO VILLAGERS RESOLVE TO TAKE PART IN GOVERNANCE

PANJIM: The villagers of St Estevao on Sunday resolved to take part in governance and not leave democracy to casting a vote only at election time.  The resolution was passed at Sunday's gram sabha in the island village which was attended by a large number of villagers. Residents unanimously agreed that they will participate at the gram sabha level where they will communicate with various government departments to achieve better governance.

The achievement for such social awareness has not been achieved overnight and is due to tireless efforts put in by a few socially aware citizens of the island.

Among the issues which the villagers will continue to fight against is the rampant sand mining that may result in the destruction of the village ecosystem. Some residents at the gram sabha pointed out that sand mining would change the course of the River Mandovi. They also said that there was a steady increase in the water level of the river, which would easily breach the bunds and inundate the village causing a disaster.

Further, the villagers also resolved to continue the fight against hill cutting and destruction of mangroves undertaken by a shipping company.

Another discussion arose on the water-testing kit given by the government to the panchayat, but currently lying in disuse.

Residents demanded that they be given training to handle the water-testing kit and they would undertake the responsibility of testing the water of the wells in the village by themselves.

There are around 100 wells in the village, with Palmar vaddo accounting for 45 of those wells alone, residents said.

Much displeasure was made known about the presence of names of migrant voters on the electoral rolls. Villagers said that many of these migrant voters continued to hold voting rights in original states and it was decided to follow guidelines specified by the Election Commission of India to weed out such names from the voter's list.

A resident also brought to the notice of those gathered that only five of the six sluice gates (manos) were being maintained in the village. Residents said that they would make the comunidade, the mamlatdar and the manxekar (sluice gate lessee) accountable as public funds were being utilized for the maintenance of all six sluice gates in the village.

The budget for the village panchayat was also discussed. Among the decisions taken include the hiring of resource persons to conduct workshops for the villagers on disaster management.

ASSAMESE SECURITY GUARD MURDERED AT CALANGUTE

PANJIM: A security guard from Assam was murdered at Calangute in the early hours of Sunday morning. According to Calangute police, Suklal Goala was deployed by his security agency to guard an open plot at Cobravaddo-Calangute. Goala was found dead in the plot on Sunday morning, with his head smashed by a stone.

Police said that a bar has been conducting business in the plot adjacent to where Goala was deployed and one Pravesh Naik had been using the open space to park his vehicles. Naik had also threatened Goala in a previous incident, police said.

Calangute PSI Gaurish Parab conducted the inquest and sent the body to the Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim for preservation. During investigations, the security agency manager and Goala's cousin, who is also employed as a security guard, informed Parab of the previous threat by Naik, and Calangute police placed him under arrest.

Naik was arrested under Section 302 (murder) of the IPC and is presently in police custody. He will be produced before JMFC, Mapusa on Monday for further remand.

NEED FOR SOME LEGAL DISCIPLINE AT THE ADVOCATE GENERAL’S OFFICE by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The Union Law Ministry has recently rightly directed the Attorney General and the Solicitor General of India not to directly entertain any requests for legal opinion without the matter being referred by the Law Ministry. All ministries, departments, Public State Undertakings and Autonomous bodies have also been directed not to seek any legal opinion or advice directly without consulting the Law Ministry.

Such a system needs to be enforced in Goa where all sorts of files are being directly sent by departments and other authoririties to Advocate General Mr. Subodh Kantak for legal advice. The files sometimes remain there for months together and there is no way of tracking them. The Advocate General’s office does not keep any record of files sent for legal opinion or advice. So routing all files to the Advocate General through the Law department may bring about the much needed legal discipline.

RTI CASE AGAINST AG SUBODH KANTAK: VERDICT ADJOURNED TO 8TH MARCH

PANJIM: The Goa Chief Information Commissioner Mr. Motilal Kenny today adjourned to 8th March at 10.30 am his verdict on the complaint filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against the Advocate General of Goa Mr. Subodh Kantak for not complying with the provisions of the Right to Information Act.

Advocate General Subodh Kantak has argued that the Advocate General was not a “Public Authority” and does not come within the purview of the RTI Act.

Adv. Aires Rodrigues has however submitted that the Advocate General was very much a public authority his being a constitutional post and even enjoying cabinet status.

Adv Rodrigues has submitted that the Advocate General as a “public authority” was required under Section 5 of the Act to designate within 100 days Public Information Officers to provide information to persons requesting the same from the Advocate General’s office.

Adv. Rodrigues has also stated that Section 4 the Act required the Advocate General to publish and make public within one hundred and twenty days various information details about the Advocate General’s office.

Adv. Aires Rodrigues has also sought that the Advocate General of Goa be penalized in terms of section 20 of the RTI Act for not complyingwith the provisions of the Act for over five years.

DEMANDING JUSTICE FOR CIPRIANO FERNANDES TORTURED TO DEATH BY GOA POLICE by A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait

Recently in Kuwait there was an incident taken place at one of the prisons where one Kuwaiti was tortured to death by the Kuwait police security personnel while extorting confession from him. Immediately this news flared up like wild fire, influential Kuwaitis and MP’s raised this issue forcefully. Following the public outcry, the local Interior (Home) Minister was made to resign and infact he resigned gracefully since the crime issue comes under the department headed by him.

Now further investigation is underway to find out the exact cause of his death and to punish the guilty as per the available information.

In Goa last month one Christian Goan Cipriano by name on suspicion of minor offence was tortured to death in Panjim Police Prison by the Non-Christian Goa based policemen. The offence on which Cipriano was arrested did not warrant such a torturing. Even during the Portuguese regime in Goa worst of offenders were not treated the way Cipriano was treated. This is the curse of forced Jai Hnd on Goans. Though it was proved beyond any doubt that Cipriano’s death was due to the torturing by the Policemen yet Goa Government, Goa Police Department and Home Minister Ravi Naik still trying to escape from owning responsibility. It is surprising that Ravi Naik as the Home Minster of Goa is still sticking to his portfolio and not submitting his resignation as it was done in Kuwait by the Kuwait’s Interior Minister exactly in the similar incident. Since its independence from British Protectorate 50 years back Kuwaiti rulers, administrators and Government made Kuwait as excellent place for the locals to live while during the last 49 years after Portuguese exit from Goa, our Government, Ghantti Administrators and Ghantti anti-Goan police peronnel made Goa the worst place for Goans to live. And shamelessly we still say we are the best and our State is the best in India.

Our Goa State is the worst administered State in India. Our Goa State is robbed and plundered by the Goan Ministers, MLA’s and their children and we as Goans shamelessly feel proud of our politicians. The ruling party politicians especially the Ministers are so backwards and idiots that we came to know during the last televised Assembly session that lasted for a week. Overwhelming Goans are ignorant of running a democratic set of Government. Indian democracy was imposed on Goans by the rascal Nehru and his Congress Party 49 years back. Still we are not ready to practice genuine democracy for this reason we elect rogues, plunderers, criminals, goons, rapists and law breakers as our representatives.

