Friday, July 31, 2009
Maid and the ‘monsters’
Tale of a 10-year-old girl, how she fled from the house ofher tormentors
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: How did the 10-year-old girl ill-treated and physically tortured for six months by her employers, the Porvorim-based Pednekars, escape from her masters’ clutches?
Sheer luck!
She slipped out of the house on Saturday when her employer, Audhumber Pednekar, a civil engineer by profession was at work and his wife Meenaxi and sister-in-law Rekha alias Tina Waghela were too busy to notice her.
Meenaxi was feeding her twins in the bedroom and Tina was in the bathroom, when the girl managed to escape and run towards the main road. There, she got on to a bus headed for Mapusa.
She wasn’t carrying even a single penny and fortunately encountered a humane bus conductor who let her go, perhaps pitying her for her physical condition.
It was then that Mapusa police located her in their jurisdiction and on inquiry the whole episode got exposed.
Porvorim police were then immediately informed and Save Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - India was roped in after which an FIR was registered and action initiated.
Meanwhile, co-accused in the case, Tina Waghela is absconding from the day the offence was booked against her and the Pednekar couple on Saturday night.
Audhumber has already got bail from the Children’s Court in the case in which he along with his wife Meenaxi and sister-in-law Tina, are booked under sections 324 (injuring flesh) read with section 34 (common intention) of Indian Penal Code, section 7 C, 8 (2) 9 of Goa Children’s Act, 2003 (employing a minor child for domestic help, etc) and section 3 of Prevention of Atrocities (Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribes) Act.
The police, meanwhile, are on the job to trace Tina, whose anticipatory bail plea will be heard in the Children’s Court tomorrow along with Meenaxi’s, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Gundu Naik, told GT.
Gundu Naik is handling the case since Tuesday when police invoked section 3 of the Prevention of Atrocities (SC/ST) Act, making it mandatory for an officer of DySP’s rank to investigate. Statements of some seven witnesses have been recorded, although most of them have not come out publicly, fearing retaliation by the Pednekars.
A top police official said, Audumber, who is since released on bail, has “to a certain extent” admitted beating the girl. He said they did not pick up Meenaxi on Saturday night itself because she was nursing their six-month-old twins.
“We had to take swift action on Saturday night soon after registering the FIR. We rushed to the house and arrested Audumber. Meenaxi was with her six-month-old twins and arresting her at that late hour would have separated her from her breast-feeding kids,” the police official said.
Meanwhile, a medical board comprising three senior GMC doctors re-examined the 10-year-old girl for about three-and-half-hours. The report will be released tomorrow and is expected to be very volumnous as against the first one, which was just quarter page.
The first report was produced before the Children’s Court to buttress the police’s plea to reject Audumber’s bail application on Monday. It was only a ‘provisional certificate’.
DySP Naik however declined to comment by only stating that the first medical report mentioned ‘thick burn injuries’ some five-to-seven days old.
BOOM-BOOM BABU
Sports Minister whacks Parrikar’s bouncer
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: It’s not often that Assembly proceedings are packed with fire-works, but yesterday was one of those rare days in the Goa Assembly when Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar verbally clashed with Opposition Leader, Manohar Parrikar.
As if to say ‘enough-is-enough’, Azgaonkar, who’s been at the receiving end for two days on the controversial ‘Sports City’ project, lashed out at Parrikar and accused him of being the pot that’s calling the kettle black.
Azgaonkar said Parrikar, who against popular sentiments had bulldozed his pet project of hosting the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panjim, was now accusing him of side stepping opposition to the ‘Sports City’.
Azgaonkar also lashed out at Parrikar for his earlier laced comments that suggested he (Azgaonkar) was blinded by the Rs 550-crore the Centre had promised for the project. “Was it the same case with IFFI?” Azgaonkar asked aloud.
Earlier, Parrikar while narrating a fable of the dhobi getting his reluctant donkey to work by dangling carrots before it, had said, “Carrots are dangling in front of him (Minister)”, while referring to the sports city.
To this, Azgaonkar shot back: “Were the same type of carrots dangling before him for IFFI?”
The clash occurred when Parrikar, in his inimitable style poured out his wry sarcasm-filled barbs and generally directed them towards Azgaonkar during the discussion on the Demands for Grants pertaining to sports.
Parrikar urged the minister not to take a confrontationist approach, but compromise with aggrieved villagers.
He also suggested that the government first tender the project to see the response and test the project’s commercial viability.
In typical sarcasm, he then went on to narrate the dhobi-donkey fable, and charged that the minister’s eyes were on the carrots (Rs 550 crore) to be allocated by the Centre.
Azgaonkar in his reply demanded to know whether such carrots dangled before Parrikar when the latter bull-dozed the IFFI event in 2004 riding rough-shod over all opposition to it, across the state.
Though Parrikar was not present in the House, Azgaonkar jabbed him with a ‘carrots were dangling before him when he organised IFFI’ comment, sending the House into peels of laughter.
Sweeping machines: Clean sweep for Oppn
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The utter futility of five sweeping machines on Goan roads resulting in wasteful expenditure, their appendages in the form of tractors and the planned outsourcing of all these machines for a sizeable sum rankled the opposition BJP benches yesterday.
Procured at a sizeable amount of Rs 97 lakh with additional Rs 26 lakh spent on tractors for ferrying these machines, opposition leader Manohar Parrikar explained their futility on Goan roads. Finally, Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao had to shelve his initial plans of outsourcing all five machines and remain satisfied with outsourcing of just one machine on a trial basis.
Their drawbacks
In Parrikar’s opinion, the sweeping machines are useless for the following reasons: Their quality is not up to the mark, the pre-requisite of good roads for their use is a complete non-starter in Goa and the shape of these machines makes it a tedious task for them to negotiate sharp turns on narrow Goan roads.
What’s worse, tractors are unable to pull the load of these machines on slope thereby rendering them useless on such roads as well. Moreover, the noise emanating from these machines during their sweeping process, Parrikar feels, is enough to wake up all Altinho residents in the wee hours of the morning.
“The only roads in Panjim which these sweeping machines can clear are the DB Marg and MG Road,” remarked the opposition leader. “It is a classic case of window shopping. These machines were selected without examining their actual use on Goan roads. Total working of these machines is less than 1000 hours,” was the opposition leader’s charge.
Outsourcing plans
Adding to the misery of the Urban Development Ministry was the proposed outsourcing of all five sweeping machines -- already purchased at a huge cost along with the tractors as appendages in addition -- again, at a price.
What’s more, Parrikar pointed out how Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao did not despatch a single machine to Cuncolim Municipality in the Minister’s own constituency and instead posted them at CCP, Margao, Mormugao and Mapusa Municipal Councils.
Joaquim replies
To start with, the Urban Development Minister put up a brave face while expressing confidence of putting all these sweeping machines to use. “I want to show that these machines can be run. The machines are in proper condition. It is the workers who are lazy. So I am outsourcing them,” remarked Alemao.
But soon, he had to beat a hasty retreat, in the face of reality being portrayed by the opposition leader. As a compromise formula spelt out by the opposition leader in the House during the course of discussions of this Starred Question, the Urban Development Minister accepted that he would outsource just one sweeping machine on a trial basis.
PANJIM: The utter futility of five sweeping machines on Goan roads resulting in wasteful expenditure, their appendages in the form of tractors and the planned outsourcing of all these machines for a sizeable sum rankled the opposition BJP benches yesterday.