Coming back to our Christian Goan Cipriano who was tortured to death by the Non-Christian Policemen from Panjim Police Station, justice has not been done to him. This justice we will never get from the current corrupt Goa Government headed by the corrupt Chief Minister and double corrupt Home Minister Ravi Naik who still is acting as shameless. In order to get justice for Cipriano, all those Goans desiring to make Goa as corruption – free, must raise their voices in unison by coming out on to the streets of Goa making bigger noise on this topic. While doing this demonstrations justice seeker Goas must make their voice heard to Panjim Police Station by demonstrating in front of Panjim Police Station. More than that the justice seeker Goans must take a Morcha to the residential places of the Police Personnel responsible to torture Cipriano. The Goan youth seeking justice must join together and gherao the Policemen who killed Cipriano wherever these criminal policemen go. Even their family members should be gheraoed and their children should be put into shame. This will be one peaceful method to seek justice for Cipriano and prevent in future such crimes by our Policmen.

If we do not act now then in near future there will be innumerable Ciprianos dying in Goan Police Stations under the torture of criminal policemen. In Goa we don’t hace humane and decent policemen, many of them are barbarians treating under trial prisoners as cows and goats, these policemen are worst than the burchers. The one department in Goa that needs correction is the Police Department. Common people in Goa must act now on their own instead of relying on Goa Government and Goan politicians. Goa Government has failed us; our elected representatives have failed us. It is time for us the common men to do what our elected representatives cannot do. Otherwise it can be as it is said in one Konkani proverb "AIZ MAKAM - FALEAM TUKAM".

POLITICS, BEFORE AND AFTER: by Joaquim Correia-Afonso

BEFORE THE ELECTIONS:
Our Party will fulfill whatever it promises.
Only the fools will believe that
We won't fight against corruption.
Because, if there is something right about us, it is that
Honesty and transparency are fundamental
to achieve our ideals

We shall show that it is the height of stupidity to believe that
the Mafiosi will continue in the government, as always.
We shall, without doubt, ensure that
Social justice will be the aim of our action.
Inspite of it, there are idiots who think that
We may govern with the stains of the old politics.
When we assume power, we shall do everything in order that
The maharajas and the swindlers stop their illegal activities.

We shall in no way permit that
The economic resources of the country are exhausted.
We shall exercise our power till
You all understand that
We are the new political set-up.

AFTER TAKING OVER POWER:
Read the same lines, from bottom to top.
If you have difficulty, then read on:

AFTER TAKING OVER POWER:
 We are the new political set-up.
You all understand that
We shall exercise our power till
the economic resources of the country are exhausted.
We shall in no way permit that
the maharajas and the swindlers stop their illegal activities.
When we assume power, we shall do everything in order that
We may govern with the stains of the old politics.

Inspite of it, there are idiots who think that
Social justice will be the aim of our action.
We shall, without doubt, ensure that
the Mafiosi will continue in the government, as always.
We shall show that it is the height of stupidity to believe that
to achieve our ideals
honesty and transparency are fundamental.
Because, if there is something right about us, it is that
we won't fight against corruption.
Only the fools will believe that
Our Party will fulfill whatever it promises.

ALEIXO SEQUEIRA GETS CONGRESS TICKET FOR NUVEM

MARGAO: Scotching off rumours, the Congress on Sunday clarified that during state assembly elections the ticket for the newly-constituted Nuvem constituency would go to the incumbent Loutolim MLA and Power Minister, Mr Aleixo Sequeira.

The Goa Pradesh Congress president, Mr Subhash Shirodkar sought to lay to rest rumours and rumblings in the political circles as well as send a clear message to its present coalition allies that Mr Sequeira would not be shifted to some other constituency like Fatorda, and maintained that the Power Minister would stand on the Congress ticket from Nuvem itself.

“Mr Aleixo will stand from the new constituency of Nuvem. All the talks that he would stand from Fatorda or anywhere else are not to be believed,” Mr Shirodkar, who has been reappointed as the GPCC chief, told the media and the people of Racaim, Loutolim on Sunday morning.

The GPCC chief and Mr Sequeira distributed water tanks to the needy people from the locality.

Former tourism minister and NCP MLA, Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco alias Mickky has also laid his claim on Nuvem constituency and has been working hard to make inroads into this new assembly segment. During the recent ZP elections he got his people elected and the incumbent ruling body of the Nuvem panchayat owes loyalty to him.

Riding roughshod over the opposition crying foul on free distribution of water tanks, the GPCC chief said the Congress would continue to distribute tanks to the poor as water was an essential for healthy living.

During the winter session of the state legislative assembly, the Fatorda MLA, Mr Damodar Naik had slammed the government for free distribution of water tanks, upon which the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat had told the assembly that there was no scheme to distribute the water tanks but the scheme had been ‘started’ by the PWD Minister, and would be adopted shortly.  This scheme will make a hole of Rs 2.5 crore in the state exchequer.

ANOTHER ESCAPE FROM APNA GHAR-TWO INMATES ESCAPE

MERCES: Hardly a day passed after one juvenile escaped from ‘Apna Ghar’ at Merces, when another two inmates fled from the protective home on Saturday night. What could be the reason behind all the escapes from this house?

According to Old Goa Police, one of the juveniles, who had escaped on Saturday night, was nabbed at Canacona by Canacona Police on Sunday evening. The juvenile was later brought to Apna Ghar from Margao police station.

Police informed that the incident took place between 8.45 pm and 9.45 pm on Saturday when the two juveniles aged 17 years and 15 years fled by cutting open the window grills.

It is learnt that one of the juveniles who fled from Apna Ghar on Saturday night had earlier tried to escape along with the other inmates on Friday afternoon.  Police informed that Superintendent of Apna Ghar at Merces informed the Old Goa Police about the incident.

It may be recalled that this is the second such incident in a week, as on Friday afternoon, one juvenile had managed to escape, while two others were caught when the trio made an attempt to flee from the protective home.

SPEAKERS LAMBAST THE CORRUPT PEOPLE IN SOCIETY

MAPUSA: An anti-corruption rally was held in Mapusa on Sunday evening, where the speakers lambasted the corrupt people in society, saying that they were responsible for holding India behind from the path of progress.

The rally that was held on Sunday evening in Mapusa by the Bharat Swabhimaan Trust, to protest prevailing corruption at different levels of society, witnessed around 200 people taking part. The rally was a taluka level rally.

Speaking at a meeting held after the rally, Dr Venkatesh Hegde from Art Of Living said that human values had eroded and for one’s selfish gains, one was prepared to do anything. “We are witnessing a critical situation today where man has no moral values. He is prepared to do anything for his greed and in such a situation he can never become happy, though he may gain monetarily.” He said that this lust for more and more will never give him true happiness, and added that due to the corruption existing today, people who were not fit to occupy certain positions were reaching there, and the one going about his work sincerely was lagging behind.

Dr Hegde said that it was high time we realised our moral values and stood by them. He said that there was a time when we fought colonial rule, but today, we have to fight against our own people.

Mr Jayesh Thali said that corruption was rampant and each and every level of society was corrupt. He felt that it was time to fight this evil. “There are various scams taking place today which show that corruption is at an all time high. He said that if things did not improve now, then there would be mass agitation which would be unbearable for all those who are involved in rampant corruption.