Procured at a sizeable amount of Rs 97 lakh with additional Rs 26 lakh spent on tractors for ferrying these machines, opposition leader Manohar Parrikar explained their futility on Goan roads. Finally, Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao had to shelve his initial plans of outsourcing all five machines and remain satisfied with outsourcing of just one machine on a trial basis.
Their drawbacks
In Parrikar’s opinion, the sweeping machines are useless for the following reasons: Their quality is not up to the mark, the pre-requisite of good roads for their use is a complete non-starter in Goa and the shape of these machines makes it a tedious task for them to negotiate sharp turns on narrow Goan roads.
What’s worse, tractors are unable to pull the load of these machines on slope thereby rendering them useless on such roads as well. Moreover, the noise emanating from these machines during their sweeping process, Parrikar feels, is enough to wake up all Altinho residents in the wee hours of the morning.
“The only roads in Panjim which these sweeping machines can clear are the DB Marg and MG Road,” remarked the opposition leader. “It is a classic case of window shopping. These machines were selected without examining their actual use on Goan roads. Total working of these machines is less than 1000 hours,” was the opposition leader’s charge.
Outsourcing plans
Adding to the misery of the Urban Development Ministry was the proposed outsourcing of all five sweeping machines -- already purchased at a huge cost along with the tractors as appendages in addition -- again, at a price.
What’s more, Parrikar pointed out how Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao did not despatch a single machine to Cuncolim Municipality in the Minister’s own constituency and instead posted them at CCP, Margao, Mormugao and Mapusa Municipal Councils.
Joaquim replies
To start with, the Urban Development Minister put up a brave face while expressing confidence of putting all these sweeping machines to use. “I want to show that these machines can be run. The machines are in proper condition. It is the workers who are lazy. So I am outsourcing them,” remarked Alemao.
But soon, he had to beat a hasty retreat, in the face of reality being portrayed by the opposition leader. As a compromise formula spelt out by the opposition leader in the House during the course of discussions of this Starred Question, the Urban Development Minister accepted that he would outsource just one sweeping machine on a trial basis.
Govt will not buy additional power from Reliance: Aleixo
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira yesterday told the Goa Legislative Assembly that though in-principle approval had been granted to the Sancoale-based independent power producer - M/s Reliance Infrastructure Limited - to double its capacity, it had no financial implications on the government.
There is no commitment to purchase the additional power and the department has even proposed that the 16 MW currently purchased, be discontinued.
Sequeira was replying to the discussion on the Demands for Grants for Power, Science, Technology and Environment and Printing and Stationery.
As per the original power purchase agreement, the government was purchasing 32 MW of power which gradually reduced to 16 MW after the agreement was modified and the company allowed to increase its capacity by another 10 MW a few years ago.
No subsidy to guzzlers
The ghost of the mid-1990s power subsidy scam returned in the House yesterday when Sequeira said that no case was pending against Deputy Speaker, Mauvin Godinho, and that not a single paisa was released as subsidy to any power guzzler, from 2001 till date.
He said, attempts were on to recover Rs 105-crore from the power guzzlers, who he added, had approached the Surepme Court. If required, the government will engage the best of lawyers and ensure the arrears are recovered, he said.
Godinho was the power minister when the scandal broke out after current Opposition Leader, Manohar Parrikar exposed that the Power Ministry had restored the subsidy scheme by a notification without cabinet sanction. Parrikar had also lodged an FIR in this connection.
Linking sub-stations
Sequeira said, plans were afoot to inter-connect all power sub-stations with underground cabling to reduce power interruptions by 20 per cent.
The Minister admitted that the department was not performing well on the billing front and one reason for this was that the 400-odd meter readers, mostly women, were reluctant to go on the field and in houses to record the meter readings.
To overcome these problems, spot billing, a pilot project is being launched in his Loutolim constituency, he said, adding that the earlier exercise in some parts of Panjim city failed after the contractor abandoned the work. Also, the drop box facility to pay bills by cheques in Panjim and Margao would be extended to other areas soon, he added.
He said, for the ensuing Ganesh Chaturthi festival, new street light fixtures with improved quality of spares would be alloted latest by August 7.
He said, the electricity department was able to achieve and surpass revenue targets due to various factors and achieved revenue of Rs 987 crore during 2008-09.
Earlier, the opposition members who had tabled their cut motions, censured the power department on several fronts, including failure to deal with power shortage at peak load, frequent power failures thereby causing huge loss to industry, disruption of water supply and inconvenience to consumers.
PANJIM: Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira yesterday told the Goa Legislative Assembly that though in-principle approval had been granted to the Sancoale-based independent power producer - M/s Reliance Infrastructure Limited - to double its capacity, it had no financial implications on the government.
There is no commitment to purchase the additional power and the department has even proposed that the 16 MW currently purchased, be discontinued.
Sequeira was replying to the discussion on the Demands for Grants for Power, Science, Technology and Environment and Printing and Stationery.
As per the original power purchase agreement, the government was purchasing 32 MW of power which gradually reduced to 16 MW after the agreement was modified and the company allowed to increase its capacity by another 10 MW a few years ago.
No subsidy to guzzlers
The ghost of the mid-1990s power subsidy scam returned in the House yesterday when Sequeira said that no case was pending against Deputy Speaker, Mauvin Godinho, and that not a single paisa was released as subsidy to any power guzzler, from 2001 till date.
He said, attempts were on to recover Rs 105-crore from the power guzzlers, who he added, had approached the Surepme Court. If required, the government will engage the best of lawyers and ensure the arrears are recovered, he said.
Godinho was the power minister when the scandal broke out after current Opposition Leader, Manohar Parrikar exposed that the Power Ministry had restored the subsidy scheme by a notification without cabinet sanction. Parrikar had also lodged an FIR in this connection.
Linking sub-stations
Sequeira said, plans were afoot to inter-connect all power sub-stations with underground cabling to reduce power interruptions by 20 per cent.
The Minister admitted that the department was not performing well on the billing front and one reason for this was that the 400-odd meter readers, mostly women, were reluctant to go on the field and in houses to record the meter readings.
To overcome these problems, spot billing, a pilot project is being launched in his Loutolim constituency, he said, adding that the earlier exercise in some parts of Panjim city failed after the contractor abandoned the work. Also, the drop box facility to pay bills by cheques in Panjim and Margao would be extended to other areas soon, he added.
He said, for the ensuing Ganesh Chaturthi festival, new street light fixtures with improved quality of spares would be alloted latest by August 7.
He said, the electricity department was able to achieve and surpass revenue targets due to various factors and achieved revenue of Rs 987 crore during 2008-09.
Earlier, the opposition members who had tabled their cut motions, censured the power department on several fronts, including failure to deal with power shortage at peak load, frequent power failures thereby causing huge loss to industry, disruption of water supply and inconvenience to consumers.
ZP by-poll: All women fight at Taleigao
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The bye-elections to fill up the two vacant posts of Taleigao and Santa Cruz Zilla Panchayat and two wards of Piligao and Carambolim posts will be held on August 9. The polling will commence at 8 am and end at 5 pm on August 9.
It will be a straight fight between Anabela Maria Pereira and Wilma Rosario Cardozo for Taleigao ZP constituency, which fell vacant following the resignation of Jennifer Monserrate on being elected sarpanch of Taleigao panchayat. The Taleigao ZP had 15,188 voters and 22 polling stations.