Member of Bharat Swabhimaan Trust, Mr Dhanraj Harmalkar, likened corruption to cancer that was eating into the health of our country, and said that it was high time we cured our country of this sickness. “We are talking of progress, but if there is corruption what sort of progress can be achieved. In such a situation it will only be individual progress,” he said. He further said that if our country has to march ahead and be among the developed nations, then the first thing that we have to do is tackle this menace of corruption.

Others who spoke were Mr Villa Lobo, Mr Shabbir Ainapure, Mr Anand Tirodkar, Mr Vijay Tinaikar, Mr Anant Govekar, Mr Sandip Morajkar and Mr Vasudev Vaingankar. Members of the Bardez block of the Bharat Swabhimaan trust and Patanjali Yog Samiti including Mr Ramesh Naik, Ms Rakhee Palyekar, Mr Vilan Sawant, Ms Anjali Chari and others were present.

ALL MEGA PROJECTS OPPOSED BY CAVELOSSIM GRAM SABHA

MARGAO: The gram sabha of Cavelossim village panchayat was convened on Sunday morning, and saw debates and discussions on various issues concerning the village.  One of the main issues discussed was that water tanks distributed by the PWD should be done so to the poor and needy families and to those who are economically backward.

The members suggested that the chair write to the government, to ensure that these water tanks reach to those families who needed them the most.

Another important issue discussed was mega housing and hotel projects in the village, with the members suggesting that the chair not consider any more big housing projects and hotels in the village. The sarpanch agreed to this suggestion.

A resolution was also adopted not to allow repairing or maintenance work to be carried out on boats and fishing vessels, in the village or on the seashore of Cavelossim, as it causes nuisance, pollution and also causes an influx of migrant workers, which creates a risk to the safety and security of the villagers.

The gram sabha members also passed a resolution opposing the licences granted to conduct events and festivals on the beach front, such as the ‘Goa fest,’ as such festivals and events violate CRZ and environmental norms.

The gram sabha also discussed the annual village panchayat budget, proposed for the financial year 2011-2012, which was estimated to be around Rs 40 lakh. The sarpanch informed that all the items of heads of expenditure will be debated in the next gram sabha.

Speaking after the meeting the sarpanch, Mr Edwin Baretto, said that the gram sabha is supreme and that he is bound to communicate with the government all the suggestions and resolutions put forward by the gram sabha.

INVENTORY OF TENANCY AND MUNDKAR CASES ORDERED

PANJIM: Taking a serious view of head clerks in taluka offices not maintaining proper records of old, disposed of tenancy and mundkar cases, North Goa collector R Mihir Vardhan has directed the officials to prepare an inventory of all such cases within three months. In a memorandum, Vardhan noted that head clerks, who are the custodians of such records, have stopped maintaining the custody of old, disposed of files pertaining to tenancy and mundkar cases.

"The head clerks of talukas are conveniently pushing applications for certified copies or received under the Right to Information (RTI) Act to the staff of the (mamlatdars') courts. The head clerks are only doing the work of postmen which is highly unwarranted and in the process disturbs the courts' work. Such an act by head clerks has hampered courts' work to a great extent," Vardhan remarked.

The collector has directed the head clerks of Tiswadi, Ponda, Bardez, Bicholim, Satari and Pernem talukas to prepare inventories of all such cases within three months and to submit compliance reports every 15 days of the work completed by them.

The collector has also made it clear that non-compliance of the order will be viewed seriously. Vardhan's directions to the head clerks not to disturb the staff attached to the mamlatdars' courts is in view of recent directions issued by the high court of Bombay at Goa directing mamlatdars' courts to dispose of cases in a time-bound manner. – TNN

THE LONG DELAY HAS RUSTED THE RIVER PRINCESS

PANJIM: The joint panchanama of the grounded M V River Princess conducted by the Calangute police and tourism department on Thursday has revealed that more than 100m of the 260m-long ship's starboard side has collapsed revealed sources.

During the panchnama it was also found that the hatches in the middle of the vessel are water logged and there is a gaping hole due to rusting of the metal. "There is also a big hole on the left side (Port side) of the ship and the area is water logged," said sources. It was also observed that the most of the machinery in the water-logged engine room has become rusty.

Sources said that they had a tough time conducting the inspection as most portions of the ship have corroded and they feared that it could collapse due to weight.

"We used a tourism department motor boat to reach the ship, and then using a rope ladder we climbed on to the deck. A large portion of the deck is rusty and we could barely walk. We have video recorded the ship in its present condition," said a source.

Sources said that the tourism department officials and police were shocked with the condition in which the ship was. However, officials of Arihant, the firm which has bagged the contract for cutting the ship, who were also present during the inspection, said that they were confident that they would be able to remove the vessel.

The inspection was conducted after police wrote to the tourism department to conduct a panchanama of the ship before Arihant starts work on it.  The ship has been grounded off Candolim since 2000. In 2002, the Goa government took over the ownership of the ship. However, an inventory or panchanama of the ship was never conducted.

RTI CASE AGAINST AG SUBODH KANTAK: VERDICT ON FEB 28TH

PANJIM: The Goa Chief Information Commissioner Mr. Motilal Kenny will on Monday Feb 28th at 10.30 am deliver his verdict on the complaint filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against the Advocate General of Goa Mr. Subodh Kantak for not complying with the provisions of the Right to Information Act.

Advocate General Subodh Kantak has argued that the Advocate General was not a “Public Authority” and does not come within the purview of the RTI Act.

Adv. Aires Rodrigues has however submitted that the Advocate General was very much a public authority his being a constitutional post and even enjoying cabinet status.

Adv Rodrigues has submitted that the Advocate General as a “public authority” was required under Section 5 of the Act to designate within 100 days Public Information Officers to provide information to persons requesting the same from the Advocate General’s office.

Adv. Rodrigues has also stated that Section 4 the Act required the Advocate General to publish and make public within one hundred and twenty days various information details about the Advocate General’s office.

Adv. Aires Rodrigues has also sought that the Advocate General of Goa be penalized in terms of section 20 of the RTI Act for not complying with the provisions of the Act for over five years.

FOOD ITEMS VALUED MORE THAN 3.5 LAKH SEIZED AT NAVELIM

PANJIM: In their drive against illegal packing and selling of food items, the Food and Drug Administration officials raided and seized large quantities of various types of food items including cashew nuts, chikki, sonpapdi, halwa, dry fruits, mango bars, sweets, etc valued at over `3.5 lakh from the house of Shravan P Singh at Calcodem, Navelim.

The raid was conducted by food inspector, Mr Rajiv Korde, and Ms Priya Kholkar, late on Friday evening, during which the FDA officials seized unlabelled food items. The seized food items also did not bear label declaring date of manufacture, best before date, vegetarian and non-vegetarian symbols, date of package, etc as required under the provision of law.

The food items were being packed in unlicensed premises and the packed items bore the name of a fictitious firm and carried the brand as Purohit Trading with address near Power House-Aquem, Margao. Enquiries by the FDA officials revealed that no such business premises existed.

The FDA officials after raiding the premises have drawn samples to check quality and have booked a case under Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. Further probe into the matter is being held by the FDA officials, according to the information provided by FDA director, Mr Salim Veljee.