Six candidates are contesting the bye-election in Santa Cruz Zilla Panchayat constituency. They are Brigida Cynthia CardoZo, Elias Dias, Lawrence Fernandese, Prakash Sawant, Sunil Santinezkar and Suresh Palkar. The bye-elecion has been necessitated following the death of sitting ZP member Lawrence Azadevo. There are 14,283 voters and 18 polling stations in Santa Cruz constituency extending to the villages of Santa-Cruz, Curca, Bambolim and Telaulim. The counting of votes will be done at Institute Menezes Braganza hall, Panjim on August 10 from 8 am onwards.
Similarly, bye-elections will also be held in ward number V of Carambolim panchayat and and ward III of Piligao panchayat on August 9. Three Candidates are contesting in each of these wards. Sanjay Karmalkar, Tulshidas Narvekar and Umesh Karmalkar are contesting in ward V of Carambolim panchayat.
PANJIM: The bye-elections to fill up the two vacant posts of Taleigao and Santa Cruz Zilla Panchayat and two wards of Piligao and Carambolim posts will be held on August 9. The polling will commence at 8 am and end at 5 pm on August 9.
It will be a straight fight between Anabela Maria Pereira and Wilma Rosario Cardozo for Taleigao ZP constituency, which fell vacant following the resignation of Jennifer Monserrate on being elected sarpanch of Taleigao panchayat. The Taleigao ZP had 15,188 voters and 22 polling stations.
Six candidates are contesting the bye-election in Santa Cruz Zilla Panchayat constituency. They are Brigida Cynthia CardoZo, Elias Dias, Lawrence Fernandese, Prakash Sawant, Sunil Santinezkar and Suresh Palkar. The bye-elecion has been necessitated following the death of sitting ZP member Lawrence Azadevo. There are 14,283 voters and 18 polling stations in Santa Cruz constituency extending to the villages of Santa-Cruz, Curca, Bambolim and Telaulim. The counting of votes will be done at Institute Menezes Braganza hall, Panjim on August 10 from 8 am onwards.
Similarly, bye-elections will also be held in ward number V of Carambolim panchayat and and ward III of Piligao panchayat on August 9. Three Candidates are contesting in each of these wards. Sanjay Karmalkar, Tulshidas Narvekar and Umesh Karmalkar are contesting in ward V of Carambolim panchayat.
Civic bodies to get octroi dues
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Giving in to persistent demands by vociferous BJP benches, Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao has promised to release a sum of Rs 17 crore due to all Municipalities in the state.
This sum has been pending under two heads -- Rs 14 crore is 0.75% VAT to Municipalities in lieu of octroi while Rs 3 crores is the disbursal of fund earmarked to Municipalities under budgetary provision.
However, Joaquim has remained non-committal on the additional, arrears of Rs 24.85 crore due to Municipalities pending over a period of five years as pointed out by opposition leader Manohar Parrikar.
He, however, promised to move the file to the finance department for clearing these arrears.
Earlier, Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot raised the matter through a starred qand gave the break up of the rightful demands for funds to the Municipalities.
In lieu of octroi, the Municipalities, Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats are entitled to 2% proceeds of VAT. The detailed break-up, as announced the Urban Development Minister, is: 0.75% to panchayats, 0.75% to Municipalities and 0.5% to Zilla Panchayats.
Khot said of the total VAT collected by the government, 0.75% amounting to Rs 14 crores due to Municipalities has not yet been disbursed.
In his reply, the Urban Development Minister shifted the election code of conduct for the inability to disburse the grants of Rs 3 crore on time. This led Parrikar to demand the propriety of writing to the Election Commissioner when the grants were already earmarked for disbursal.
Of other pending arrears amounting to Rs 24.85 crore, Parrikar felt they can take care of the additional burden of Rs 10 crore on Municipalities imposed on account of the recommendations of the VIth Pay Commission.
As far as octroi is concerned, Alemao blamed the Sales Tax Department quoting their inability to provide him with figures of taxes collected from petrol pumps.
To this, Parrikar said, "The grant of octroi can't be arbitrary. You have to give it proportionately. In case data was unavailable, you could have asked your department to collect it from the petrol pumps."
At this stage, Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik pointed out to the sum of Rs 1 crore, 25 lakhs given to Margao Municipality despite the existence of about 11 petrol pumps within Margao city limits. However, Alemao was quick to clarify that the aforesaid sum of Rs 1 crore was by way of grants.
PANJIM: Giving in to persistent demands by vociferous BJP benches, Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao has promised to release a sum of Rs 17 crore due to all Municipalities in the state.
This sum has been pending under two heads -- Rs 14 crore is 0.75% VAT to Municipalities in lieu of octroi while Rs 3 crores is the disbursal of fund earmarked to Municipalities under budgetary provision.
However, Joaquim has remained non-committal on the additional, arrears of Rs 24.85 crore due to Municipalities pending over a period of five years as pointed out by opposition leader Manohar Parrikar.
He, however, promised to move the file to the finance department for clearing these arrears.
Earlier, Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot raised the matter through a starred qand gave the break up of the rightful demands for funds to the Municipalities.
In lieu of octroi, the Municipalities, Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats are entitled to 2% proceeds of VAT. The detailed break-up, as announced the Urban Development Minister, is: 0.75% to panchayats, 0.75% to Municipalities and 0.5% to Zilla Panchayats.
Khot said of the total VAT collected by the government, 0.75% amounting to Rs 14 crores due to Municipalities has not yet been disbursed.
In his reply, the Urban Development Minister shifted the election code of conduct for the inability to disburse the grants of Rs 3 crore on time. This led Parrikar to demand the propriety of writing to the Election Commissioner when the grants were already earmarked for disbursal.
Of other pending arrears amounting to Rs 24.85 crore, Parrikar felt they can take care of the additional burden of Rs 10 crore on Municipalities imposed on account of the recommendations of the VIth Pay Commission.
As far as octroi is concerned, Alemao blamed the Sales Tax Department quoting their inability to provide him with figures of taxes collected from petrol pumps.
To this, Parrikar said, "The grant of octroi can't be arbitrary. You have to give it proportionately. In case data was unavailable, you could have asked your department to collect it from the petrol pumps."
At this stage, Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik pointed out to the sum of Rs 1 crore, 25 lakhs given to Margao Municipality despite the existence of about 11 petrol pumps within Margao city limits. However, Alemao was quick to clarify that the aforesaid sum of Rs 1 crore was by way of grants.
Sirsaim panchayat misses out on grants
BY NESHWIN ALMEIDA
neshwin_almeida@gomantaktimes.com
PANJIM: The village panchayat of Sirsaim in Bardez taluka though financially sound with a panchayat fund of Rs 2.7 lakh but just does not have the drive to go the extra mile.
The panchayat has not submitted their Annual Action Plan to the Zilla Panchyat or to any District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA), therefore missing out on grants-in aid for schemes that benefit the village, revealed the audit report of the year 2007-08.
One of the major schemes that the village panchayat missed out on is the central sponsored Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY). The objective of this scheme is to provide additional wage employment, provide food security and improve nutritional levels.
SGRY provides assistance to those interested in farming and 5% of the funds and produce under the SGRY is retained in the Ministry of Wage Employment Generation for utilisation in the areas of acute distress arising out of natural calamities or for taking up preventive measures in the chronically drought or flood affected rural areas. Also in case of scarcity in another area or 50 % of the funds and produce will be earmarked for the village.