THE BEAUTIFUL STREAM AT VALPOI IS USED AS A GARBAGE DUMP

VALPOI: Though the town of Valpoi is being given a new look through the beautification project, most residents feel something concrete has to be done about the Valpoi stream that flows in the backyard of the Valpoi Municipal Council’s office.

The residents pointed that the garbage produced by Valpoi town inadvertently finds its way into this stream causing pollution and irreversible damage to the environment.

They said that everyday the VMC collects nearly 2 tonne of waste, including plastic, from its area and this garbage is dumped in their backyard as there is no garbage treatment plant in Valpoi. A lot of this garbage then gradually moves down into the stream, that later meets the Mhadei river.

This stream is also a source of water for farmers, who use its water for irrigating their fields for the Rabi crop at Massordem.

The sanitary staff said, "We do not have a proper site for dumping garbage and so, left with no choice, we are forced to dump it near the stream."

This act of the VMC has come as a shock to the residents, farmers and environmentalists.

One environmentalist observed that as the officials in the municipality have decided to ignore the laws and regulations on preserving the environment, this has encouraged a few commercial establishments and also residents, to boldly dump their garbage into the stream.

Meanwhile, the site proposed for the setting up of the garbage treatment plant in ward 7 has come in for some stiff opposition from the residents of that ward. However, not withstanding the opposition, the VMC has obtained the green signal from the Collector.

Showing the order from the Collector, an official of VMC said that government land, admeasuring 43,225 sq mt had been transferred to the VMC.

He also disclosed that ` 8,62,500 has been paid in acquiring the land for the project.  An official said that the initial stage of infrastructural work would commence soon and that the project would rid Valpoi town of the garbage menace.

WHAT WE ARE FIGHTING FOR AND WHY WE HAVE TO FORM A PARTY by P. Cruz, Vasco da Gama

(The views in this article are entirely those of the Author)

Its is almost an year for the Blog “NIZ GOENKAR” and I congratulate Bab Menino for this and also all the core members, readers and commentators for the wonderful job you are doing for our motherland. I take this opportunity to write since we Goans failed to recognise what we want. I also respect the views of Menino that Niz Goenkar does not want to form a Political Party.

As per the various comments on the Blog it is not clear what the people want and what we have to fight for. First of all let me ask you what you want to Goa become? Is it we are fighting for the Special Status? I am also puzzled for what we are fighting for as the commentators have different opinion.

When I joined Niz Goenkar we had decided to fight for Special Status, where non Goans could not buy land and also they could not do business in our Goa. So this will keep the Identity of Goans and our youth will involve in business and that was a chance for employment. Today Goans are scatted all over the world, so if we get special status we would have asked the Goans to come and work in our motherland. So I ask each one of you to decide and let us know what we want and what we have to fight for.

What we need now is a 3rd Party in Goa be of a name of our choice. Niz Goenkar will obviously support this Party that will be formed in Goa. Since Niz Goenkar does not want to form a political party, I think we Goans should now form a new Party by naming it appropriately. This party will definitely have the support of Niz Goenkar

Other case is why we want to form a Political Party? There are various reasons for that. As there is lot of corruption created by our own Goans and every time they have to wait for the high command for any decision. Why we want the outside people to take decisions for Goa? We are Goans and we Goans should know what is good for us. The people in Goa are fed up of the Congress, BJP, NCP and even they do not like UGDP, the people want a change and that change is to form our own Government by electing representative of our own party, a true regional party, a true Goan dedicated party. The supporters of Congress-BJP are asking for a political party, the Hindus-Christians and Muslim of Goans want our own Regional Party. If we do not form the party then the BJP or Congress will again rule the government as the people have no choice. The other factor is Independent candidate if get elected he will jump to Congress or BJP, what guarantee you have he will remain with us as the disqualification rule will not work if he is Independent. If we have our party MLA/MLA’s he has to be a member only and he should be not given high post then he can’t try to merge our party to other party. If he/they tries to jump to another party then he will have chance for disqualification. Also if a Independent candidate is elected then it is consider as independent, but if a Party Candidate get elected suppose of 3rd Front for example then everyone will say “Hey there is our candidate”, who will respect for Independent candidate? Unless he is Rane, Babush, Alemaos. Also the main point is the opposition or ruling Party will be scared that at least one 3rd Front candidate is there who will fight against us. Also the central government will know what Goans wants and will be scared of us. The last factor is once our candidates or candidate gets elected then the first speech he will give in the assembly as 3rd Front will satisfy our heart. We can watch him on the TV and fill our heart with joy and we can be happy that our representative is there who will speak on behalf of Goans. We can stand at that time and hold our hand against our breast and hit hard to our heart saying “We have done it” and its time to achieve our goals. We can sing the song of Late Alfred Rose & Rita Rose “GOA A… A , ZOLAMACHO GHANV GOA… GOA … A … A. SOBIT SUNDOR GOA” and with this we can further our action to what we want.

GOA, DAMÃO AND DIU WERE LIBERATED? By Francisco Monteiro, Portugal

[Original Article in Portuguese by Francisco Monteiro translated into English by Franco Fernandes]

The Truth of the "Liberation" is Very Clear - Transform Goa, Damão and Diu for Strong Military Camps for Indian Armed Forces to Subjugate the People of Goa, Damão and Diu. 

It was on behalf of the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru and the Congress Party which ruled India in 1961 that ordered the use of Indian Armed Forces to Invade, Occupy and then Annex Goa, Damão and Diu.

Jawaharlal Nehru said at the time that the Portuguese forces stationed in those three territories constituted a very serious threat to the India's territorial integrity and peace and security in the Indian subcontinent. For make no mistake we say that the Portuguese troops (metroploitanos e Naturais) were about 3,000 soldiers who encompassed small military units.

The Portuguese defense forces in Goa was of eight companies that is Companhia de Caçadores (unit of infantary) without automatic rifles, two batteries - Batarias de Artilharia (basic unit of field artillery howitzer with 4 8.8) and 4 squadron - Esquadrão de Reconhecimento (unit of cavalry) with obsolete cars (armored cars of World War II used in Libya campaign, without tanks), a detachment of engineering (Destacamento de Engenharia da India) and a company of material maintenance (Companhia de Manutenção de Material).

The Portuguese Naval presence in 18 December 1961 was limited to the old frigate, built in 1934 (Aviso " Afonso de Albuquerque ") and the small motorboat inspection (Lancha de Fiscalização "Sirius"), there was no Naval base to support those Ship.

Goa had no Portuguese Air Bases, not even a single Portuguese military plane.

At Damão the field troops was composed by 2 infantary companies and only 1 artillery baterie; the Navy have only 1 inspection motorboat (Lancha de Fiscalização"Antares").

At Diu the army have only 1 infantary company and only 1 artillery baterie; the Navy have only 1 inspection motoboat (Lancha de Fiscalização "Vega")

What we see now after Goa, Damão and Diu was "Liberated" in name of the security and peace ? This is the real panorama about the military presence of Indian Armed Forces in Goa, Damão and Diu: - Just after the occupation of Goa on 19th December 1961 the Dabolim airport was transformed in Indian air-naval base (Hansa) which put all obstacles for the progress of Goa mainly to the development of tourism;

-Two army camps was created in Goa, one near Bambolim broadcasting station and another at Navelim;

- At Verém is located the Naval Academy (INS Mandovi);

- The Island of Angediva (Anjadiv) was sold without the permission of Goan people for the Indian Navy to serve as forward post to the big project of Sea Bird, which must be the biggest naval base on this side of the Suez;

- The Damão (Daman) airport was transformed in naval air station of Indian Coast Guard;

Now the Government of India that proclaim to the world that is a peaceful country is projecting to install one Indian Air Force base at Diu, non respecting the wishes and the opposition of the local inhabitants.

Once more the mask fell down.

This is the Great India, lover of peace and of the human rights that transformed the tiny Goa, Damão and Diu in military camps for the Indian Armed Forces!

The massive presence of the Indian Armed Forces in the tiny territories of Goa, Damão and Diu is to perpetuate the occupation and in this way intimidate and subjugate the people of Goa, Damão and Diu.

Viva Goa!

DRIVE AGAINST OVERLOADED TRUCKS WITH MINE ORE BEGINS

PANJIM: By confiscating 20 trucks from the mining area for overloading, the department of Transport Saturday commenced its drive against overloading of trucks in the mining belts of the state.  The 48-hour deadline given by the department of Transport to the mining companies for stopping overloading of trucks ended on Friday.

On the first day of its drive, the department of Transport also fined 220 trucks carrying mineral ore for other minor violations. The drive is expected to continue in future.

Ponda police on Saturday booked three truck owners from Usgao for allegedly obstructing a team of motor vehicle inspectors while discharging their duties. The incident took place when the RTO team had visited the Usgao mining belt to check overloading of mining trucks.

Based on a complaint from Assistant Director of Transport (ADT), Mr Prahlad Desai, the Ponda police registered an offence against Nilesh Shilkar, Ulas Palkar and Arun under Section 353. There were arguments between the truck owners and the ADT, who was compelled to approach the police. Sources said that the RTO on Saturday issued around 125 challans to the mining truck owners.

The Transport department has issued a new set of directions for the vehicles involved in the transportation of mining ore, which will be implemented with immediate effect. The department also proposes to use powers under the central Motor Vehicle Act so as to regulate goods transport within the state, and if needed, take stringent action including confiscating the vehicles.

The Transport department’s latest set of directions are in addition to the earlier directions issued by the High Court. The new set of rules include directions that trucks loaded at dispatch point shall carry ore only to the extent of permitted capacity, that is 10.5 tonnes for six-wheelers and 15 tonnes for 10-wheelers and adhere to the short-term measures of the High Court.

The rules maintain that mining vehicles must be dispatched from mine head/loading point or stock point in a staggered manner with minimum of one minute gap per dispatch. "No truck carrying mineral ore shall overtake another truck carrying mineral ore and shall maintain speed limit of 30 km per hour in inhabited/market areas and 50 km per hour at other places," the rules maintain, pointing out that there shall be a distance of a minimum of 100 metres between two trucks carrying mineral ore on the road.

"Loading activity shall stop a minimum of 30 minutes before 12.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. so that the timing restrictions in the High Court’s order are strictly adhered to, and furthermore, mining companies shall deploy field staff to monitor and ensure that the above conditions are strictly followed," the rules point out.

PROTEST RALLY AT AZAD MOIDAN BY GRA ON 15TH MARCH

PANJIM: Goemchea RakOndarancho Awaz (GRA) or the ‘Voice of the Protectors of Goa’, a newly formed group of various NGOs from around the state will hold a protest rally at the Azad Moidan in the city, on March 15, to demand "change in government’s anti-people policies and clamp down on rampant corruption in the government administration as subscribed and promoted by politicians.’’

Addressing a press conference in the city, on Saturday, in the presence of the representatives of around 35 NGOs from various Goan villages, Mr Yatish Naik said that the GRA is a people’s initiative and has neither a president nor a convenor.

"Till date different forums have been taking up diverse issues concerning the protection of Goa and its identity, and we felt that they should come under one banner like GRA so as to undertake unified fight against these issues," he added.

Maintaining that the main agenda of the GRA is Goa, Goans and Goanness, Mr Naik said that the newly formed umbrella organisation will demand that a resolution be passed in the state legislative assembly for granting of a special status for Goa by the Centre, which will not focus on only financial benefits but also protect the land and culture of Goans.

He also mentioned that passing of Lokayukta Bill with sufficient opportunity for the public to examine and to make suggestions to it, prior to its being passed into law would be another demand of the GRA.

The March 15 public rally culminating into a meeting will also highlight issues like police-politician-drug mafia nexus, the motivated change made to the Regional Plan 2021 not suggested by the public, illegal mining with ore transportation woes faced by people, land acquisition for Mopa Airport and attempts by the Indian Navy to acquire more and more land in Goa, garbage menace, environmental degradation, mega projects and so on.

The Forum did not shy away from its political ambitions, and said that it could contest elections in the future, if people are willing to support the endeavour.

The groups, which are the members of the GRA include Utt Goenkara, Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott, Candolim Citizens’ Forum, Village Groups of Goa, Colva Citizens’ and Consumers’ Forum, and Mopa Vimantal Pidit Shetkari Samiti, besides others.

AIRES’S MANIFESTO FOR WARD NO 30 RELEASED

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues’s manifesto for Ward No 30 of the Corporation of City of Panjim was today released at Ribandar at the hands of noted Ribandar based artist Mr. Shyam Kalangutkar.  Speaking on the occasion Adv. Aires Rodrigues stated that the people’s manifesto was prepared after consulting and seeking suggestions of the residents of the ward.

Adv. Rodrigues said that he had decided to contest the March 13th CCP polls with an endeveaour to turn Ward No 30 into the best ward of CCP.

Adv. Rodrigues further stated that a committee of local citizens would plan and monitor the problems and development works in the ward while also ensuring quality control of every development activity carried out in the ward.

The 9 point manifesto includes a CCP office at Ribandar, a market, children’s park, public library and a community hall with special facilities for senior citizen’s and handicapped.

The manifesto also proposes a football ground, beautification of the Ribandar river front, Sewage project and underground electricity cabling.

While vowing to make Ribandar garbage and plastic free, the manifesto also proposes a 24 hour health care facility and upgradation of the Police outpost

Adv. Aires Rodrigues has also stated that his focus would be on zero tolerance to any corruption or nepotism at the Corporation of City of Panjim.

VIRDI DAM WORK IS RESUMED BY MAHARASHTRA GOVERNMENT

QUERIM: While Goa's Mandovi river stands threatened by neighbouring Karnataka's canal work to divert the Mhadei river, things have turned ugly up north too with Maharashtra resuming work on the Virdi dam, about 7 km from Querim, Satari.

The 600-m long, 48-m high dam at Shidbachemol, between Temb and Talyachya Vallacho Dongor of Virdi village, will affect the water level of Valvonti river which supplies water to Bicholim and Satari talukas, said Madei Bachao Abhiyan's Nirmala Sawant.

The Virdi irrigation project which was stopped by the South Konkan Ratnagiri irrigation division in 2010for lack of funds, was given the go ahead by the Maharashtra government last month to provide irrigation facilities to Aai, Matne and Talekhol villages in Dodamarg.