The local governing body received Rs 7.3 lakh as grants under the XIIth Finance Commission and grants for various salaries and for Octroi. On its part it collected 56% of the total taxes with arrears of Rs 1.4 lakh and a current demand of Rs 1.8 lakh. The panchayat was poised to collect Rs 3.9 lakh in taxes but managed to collect Rs 1.9 lakh.
The panchayat had no new cases of illegal constructions. The panchayat however failed to take action against the 17 pending illegal construction.
In terms of development the works executed by the panchayat is firstly a roads at the cost Rs 1.8 lakh and Rs 76,580 on repairs of wells, zor, cleaning of gutters, bands and clearing bushes.
The estimates however for road construction and maintenance of wells and gutters Rs 5.2 lakh and Rs 1.3 lakh respectively. Closing balance for the year in terms of total funds of the village stands at Rs 8.7 lakh.
neshwin_almeida@gomantaktimes.com
PANJIM: The village panchayat of Sirsaim in Bardez taluka though financially sound with a panchayat fund of Rs 2.7 lakh but just does not have the drive to go the extra mile.
The panchayat has not submitted their Annual Action Plan to the Zilla Panchyat or to any District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA), therefore missing out on grants-in aid for schemes that benefit the village, revealed the audit report of the year 2007-08.
One of the major schemes that the village panchayat missed out on is the central sponsored Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY). The objective of this scheme is to provide additional wage employment, provide food security and improve nutritional levels.
SGRY provides assistance to those interested in farming and 5% of the funds and produce under the SGRY is retained in the Ministry of Wage Employment Generation for utilisation in the areas of acute distress arising out of natural calamities or for taking up preventive measures in the chronically drought or flood affected rural areas. Also in case of scarcity in another area or 50 % of the funds and produce will be earmarked for the village.
The local governing body received Rs 7.3 lakh as grants under the XIIth Finance Commission and grants for various salaries and for Octroi. On its part it collected 56% of the total taxes with arrears of Rs 1.4 lakh and a current demand of Rs 1.8 lakh. The panchayat was poised to collect Rs 3.9 lakh in taxes but managed to collect Rs 1.9 lakh.
The panchayat had no new cases of illegal constructions. The panchayat however failed to take action against the 17 pending illegal construction.
In terms of development the works executed by the panchayat is firstly a roads at the cost Rs 1.8 lakh and Rs 76,580 on repairs of wells, zor, cleaning of gutters, bands and clearing bushes.
The estimates however for road construction and maintenance of wells and gutters Rs 5.2 lakh and Rs 1.3 lakh respectively. Closing balance for the year in terms of total funds of the village stands at Rs 8.7 lakh.
Casino operators meet CM, discuss entry fee hike
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: A delegation of off-shore and on-shore casino operators met Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday and presented a memorandum opposing the steep hike in entry fee from Rs 200 to Rs 2000.
Last week, the Chief Minister had announced the tax measure which he said, was being implemented to discourage youth from entering casinos. The government hopes to garner an additional Rs 36 crore from the hike.
Representatives of ‘Chances’, ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Las Vegas’ and the casino at Marriot Resort were present at the meeting along with representatives of off-shore casinos.
The off-shore casino operators told the Chief Minister that 95 per cent of their clientele were from outside the state and emphasized that the hike would deter people from visiting casinos.
“All the people who come on board do not go to the casino,” said a spokesperson for the Association of Offshore Casinos (AOC). “Many come to enjoy a meal at the restaurant or dance,” the spokesperson added.
The Chief Minister expressed his concerns of youth involved in gambling and suggested that a formula be worked out where only Goans who are in the higher income bracket are allowed in casinos.
In reply, casino operators said they were willing to hike the entry fee from Rs 200 to Rs 500 provided the fee for non-Goans remains unchanged. “We are also willing to raise the age bar for entry from 18 to 21,” the spokesperson said.
Another source said the problem lies with land casinos which provide easy access to local clientele on account of the low entry fee.
Presently, Casino Royale charges an entry fee of Rs 1,500, but the upside is that the customer gets an equivalent amount of free playing chips.
“Now if casino operators have to charge Rs 2,000 as an entry fee we will have to provide the customer with something and this will affect our bottom line,” explained the spokesperson.
With the steep hike, there is a fear in the industry that some players will have to close shop. The Chief Minister promised to discuss the matter.
Mickky’s threat a farce?
The threat by Minister of Ports Mickky Pacheco to seal all off-shore casinos did not materialise. Sources said applications for renewal of licences are pending before the Captain of Ports who has refused to take any action as the matter is pending before the High Court.
PANJIM: A delegation of off-shore and on-shore casino operators met Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday and presented a memorandum opposing the steep hike in entry fee from Rs 200 to Rs 2000.
Last week, the Chief Minister had announced the tax measure which he said, was being implemented to discourage youth from entering casinos. The government hopes to garner an additional Rs 36 crore from the hike.
Representatives of ‘Chances’, ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Las Vegas’ and the casino at Marriot Resort were present at the meeting along with representatives of off-shore casinos.
The off-shore casino operators told the Chief Minister that 95 per cent of their clientele were from outside the state and emphasized that the hike would deter people from visiting casinos.
“All the people who come on board do not go to the casino,” said a spokesperson for the Association of Offshore Casinos (AOC). “Many come to enjoy a meal at the restaurant or dance,” the spokesperson added.
The Chief Minister expressed his concerns of youth involved in gambling and suggested that a formula be worked out where only Goans who are in the higher income bracket are allowed in casinos.
In reply, casino operators said they were willing to hike the entry fee from Rs 200 to Rs 500 provided the fee for non-Goans remains unchanged. “We are also willing to raise the age bar for entry from 18 to 21,” the spokesperson said.
Another source said the problem lies with land casinos which provide easy access to local clientele on account of the low entry fee.
Presently, Casino Royale charges an entry fee of Rs 1,500, but the upside is that the customer gets an equivalent amount of free playing chips.
“Now if casino operators have to charge Rs 2,000 as an entry fee we will have to provide the customer with something and this will affect our bottom line,” explained the spokesperson.
With the steep hike, there is a fear in the industry that some players will have to close shop. The Chief Minister promised to discuss the matter.
Mickky’s threat a farce?
The threat by Minister of Ports Mickky Pacheco to seal all off-shore casinos did not materialise. Sources said applications for renewal of licences are pending before the Captain of Ports who has refused to take any action as the matter is pending before the High Court.
Cops recover knife used to kill taxi driver
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO: Vasco police yesterday recovered the weapon that allegedly was used to murder the Maruti van driver Sudan Dabhole from Uccasaim-Bardez from the site of the murder at Consua-Nagoa.
A police team headed by Vasco PI Sagar Ekoskar took the accused Mohammad Immadar Ali to Consua where the driver was murdered and managed to recover the knife from the bushes situated in the isolated area.
PI Ekoskar also took another accused Jha yesterday to Canaguinim, Betul so as to recover the firearm used by the accused to fire at the police. However, police were unable to recover the firearm the search continues.
MARGAO: Vasco police yesterday recovered the weapon that allegedly was used to murder the Maruti van driver Sudan Dabhole from Uccasaim-Bardez from the site of the murder at Consua-Nagoa.
A police team headed by Vasco PI Sagar Ekoskar took the accused Mohammad Immadar Ali to Consua where the driver was murdered and managed to recover the knife from the bushes situated in the isolated area.
PI Ekoskar also took another accused Jha yesterday to Canaguinim, Betul so as to recover the firearm used by the accused to fire at the police. However, police were unable to recover the firearm the search continues.
Nutritional officers to be appointed: Monserrate
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: What started with concern over the low quality of mid-day meals soon blew up into an opportunity for different MLAs to air their grievances. In view of the criticism of the Mid Day Meal Scheme Education Minister Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate promised to appoint a Nutritional Officer to check the nutritive value and quality of food served daily.
The points of concern raised pertained to the overall improvement in the Scheme with a view to give a fillip to students hailing from the economically weaker sections. Initiating the debate through a Calling Attention Motion, Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik expressed the need for maintaining a check on the Scheme.
Naik said some students hailing from well-to-do families refrained from consuming the meals. In such cases, Naik sought that the Directorate of Education work out a remedy so that poor students benefit."
Among his concerns was the pathetic rates fixed by the government for such meals -- Rs 3.83 per student per day for primary and Rs 5.32 per student per day for middle school. "When bread alone costs Rs 2.50, the rest of the meal will have to be provided at Rs 1.83," opined Naik.
Intervening the discussion, Mandrem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar said some contractors have outsourced the Scheme to sub-contractors thus compromising the quality of the meal.
Following up the matter, Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar complained that sub-contractors do not have an FDA licence.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat strongly defended the Scheme, particularly in terms of the hiked rates. According to Kamat, the rates were hiked from Re 1 to Rs 2 with effect from last year. He promised to 'look into' the demand for extending the benefits of the Mid-day Meal Scheme to poor students in unaided schools.
PANJIM: What started with concern over the low quality of mid-day meals soon blew up into an opportunity for different MLAs to air their grievances. In view of the criticism of the Mid Day Meal Scheme Education Minister Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate promised to appoint a Nutritional Officer to check the nutritive value and quality of food served daily.
The points of concern raised pertained to the overall improvement in the Scheme with a view to give a fillip to students hailing from the economically weaker sections. Initiating the debate through a Calling Attention Motion, Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik expressed the need for maintaining a check on the Scheme.
Naik said some students hailing from well-to-do families refrained from consuming the meals. In such cases, Naik sought that the Directorate of Education work out a remedy so that poor students benefit."
Among his concerns was the pathetic rates fixed by the government for such meals -- Rs 3.83 per student per day for primary and Rs 5.32 per student per day for middle school. "When bread alone costs Rs 2.50, the rest of the meal will have to be provided at Rs 1.83," opined Naik.
Intervening the discussion, Mandrem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar said some contractors have outsourced the Scheme to sub-contractors thus compromising the quality of the meal.
Following up the matter, Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar complained that sub-contractors do not have an FDA licence.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat strongly defended the Scheme, particularly in terms of the hiked rates. According to Kamat, the rates were hiked from Re 1 to Rs 2 with effect from last year. He promised to 'look into' the demand for extending the benefits of the Mid-day Meal Scheme to poor students in unaided schools.
Two accused still absconding
Assaulted councillor is vice-chairperson
BY A GT CORRESPONDENT
PONDA: The two brothers Daniel and Benny Fernandes who have been booked for threatening to kill Vincent Paul Fernandes, a Ponda Municipality councillor are still absconding.
Not allowing himself to be deterred by the events of Tuesday, Vincent, has continued and has been elected unopposed as the vice-Chairperson of Ponda Municipal Council, yesterday.
Vincent Fernandes is the third vice-Chairperson in this term. He succeeds Vandana Jog.
On Tuesday, the two brothers, were involved in an accident with Vincent. He has accused them of trying to kill him.
Speaking to GT reporter Vincent said, “They are still absconding even though 24 hours have passed. This sends a wrong message.
Instead of the police interrogating the person with the car keys let him go," he said referring to an incident wherein an acquaintance of one of the accused is alleged to have approached the police to seek a compromise of the case. "This shows that police have not taken this case seriously," he added.
Speaking as vice-chairperson after his election, Vincent said, “My first priority is to build the garden at Kurtarkar Arcade.
This garden has been built but there is no equipment for children to play. I will personally request Home Minister to take this garden on priority.
BY A GT CORRESPONDENT
PONDA: The two brothers Daniel and Benny Fernandes who have been booked for threatening to kill Vincent Paul Fernandes, a Ponda Municipality councillor are still absconding.
Not allowing himself to be deterred by the events of Tuesday, Vincent, has continued and has been elected unopposed as the vice-Chairperson of Ponda Municipal Council, yesterday.
Vincent Fernandes is the third vice-Chairperson in this term. He succeeds Vandana Jog.
On Tuesday, the two brothers, were involved in an accident with Vincent. He has accused them of trying to kill him.
Speaking to GT reporter Vincent said, “They are still absconding even though 24 hours have passed. This sends a wrong message.
Instead of the police interrogating the person with the car keys let him go," he said referring to an incident wherein an acquaintance of one of the accused is alleged to have approached the police to seek a compromise of the case. "This shows that police have not taken this case seriously," he added.
Speaking as vice-chairperson after his election, Vincent said, “My first priority is to build the garden at Kurtarkar Arcade.
This garden has been built but there is no equipment for children to play. I will personally request Home Minister to take this garden on priority.
Sonsodo technical bids opened
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO: Margao Municipal Council (MMC) authorities yesterday opened the technical bid submitted by the two companies, IL&FS-Fomento Combine and Ramky Enviro Engineering Ltd, Hyderabad to set up a garbage disposal plant at Sonsodo.
MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho, Chief Officer Y Tawde, the MMC administrative officer Chari, MMC sanitary inspector Viraj Arobakar and officials of the two companies were present when the bids were opened. The two companies had submitted two types of bids, technical and financial to the MMC with yesterday being the last day for submission of the same.
The financial bid submitted by the firms will now be opened on Monday evening (August 3) for evaluation. Thereafter, the two types of bids given by the two companies shall be put before the council at its meeting for discussion and the process completed by August 15.
The two bids have an overall 100 points -- 70 for technical and 30 for financial. The technical bids submitted include the details of facilities, experience, project design, layout of plant and proposed machinery to be used.
Coutinho also informed that the two companies have deposited Rs 30 lakh, the deposit is towards performance and the same shall be forfeited in the event, the company fails to give desired results.
MARGAO: Margao Municipal Council (MMC) authorities yesterday opened the technical bid submitted by the two companies, IL&FS-Fomento Combine and Ramky Enviro Engineering Ltd, Hyderabad to set up a garbage disposal plant at Sonsodo.
MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho, Chief Officer Y Tawde, the MMC administrative officer Chari, MMC sanitary inspector Viraj Arobakar and officials of the two companies were present when the bids were opened. The two companies had submitted two types of bids, technical and financial to the MMC with yesterday being the last day for submission of the same.
The financial bid submitted by the firms will now be opened on Monday evening (August 3) for evaluation. Thereafter, the two types of bids given by the two companies shall be put before the council at its meeting for discussion and the process completed by August 15.
The two bids have an overall 100 points -- 70 for technical and 30 for financial. The technical bids submitted include the details of facilities, experience, project design, layout of plant and proposed machinery to be used.
Coutinho also informed that the two companies have deposited Rs 30 lakh, the deposit is towards performance and the same shall be forfeited in the event, the company fails to give desired results.