Speaking to TOI on Friday, chief engineer, water resources department, Sandip Nadkarni said, "We have written to the Maharashtra government to stop the work on Virdi dam immediately."

He said the Maharashtra government had sent its new proposal on the dam to the Goa government last month. "Our government is studying the proposal. Our official will visit the dam site on February 26 and will submit a report based on which we will take a stand," said Nadkarni.

He further pointed out that the Maharashtra government changed the dam's site without informing the Goa government.

The old proposal was of 238 m (length) and 40.33 m (height) which was changed as Virdi villagers opposed it,s aid Nadkarni. "The new site is near a settlement area, but villagers haven't opposed it as only eight families have to be rehabilitated, he added. When the Virdi irrigation project was first announced by the Maharashtra government in 2006, the Goa government had given its consent. It changed its stand only after Madei Bachao Abhiyan explained to the state WRD how the dam would affect the flow of water in Goa.

Meanwhile, Karnataka has almost completed the work on the Kalasa canal. "If the state doesn't intervene soon, Goa will lose its water resources," said Sawant.

CHURCHILL TRIES TO PROJECT HIMSELF AS A MAN COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT

MARGAO: After quiting Congress on many occasions before and with With state legislative assembly elections not too far away, PWD minister Churchill Alemao used the occasion of the Telaulim-Varca bridge inauguration to strike a chord among the voters, as he sought to project himself as a man committed for the development of the village, which, he said, had remained underdeveloped during the tenure of the former Navelim legislator.

Churchill seems to be out to bluff people to win the coming elections by giving speeches that are nothing but lies.  "Your former MLA, during his tenure for 25 years neglected the development of the village.

The development that I have ushered in for Navelim is there for everyone to see. Don't listen to your former MLA, let us all strive for development," Alemao said, in an attempt to reach out to his voters to stake claim to represent them again in the state legislative assembly.

While reassuring the Congress leadership that he was not going to quit the Congress party, the Salcete strongman in his inimitable style said that it was the people of his constituency who would decide his political plans.

"I am not quitting the Congress, rest assured. But if you want me to quit I will willingly do so. If people tell me to quit, I will listen to them, as they had elected me as the SGF candidate. I joined the Congress party to ensure that the village is not deprived of development," Alemao said.

The PWD minister came down heavily on the former Navelim MLA, who he held responsible for instigating the people to object to the construction of the three bridges to be built across river Sal.

Referring to the litigation pertaining to the Benaulim-Sinquetim bridge on account of which the work has been stalled, Alemao said, "File as many cases as you want to, but let it be known to all that the Benaulim-Sinquetim bridge will be a reality. Your former MLA also tried to garner opposition against the Assolna-Cavelossim bridge. But I am confident, this bridge too will be completed by the end of the 2011," Alemao said.

Referring to the opposition to acquisition of lands for rehabilitation of displaced vendors at Ravanfond, Alemao said that the lush green paddy fields at Ravanfond were acquired by the government before his tenure. "I merely facilitated allotment of land for rehabilitating the needy, what was wrong in that?" he asked.

Chief minister Digambar Kamat also came out in strong support of Alemao and lauded him for his commitment for the development of the constituency.

Terming Alemao as "a man of the masses", Kamat recalled how he had come to rescue of the Congress party by merging the SGF into the Congress soon after the last assembly elections. "Churchill saved the Congress party when it was facing a crisis. When the talks for merger were in progress, Churchill laid down the condition that all the assurances given by him in his manifesto would be fulfilled by the Congress.

Congress had accepted the conditions, and I am happy most of his assurances are being fulfilled," Kamat said. State Congress president Subhash Shirodkar said 'Congress needs Churchill and Churchill needs Congress'.

"Churchill is good at winning the hearts of the people. The Congress party thereby gets strengthened," he said, adding that Congress would always support Alemao. Alemao's free tank distribution scheme also found favour with the Congress chief.

Urban development minister Joaquim Alemao urged Churchill not to quit the Congress, as he exuded confidence that Congress would emerge triumphant by winning at least 27-28 seats. "We need no alliance with any party," Joaquim said.

PARRIKAR ABSOLVED OF CORRUPTION CHARGES BY CBI

PANJIM: Goa's Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar can now watch movies in the INOX multiplex here, seven years after it was constructed as he has been absolved of corruption charges by the CBI.  Parrikar, then Goa Chief Minister had vowed not to enter INOX multiplex till he was cleared off the charges. He was being probed for allegedly syphoning off money in the construction of infrastructure for International film festival of India (IFFI) way back in 2004.

Yesterday, the Rajya Sabha was told that CBI has decided to close case against Parrikar as there was no evidence against him. "Now I can see any good movie in the INOX multiplex. I will invite you all also with me whenever I go," Parrikar told mediapersons, adding that he was pleased at being absolved of all charges.

The BJP leader said he had never entered the multiplex since the time the Congress legislator Mauvin Godinho filed case against him and it was handed over to CBI.

Parrikar was instrumental in constructing the multiplex, which was built in a record time of 180 days in the run up for the preparations for IFFI 2004.

Referring to the charges, he said the state government had misinformed Comptroller Auditor General about accounts of IFFI, which had led to the confusion.

"The information was either hidden or manipulated while being given to CAG," Parrikar said, adding the CAG never named him as a culprit in the entire audit.

Parrikar said Congress-led state cabinet decided to hand over the enquiry to CBI in 2005. But the investigating agency after preliminary enquiry filed a report that there was no substance in the allegations in 2006.

"Some of the Congress leaders under guidance of then Congress' Goa desk incharge Margarette Alva felt that clean chit by CBI would be an embarrassment for them. So Congress legislator Mauvin Godinho filed criminal complaint with Panaji police station against me," the BJP leader alleged.

He said CAG in its recent report dropped 14 paragraphs from their earlier findings giving clean chit to him.

Parrikar said INOX multiplex is state government's only project which paid off all the money invested in it. "From that multiplex state earns lease fee of Rs 30 lakh and entertainment fee of Rs 31 lakh monthly," he said. – PTI

WHY DO WE HAVE TO FIGHT? by Joaquim Correia-Afonso, Benaulim

Why is it that here in Goa the citizen has to FIGHT for his rights? Isn’t India a democracy, a Government of the people, by the people, FOR the people? Why are ANTI-PEOPLE projects and schemes foisted on the people of Goa by scheming politicians, self-developers and other destroyers of the ecology?

Not many years ago, the Goa Government had planned SEZs, big areas where local self-government authorities would have NO SAY. People would have no say. People opposed the SEZs, IT Habitats and Food Parks tooth and nail. But the Government panel (the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure headed by the Chief Minister) formed to study “if SEZs are needed” had already decided that SEZs WERE needed.

Why, then, were people opposing these Parks? People were not opposing “development”. They were opposing the anti-people projects coming up within these areas earmarked for SEZs, IT Parks, Food Parks and other Parks which were planned for the self-development of the politicians, land sharks and others of their ilk. Government showed NO CONCERN for the people’s welfare but only for the “royal status development” of so-called “real estate developers” (land sharks) and others involved in their own welfare.