MLAs slug it out in the Assembly
Encroachments in open spaces will not be regularised: Joaquim
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao felt that diversion of open spaces by legitimising illegal construction on them defeats the very purpose of having such open spaces in the first place.
This assurance came against the backdrop of a case -- Gogol lake in Margao -- mentioned by Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik during the Question Hour.
Naik said Gogol lake was a gifted property and complained of an encroachment in it. In reply, Alemao put the figure of open spaces in Margao at 17 of which one faced encroachment.
"The show-cause notice in this case was served on 6 May, 2005," informed Alemao.
Assagao sports ground grounded?
Pending for the last ten years, work on the sports ground at Assagao is to be undertaken by the Sports Authority of Goa(SAG).
Sports Minister Manohar(Babu) Azgaonkar informed that land admeasuring 15000 m2 has been acquired and its possession was obtained on July 13.
The estimates prepared in that year pegged the total expenditure for construction of this ground at Rs 89,70,000, said Azgaonkar.
" The proposal has been pending for want of funds," claimed the Sports Minister.
Earlier, Siolim MLA Dayanand Mandrekar castigated the Sports Department for an inordinate delay in accomplishing work on this ground ever since the last ten years.
This, he said, is inspite of the assurance given to him in the meet of the Ad Hoc Committee on Sports. On Mandrekar's request, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat intervened in the discussion to state that every department should fix its priority even as the budget has been increased in this regard.
He also expressed concern over the lack of maintenance of existing grounds.
New land to be acquired for school
Education Minister Atanasio(Babush) Monserrate promised to take steps to prevail upon the High Court to vacate its stay on construction of Navodaya Vidhyalaya at Valpoi and assure the HC that the government will acquire the same land admeasuring 1,17,950 m2 in case the government lost the case in HC.
Giving a brief background of the case, opposition leader Manohar Parrikar said a citizen approached the Courts in this regard for this plot belonging to the Goa government claiming it to be her property.
The land, he said, was given to Navodaya Vidhyalaya in the year 1994. " There was no construction of the school for the last 15 years," said Parrikar.
Subsequently, the lady approached the Sessions Court which decided the case in her favour. Now, the case is in the final stages in the High Court, informed Monserrate.
It was here that Parrikar wanted the government to assure the High Court to allow construction of the Navodaya Vidhyalaya on the premise that the government will proceed to acquire this piece of land if the government lost the case.
Govt to chip in for church restoration
The government yesterday promised to chip in the balance sum of Rs 1.59 crores for repairs of the old St Ana church in Talaulim.
The assurance came after the Minister for Archives Atanasio(Babush) Monserrate informed that World Mounment Fund had backed out of its committment to fund this project to the tune of Rs 1.59 crores even as the balance sum of Rs 3.29 crores for the Rs 4.88 crores project was being funded by the government. St Andre MLA Agnel Silveira thanked the government for this 'magnanimous' gesture.
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao felt that diversion of open spaces by legitimising illegal construction on them defeats the very purpose of having such open spaces in the first place.
This assurance came against the backdrop of a case -- Gogol lake in Margao -- mentioned by Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik during the Question Hour.
Naik said Gogol lake was a gifted property and complained of an encroachment in it. In reply, Alemao put the figure of open spaces in Margao at 17 of which one faced encroachment.
"The show-cause notice in this case was served on 6 May, 2005," informed Alemao.
Assagao sports ground grounded?
Pending for the last ten years, work on the sports ground at Assagao is to be undertaken by the Sports Authority of Goa(SAG).
Sports Minister Manohar(Babu) Azgaonkar informed that land admeasuring 15000 m2 has been acquired and its possession was obtained on July 13.
The estimates prepared in that year pegged the total expenditure for construction of this ground at Rs 89,70,000, said Azgaonkar.
" The proposal has been pending for want of funds," claimed the Sports Minister.
Earlier, Siolim MLA Dayanand Mandrekar castigated the Sports Department for an inordinate delay in accomplishing work on this ground ever since the last ten years.
This, he said, is inspite of the assurance given to him in the meet of the Ad Hoc Committee on Sports. On Mandrekar's request, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat intervened in the discussion to state that every department should fix its priority even as the budget has been increased in this regard.
He also expressed concern over the lack of maintenance of existing grounds.
New land to be acquired for school
Education Minister Atanasio(Babush) Monserrate promised to take steps to prevail upon the High Court to vacate its stay on construction of Navodaya Vidhyalaya at Valpoi and assure the HC that the government will acquire the same land admeasuring 1,17,950 m2 in case the government lost the case in HC.
Giving a brief background of the case, opposition leader Manohar Parrikar said a citizen approached the Courts in this regard for this plot belonging to the Goa government claiming it to be her property.
The land, he said, was given to Navodaya Vidhyalaya in the year 1994. " There was no construction of the school for the last 15 years," said Parrikar.
Subsequently, the lady approached the Sessions Court which decided the case in her favour. Now, the case is in the final stages in the High Court, informed Monserrate.
It was here that Parrikar wanted the government to assure the High Court to allow construction of the Navodaya Vidhyalaya on the premise that the government will proceed to acquire this piece of land if the government lost the case.
Govt to chip in for church restoration
The government yesterday promised to chip in the balance sum of Rs 1.59 crores for repairs of the old St Ana church in Talaulim.
The assurance came after the Minister for Archives Atanasio(Babush) Monserrate informed that World Mounment Fund had backed out of its committment to fund this project to the tune of Rs 1.59 crores even as the balance sum of Rs 3.29 crores for the Rs 4.88 crores project was being funded by the government. St Andre MLA Agnel Silveira thanked the government for this 'magnanimous' gesture.
House debates fly-by-night mineral ore traders
Sopte alleges Rs 128 cr taxes not collected from these traders
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The non-payment of VAT by some fly-by-night mineral ore traders resulting in a yawning gap in collection of such a tax echoed in the portal of the House yesterday.
Towards the fag end of the debate, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat was forced to assure the House about the government's stringent steps to mop up VAT from such errant traders.
Pernem MLA Dayanand Sopte, was quick to point out to the sizeable difference in VAT mopped up by the state government.
"As per the 2008-09 figures, the total VAT collected amounts to Rs 19 crore, 14 lakhs. Total sale amounts to Rs 11,122 crores while the export value is pegged at Rs 7918 crores. he stated
The difference is to the tune of Rs 3,204 crores. 4% VAT on this figure works out to Rs 128 crores and the difference in collection is to the tune of Rs 109 crores. When will the government collect this amount?" questioned Sopte.
Intervening in Soptes' support, Parrikar said many traders have not paid tax inspite of conducting business. He wanted the government to recover taxes from all such traders liable to pay tax on the ore sold.
The issue pertaining to Deshprabhu's mining operations in Pernem taluka also figured in the House when Sopte pointed out how 62 grade ore was being mined from this area by the former MLA despite the royalty challan examined on one occasion had expired.
In his reply, Chief Minister informed the House that ore traders file quarterly returns. " No quantitaive details of VAT can be obtained at the time of assessment. However, we are trying to ascertain the same," stated Kamat.
He said a reconciliation is on and the state government has alerted the Department of Mines on getting to the bottom of the whereabouts of such ore traded by them.
" If not, we will recover an amount worth 10 times of the royalty and will prosecute them." he added.
We will collect taxes from each and every trader involved in trading of mineral ore,"Kamat remarked while assuring the Pernem MLA of 'looking into' the matter pertaining to mining by former Pernem MLA Jeetendra Deshprabhu.
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The non-payment of VAT by some fly-by-night mineral ore traders resulting in a yawning gap in collection of such a tax echoed in the portal of the House yesterday.
Towards the fag end of the debate, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat was forced to assure the House about the government's stringent steps to mop up VAT from such errant traders.
Pernem MLA Dayanand Sopte, was quick to point out to the sizeable difference in VAT mopped up by the state government.
"As per the 2008-09 figures, the total VAT collected amounts to Rs 19 crore, 14 lakhs. Total sale amounts to Rs 11,122 crores while the export value is pegged at Rs 7918 crores. he stated
The difference is to the tune of Rs 3,204 crores. 4% VAT on this figure works out to Rs 128 crores and the difference in collection is to the tune of Rs 109 crores. When will the government collect this amount?" questioned Sopte.
Intervening in Soptes' support, Parrikar said many traders have not paid tax inspite of conducting business. He wanted the government to recover taxes from all such traders liable to pay tax on the ore sold.
The issue pertaining to Deshprabhu's mining operations in Pernem taluka also figured in the House when Sopte pointed out how 62 grade ore was being mined from this area by the former MLA despite the royalty challan examined on one occasion had expired.
In his reply, Chief Minister informed the House that ore traders file quarterly returns. " No quantitaive details of VAT can be obtained at the time of assessment. However, we are trying to ascertain the same," stated Kamat.
He said a reconciliation is on and the state government has alerted the Department of Mines on getting to the bottom of the whereabouts of such ore traded by them.
" If not, we will recover an amount worth 10 times of the royalty and will prosecute them." he added.
We will collect taxes from each and every trader involved in trading of mineral ore,"Kamat remarked while assuring the Pernem MLA of 'looking into' the matter pertaining to mining by former Pernem MLA Jeetendra Deshprabhu.
Chikungunya cases worry MLAs
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: With figures of patients afflicted with Chikungunya mounting by the day in areas like Rivona, Kavrem-Pirla, Sanguem MLA Vasudev Gaonkar demanded immediate action from the Health Ministry to arrest this trend.
He said many such patients have been found in the aforesaid areas of Sanguem taluka and their numbers have been on the rise. Rising in support of his colleague, Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik referred to reports appearing in the electronic media in this regard even as he expressed concern over this trend.
On his part, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane informed the House that the Directorate of Health Services(DHS) diagnosed such cases in January/February particularly afflicting mining workers in the Sanguem/Quepem belt. " The DHS doctors have collected some 100 blood samples of such patients," informed the Health Minister.
He said the DHS has despatched staff to these areas and is constantly monitoring the emerging situation. " The survey of such places is being carried out an awareness drive has also been launched by the DHS. We will take all steps to arrest such cases," promised Rane.
Preventive measures on war-footing in Sanguem taluka
Six out 12 patients admitted for Chikungunya disease at the Primary Health Centre at Curchorem have been discharged and while one patienthas been referred to Goa Medical College and hospital. The remaining 5 patients are still in under observation ward, stated the health officer Dr Ganpati Kakodkar of PHC–Curchorem.
Talking to GT, he said that the cleanliness drive in Curchorem is in full swing, which includes cleaning of open tanks and mosquito breeding sites. “Also awareness is being provided to the villagers to avoid the spread of the disease.” he added.
PANJIM: With figures of patients afflicted with Chikungunya mounting by the day in areas like Rivona, Kavrem-Pirla, Sanguem MLA Vasudev Gaonkar demanded immediate action from the Health Ministry to arrest this trend.
He said many such patients have been found in the aforesaid areas of Sanguem taluka and their numbers have been on the rise. Rising in support of his colleague, Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik referred to reports appearing in the electronic media in this regard even as he expressed concern over this trend.
On his part, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane informed the House that the Directorate of Health Services(DHS) diagnosed such cases in January/February particularly afflicting mining workers in the Sanguem/Quepem belt. " The DHS doctors have collected some 100 blood samples of such patients," informed the Health Minister.
He said the DHS has despatched staff to these areas and is constantly monitoring the emerging situation. " The survey of such places is being carried out an awareness drive has also been launched by the DHS. We will take all steps to arrest such cases," promised Rane.
Preventive measures on war-footing in Sanguem taluka
Six out 12 patients admitted for Chikungunya disease at the Primary Health Centre at Curchorem have been discharged and while one patienthas been referred to Goa Medical College and hospital. The remaining 5 patients are still in under observation ward, stated the health officer Dr Ganpati Kakodkar of PHC–Curchorem.
Talking to GT, he said that the cleanliness drive in Curchorem is in full swing, which includes cleaning of open tanks and mosquito breeding sites. “Also awareness is being provided to the villagers to avoid the spread of the disease.” he added.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
House hits turbulence
North-South Divide delayed decision on Mopa airport: CM
Section 6 of Land acquisition within 7 days
Steering Committee to be formed
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat created a flutter in the House yesterday as he pinned the ten-year delay to kick-start land acquisition proceedings for Mopa international airport to the North-South divide in the state.
Amidst vociferous protests and demands for explanation from opposition leader Manohar Parrikar and former Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar, the Chief Minister referred to the High Powered Committee and its decisions in a bid to deflect attention from the North-South controversy. Add to that, a meager budgetary provision of Rs 30 lakhs for the project, made the opposition charge the government with adopting a lackadaisical approach on this project.
The current status
The proposal for acquisition of land for the international airport at Mopa and approach road has been submitted by the Special Land Acquisition Officer, Mopa through the Collector for notification under Section 6 of the Land Acquisition Act.
The government has not floated Expression of Interest (EoI), letter of intent or any other advertisement for undertaking construction of the airport. Matters related to the actual construction of the airport have to be decided by the High Powered Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
Meetings of this Committee were last held during the tenure of former Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane and the last such meeting took place in September 2005. Subsequently, no meeting took place as the government was awaiting the report of the Six Member Committee constituted by the office of the Prime Minister to look into various aspects of the international airport at Mopa.
This Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister submitted its report in June 2008 to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, despite a file being moved for constituting the Steering Committee under the new government, the Chief Minister had remarked that the matter should be kept pending, claims the written reply.
CM’s promise in House
Yesterday, the Chief Minister vowed to publish Section 6 of the Land Acquisition Act within seven days and informed that Steering Committee is ‘Being Formed’. He announced that the aforesaid Steering Committee would comprise of local MLAs and local people.
According to the Chief Minister, the procedure for land acquisition proceedings for Mopa airport was completed much earlier, notification was also issued but was allowed to lapse.
“There arose a dispute between North and South and the land acquisition proceedings lapsed,” opined Kamat. Explaining the seriousness of the government’s intention of having Mopa airport, Kamat said the Urgency Clause for land acquisition was invoked precisely for this reason.
The delay, Kamat explained, was due to the formationn of the HPCC by the central government. “It was only after it was decided that Mopa is a must in addition to Dabolim that land acquisition proceedings commenced with an Urgency Clause,” added the Chief Minister.
The land to be acquired, Kamat informed, was in conformity and as per the recommendations of ICAO. “The land acquisition proceedings will be over immediately and money will be made available,” assured the Chief Minister.
The debate in House
Earlier, setting the ball rolling on the delay in executing of Mopa international airport was former Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar.