In the recent past villagers have had to fight in order to save their residential houses from being razed and their villages partitioned for the purpose of widening of the national highway crossing the State from north to south so as to serve as a corridor between the two neighbouring States.

They have to fight against power and water guzzlers known as mega-housing complexes that are “duly approved” by the authorities, but do not conform to the approved plans and other terms of the approval. The greater the public opposition to a project, the faster seems to be the approval conveyed by the (un)concerned authorities. Like the controversial project at Carmona: There is no sign of the mandatory ten-metre road, the Environment Impact Assessment has not been obtained, in fact the approval has been given even though the matter is before the Court. The builders and their money seem to be more important for our ministers than the Niz Goenkars that elected them, because, though ignorant of internet speed, they know what Kbps stands for – “kick backs per square-metre”. The kick-backs will ensure that the illegalities are, later, regularized.

People of Sanguem, Curchorem and nearby areas are fighting against illegal transportation of illegal mineral ore, causing dust and noise pollution and even deaths of people walking on the roads.

The latest are protests against large-scale tapping and rampant exploitation of ground water for commercial use, affecting the water table.

Villagers also protest against sand mining activity in the rivers. They demand implementation of the assurances given by the Government regarding unregulated sand mining.

Gram Sabhas are unhappy with the draft Regional Plan 2021 drawn up for their respective villages, despite earlier objections raised by them. They allege that the recommendations of select committees of the Panchayat are ignored by the Town & Country Planning Board while those of the money-powered are accepted.

In Velim, the Gram Sabha demands scrapping of land acquisition for Cutbona jetty expansion as well as the Fisheries Department’s proposal for the same.

One reads about rampant filling of paddy fields including khazans, destruction of mangroves, pollution of rivers, lakes and other water bodies by releasing sewage into them, in a general way destruction of the environment and total destruction of the ecology.

It appears that all these irregularities, all these illegalities are permitted by the “Government FOR the people”, going against the interests of the very same people, against the interests of the State, both of which the Government is expected to protect, forcing the people to FIGHT for their rights.

The Land Acquisition Act was enacted during the regime of the British colonialists, in the 19th century. It is being perpetuated in the Republic even in the 21st century. In a locality where land was sold at Rs. 20 per square metre in 1982, the Land Acquisition Officer awarded Rs. 7 per square metre ten years later, in 1992. It is said that the market rate of land at Mopa is now Rs. 1500 per square metre and our aam admi Government offers a measly Rs. 4 per square metre. At Dabolim, the market rate is said to be Rs. 18,000 per square metre, while the aam admi Government offers Rs. 150 as peanuts.

Isn’t the acquired land to be paid for at the prevailing market rate? I am sure the Empress of India, during whose reign the law was enacted, would turn in her grave if she could hear of the abominable treatment being meted out to the descendants of her subjects in the independent Republic, forcing the people to FIGHT for better rates for their valuable land.

CHURCHILL IS A MAN OF WORD, JOINED HEARTS OF TWO VILLAGES SAYS CM KAMAT

MARGAO: Today’s day will be remembered forever by the people of the two villages of Telaulim and Varca as the promise given to them by the PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao, has been fulfilled, said the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat.

Mr Kamat was speaking after inaugurating the Telaulim-Varca bridge, built at the cost of Rs 11 crore.

Congratulating the PWD Minister for the construction of the bridge within a short span of time, the Chief Minister said that he is confident that the remaining two bridges, connecting Sinquetim to Benaulim and Cavelossim to Assolna, would be also completed in a short time.

Mr Alemao is a man of words, he remarked adding he fulfills the promises made to the people.

When asked whether the construction of the bridge will strengthen the base of the Congress party in Salcete, Mr Kamat answered in affirmative, adding further that Mr Alemao has joined the hearts of the two villages together.

Mr Alemao has the potential to keep the masses happy, the Chief Minister pointed out, adding this is good for the party.

Speaking further, he said that “Mr Alemao had met the Union Railway Minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee and had impressed upon her to start the Valankanni Express train from Vasco to Valankanni. In the Railway Budget announced today, this genuine demand has been met.”

The credit for this too goes to Mr Alemao, he added.

The Chief Minister also announced that both of them also met the officials of National Highway Authority of India as well as the minister concerned and told them in clear terms that the exercise of widening of the national highways should not lead to the displacement of the citizens in the state

In this regard all Goans are united and the committee to oversee this also consists of opposition members, he added.

Mr Kamat gave the impression that Mr Alemao will also take care to see that no loss is caused to Goans and their properties while widening the national highways in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Churchill Alemao said that the construction of the bridge was made possible due to the solid support he received from the sarpanchas and elected representatives of the panchayats of Telaulim and Varca and the villagers.

Mr Alemao further said that the construction of the bridge was very important as it was a long-pending demand of the villagers of Varca and Telaulim

The man who was the chief minister for two terms and MLA for 25 years could not do it, he pointed out, adding that he has done it in just four years time.

He also said that he will complete the remaining two bridges before the end of 2011.  Mr Subash Shirodkar, GPCC president and Mr Joaquim Alemao, Urban Development Minister and Ms Valanka Alemao also spoke on the occasion.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF POLITICS by Dr. Hubert Gomes

I guess, in today’s Politics, a combination of being a "non-politician and a successful dentist" is rather an odd combination. And that has a few disadvantages. But fortunately the odd combination also has many advantages; and that is certainly the case with me. Who knows? Probably through this odd combination, God has brought into Goan Politics, a "different kind" of a person... a person who has got the guts to do what is right for Goa, and not what is popular with the masses.

To start with, having had to wear my "dental face mask” for nearly thirty odd years, I was forced to develop a habit of "talking less, listening more, observing minutely and acting decisively". After encountering and dealing with different kinds of pains (toothaches, psychosomatic pains and other kinds of pains) in my long professional life, I was probably "subconsciously trained" to become a person that I am today...very sharp, sensitive and empathic to the real needs of the people.

Being a Non-Politician, I can still think, feel and act like a "Non-Politician". It has also given me the wisdom and courage to experiment with a "different kind of politics" in Benaulim Constituency. And thank God, my brand of politics has found a wide acceptance with the people; and has earned me a lot of goodwill in the bargain. It has created so many political ripples, that, Mr. Churchill Alemao has become a “very desperate man”. This was evident when he released a quarter page "defamatory advertisement" against me...without any provocation from my side. (If you wish to read that silly advert in Herald, kindly click this Link... http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukextra2/5420678503/sizes/l/)

So why do I call it is a "Different Kind of Politics"? To start with, I am not distributing any money, alcohol, water tanks, gold chains and other goodies to gain the support/votes of anybody. On the contrary, I have chosen to walk the road that is less traveled. Besides encouraging the youth to "give-up cigarettes and alcohol", I have got many of them actively involved in new positive habits like gymnasium, indoor/outdoor games and other activities. As you are aware in today's politics, youngsters are given money and alcohol, and "used by the politicians" to do their odd jobs.

After joining politics, the first thing I attempted to do was to visit every home in Benaulim Constituency. For technical and political reasons, I could visit only 65% of them so far. My intention behind visiting these homes, was not to seek their support/votes, but to know "first hand" the various problems faced by my electorate. Instead of telling others "what I will be doing for them", I started my politics by “listening and understanding” the needs of the people. Many of them told me, that this was something which nobody had done earlier.

After doing a good homework, I started Benaulim Community Centre to address some of the important unfulfilled needs needs of my people. It is therefore no surprise that my Centre has become a "big hit" in Benaulim Constituency. Even my political rivals acknowledge the good work that is being done by this Centre. Although many people give me the credit for starting the Benaulim Community Centre, I would like to share this reward with the people of Benaulim. It is they who told me "what they wanted". I only responded to their demands/suggestions by doing what I could afford.

Benaulim Community Centre is a centrally located at Zen Gardens, near Maria Hall, Benaulim. Although this 4500 sq. ft. ground floor premises had cost me a bomb (when I purchased it four years ago); it has become a real "blessing" for everybody. I could go ahead and do the innovative community work that I am currently doing, only because I had this beautiful premises; and I thank God for it. We conduct a lot of indoor and outdoor activities at this Centre for people of all age groups. And the facilities are absolutely FREE for the local residents of Benaulim Constituency.

Although Benaulim Community Centre is a novel concept for Goa, it is certainly not my "invention". You can find such Centres in many parts of the world. I welcome you to visit us, and see for yourself the various things we are currently doing. We are certainly "transforming" Politics in Goa... from a "Greed based, Self-Centered Politics", into a "Need based, Community-Centered Politics".

And for those of you who will not be able to visit us in the near future, I would like to tell you more about Benaulim Community Centre in my next Facebook article - "Touching Hearts, Changing Lives".

PWD MINISTER CHURCHILL WANTS A BAN ON SALE OF RATOL

MARGAO: PWD Minister Churchill Alemao on Friday has called for a ban on the sale of Ratol in the State.  Concerned about the rising Ratol death cases amongst minor children, Alemao said that he has spoken to the Chief Minister on the issue and has impressed him and other MLAs to bring a ban on the sale of Ratol.

He said the government would soon take a decision on the matter as the poisonous substance has claimed the lives of many children in recent times.

“The statistics are alarming. After the wide publicity given to the death of Nadia Torrado, Ratol has claimed the lives of many young children in the last one year. This is a disturbing trend amongst the youth. I have suggested a ban on the sale of Ratol across the State”, he asserted.

Incidentally, even doctors at the Hospicio Hospital have favoured strict restrictions on the sale of Ratol across the counters. “Since Ratol has claimed number of young lives, there ought to be some restrictions on the sale of the poisonous substance across the counter”, a Hospicio doctor said.

INDIA'S POLITCAL DRAMA.........NATAK by P. Cruz, Vasco da Gama

Goans Please go through this as Goa is the second highest Revenue producer to India. This pictures and caption was send to me by one of my Goan friend and I modified it to put on the blog. The pictures will speak out everything and what will be the fate of the Goans in the years to come.

 Mr. Rahul  & Mrs. Sonia Gandhi do this work just for an hour....without media. Then tell us what you got...If you really want to Change the lives....No need to show us..... Goa does not need Congress or BJP Government

This shows how the difference of the politicians in the picture

“Karunaa”Nidhi Fasting:
First time in the world history fasting only 4 hours and that too with an AC …….This is the comedy of the year 2009….Fasting starts after breakfast and ending before lunch. Interesting

We have to show these type of drama's to everyone! stop this............grow up to be an a politician our politicians also does this
Govt. Concessions for a Member of Parliament (MP)
Monthly Salary : 45,000
Expense for Constitution per month : 10,000
Office expenditure per month : 14,000
Traveling concession (Rs. 8 per km) : 48,000
( eg.For a visit from Goa to Delhi & return: 6000 km)
Daily DA TA during parliament meets : 500/day
Charge for 1 cl-ass (A/C) in train: Free (For any number of times)
(All over India )
Charge for Business cl-ass in flights : Free for 40 trips / year (With wife or P.A .)
Rent for MP hostel at Delhi : Free
Electricity costs at home : Free up to 50,000 units
Local phone call charge : Free up to 1 ,70,000 calls.
TOTAL expense for a MP [having no qualification] per year : 32,00,000 [ i.e. 2.66 lakh/month]
TOTAL expense for 5 years : 1,60,00,000
For 534 MPs, the expense for 5 years :
8,54,40,00,000 (nearly 855 crores)
This is how all our tax money is been swallowed and price hike on our regular commodities....... And this is the present condition
855 crores could make our life livable !!
Think of the great democracy we have.............
One day our Goa will be like this….. half is already done

Recently Congress Government in Goa distributing free food grains for BPL, please find out how many Goans are benefited with this or the schemes

GOVT APPROVES THE FUNDING PATTERN FOR CARNIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEES

PANJIM: Setting to rest the speculations about the hosting of Carnival floats in various towns of Goa, the government approved the funding pattern for various carnival organising committees in the state, on Friday.  The Carnival celebrations would begin in the state from March 5 and the funds would be made available to the committees well in time.

The file for funding various organising committees to host the Carnival floats was cleared by the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat. Accordingly the organising committee in Panjim would receive ` 30 lakh, while the organising committees in Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda would receive ` 15 lakh each from the government.

Meanwhile, top sources in the tourism department have denied that the funds meant for Carnival celebrations were diverted to fund the trip of state officials, including the Tourism Minister, Mr Nilkanth Halarnkar, the Chief Secretary, Mr Sanjay Kumar Shrivastava, and the Tourism Director, Mr Swapnil Naik, to the United States of America for promoting Goa as a tourist destination there.

The sources further stated that the trip to the United States was planned for June 2010 but had to be postponed for some unavoidable reasons.  They further stated that the trip including the road shows was listed in the calendar of events of the department and approved by the government much in advance.

Earlier, following uncertainty as regards the allotment of funds by the department of tourism for the city Carnival celebrations, the Panjim Carnival Committee 2011 headed by Mr Joaquim Teles had written to the director of tourism, Mr Swapnil Naik desiring to know the details about the funds sanctioned to the committee to plan the arrangements as well as programmes for Carnival 2011.

The lack of response from the department had put the city Carnival celebrations in jeopardy.

“A meeting of the office bearers of the Panjim Carnival Committee 2011 was held on February 22, 2011, after the cancellation of another meeting convened by the department of tourism on the same day,” the letter had said, adding “In the cancelled meeting, the department of tourism was supposed to indicate the budget/ funds allotted to Panjim and to other centres around Goa where Carnival parades are held.”

“Till today we are not aware of how much funds are allotted to Panjim, and in the absence of this figure, it is not possible to plan the arrangements, activities and programmes for organising the Carnival, which is only eight days away,” the letter had pointed out, noting that the media including the electronic media, as well as people outside Goa are inquiring about the programmes for the Carnival, while the committee was unable to provide any information.

“There is limited time at our disposal and the work of Carnival including barricading, illumination, setting up of stages as well as pandals and other woks have to start from March 1,” the written communication had maintained, pointing out that this had to be done by inviting quotations as per the GFR, which required a minimum of 15 days.

“Then the invitees including VVIPs and VIPs have to be invited by sending them invitation cards and all this requires at least fortnight, which is not at our disposal,” it had informed.