His points of debate revolved around three aspects: the inordinate delay on this project even as the government of Maharashtra has declared a special package of Rs 5,000 crore for tourism development in the neighbouring Ratnagiri district.
Narvekar made a mention about Maharashtra government’s plans of constructing an airport at Chipi in Konkan. He also sought explanation on the North-South divide mentioned by the Chief Minister.
Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar, Mandrem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar also supported Narvekar in demanding explanation from the Chief Minister on the ‘North-South divide’.
Parsekar pointed out to the utter lack of seriousness of the government on Mopa when he pointed out that area in addition to that mentioned by the Chief Minister for acquisition is required for the airport.
“The government has decided on some 1 crore square metres area as requirement for Mopa international airport,” informed Parrikar.
All about airport members of high powered committee
Chairman: Chief Minister
Members: All three Goan MPs, Joint Secretary (Civil Aviation), Chief Secretary
The HPCC submitted its report in July 2008 to Prime Minister
Total land proposed to be acquired: 749 hectares (for international airport)
Land for approach road: 84 hectares
Land acquisition proceedings u/s 4 and 17 (Urgency Clause) of Land Acquisition Act invoked
Section 6 of Land Acquisition Act within seven days
Possible date for declaration of award: Early 2010
Bid to kill Ponda civic councillor!
BY A GT CORRESPONDENT
PONDA: Ponda councillor, Vincent Paul Fernandes, had a narrow escape after he was allegedly knocked down from his bike by a car, allegedly by two brothers, whose illegal structure the civic body had ordered to be demolished yesterday.
Vincent Paul, who is tipped to be the next vice-president of the Ponda civic body, told the police that the two brothers -- Daniel and Benny Fernandes -- from Silvanagar, Ponda “tried to kill him” at 5.35 pm near the Verenkar teashop on Ponda-Belgaum road.
Both the brothers are absconding, but the car used by them to knock down the councillor, was left parked in front of the police station.
Vincent Paul was riding his Bajaj bike (GA-01-P-5603) to the Ponda bus-stand and on reaching the teashop a red Maruti Swift (GA-05-B-0248) drove straight into him. Although he took to one side, the car knocked him down injuring his right leg. The car later zoomed off, police said.
The councillor was rushed to the ID hospital, while the police proceeded to the residence of the accused, but did not find the brothers there.
Vincent Paul, meanwhile, demanded stern police action against the duo, who he alleged, enjoy political patronage.
“I filed many complaints against them and they even
threatened to murder me. They built some illegal structure and the matter was in court. Today, the Chief Officer ordered demolition of the structure and this is the reason they attacked me,” Fernandes told the media.
He said if the police did not take strong action, it will only encourage anti-social elements and people will lose faith in the system. Former chairperson, Venkatesh Naik, and councillors Kishore Naik, Damodar and Pradeep Naik visited Fernandes.
Ponda police have registered a case under sections of the IPC 341 (restraining), 324 (assault), 427 (damages) and 506 (II), which is non-bailable offence for threatening to kill.
PONDA: Ponda councillor, Vincent Paul Fernandes, had a narrow escape after he was allegedly knocked down from his bike by a car, allegedly by two brothers, whose illegal structure the civic body had ordered to be demolished yesterday.
Vincent Paul, who is tipped to be the next vice-president of the Ponda civic body, told the police that the two brothers -- Daniel and Benny Fernandes -- from Silvanagar, Ponda “tried to kill him” at 5.35 pm near the Verenkar teashop on Ponda-Belgaum road.
Both the brothers are absconding, but the car used by them to knock down the councillor, was left parked in front of the police station.
Vincent Paul was riding his Bajaj bike (GA-01-P-5603) to the Ponda bus-stand and on reaching the teashop a red Maruti Swift (GA-05-B-0248) drove straight into him. Although he took to one side, the car knocked him down injuring his right leg. The car later zoomed off, police said.
The councillor was rushed to the ID hospital, while the police proceeded to the residence of the accused, but did not find the brothers there.
Vincent Paul, meanwhile, demanded stern police action against the duo, who he alleged, enjoy political patronage.
“I filed many complaints against them and they even
threatened to murder me. They built some illegal structure and the matter was in court. Today, the Chief Officer ordered demolition of the structure and this is the reason they attacked me,” Fernandes told the media.
He said if the police did not take strong action, it will only encourage anti-social elements and people will lose faith in the system. Former chairperson, Venkatesh Naik, and councillors Kishore Naik, Damodar and Pradeep Naik visited Fernandes.
Ponda police have registered a case under sections of the IPC 341 (restraining), 324 (assault), 427 (damages) and 506 (II), which is non-bailable offence for threatening to kill.
Khalap, others get HC reprieve
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Former Union Minister and chaiman of Mapusa Urban Cooperative Bank Limited Ramakant Khalap along with a few members of the board of directors and a loanee got a reprive in the Bombay High Court at Goa when the latter set aside the order of the Sessions Court refusing to withdraw criminal cases filed against them in 2003.
The High Court observed that there was no reason for the Additional Sessions Court to dismiss the plea of the Bank when it had managed to get the loan recovered from the defaulting parties.
The petitioners including Khalap and others had approached the High Court stating that there was no reason to continue with the criminal case against them when the Bank had recovered the loans granted to three firms from Bangalore about 11 years ago. The Bank had also made a request to the state government in this regard.
However, the Sessions Court while rejecting their appeal in October 2007, stated that all these facts were not brought on record and also repayment of loan was not a ground to withdraw criminal cases. It also upheld the order passed by the JMFC, Mapusa in April 2007.
The CID/Crime Branch, Panjim had registered misappropriation and cheating case against Khalap and 13 others in connection with the release of Rs 3.5-crore loan to a partnership firm from Bangalore, without allegedly following proper procedure for its building project - M/s Vasanta Farms between 1998 and 1999.Besides, the board of directors, the partners of Vasanta Farms were also named as accused in the case.
Advocates Atmaram Nadkarni and Mahesh Sonak argued on behalf of the firms and the Mapusa Bank respectively while, public prosecutors Adv Carlos Ferreira and Winnie Coutinho represented the state.
PANJIM: Former Union Minister and chaiman of Mapusa Urban Cooperative Bank Limited Ramakant Khalap along with a few members of the board of directors and a loanee got a reprive in the Bombay High Court at Goa when the latter set aside the order of the Sessions Court refusing to withdraw criminal cases filed against them in 2003.
The High Court observed that there was no reason for the Additional Sessions Court to dismiss the plea of the Bank when it had managed to get the loan recovered from the defaulting parties.
The petitioners including Khalap and others had approached the High Court stating that there was no reason to continue with the criminal case against them when the Bank had recovered the loans granted to three firms from Bangalore about 11 years ago. The Bank had also made a request to the state government in this regard.
However, the Sessions Court while rejecting their appeal in October 2007, stated that all these facts were not brought on record and also repayment of loan was not a ground to withdraw criminal cases. It also upheld the order passed by the JMFC, Mapusa in April 2007.
The CID/Crime Branch, Panjim had registered misappropriation and cheating case against Khalap and 13 others in connection with the release of Rs 3.5-crore loan to a partnership firm from Bangalore, without allegedly following proper procedure for its building project - M/s Vasanta Farms between 1998 and 1999.Besides, the board of directors, the partners of Vasanta Farms were also named as accused in the case.
Advocates Atmaram Nadkarni and Mahesh Sonak argued on behalf of the firms and the Mapusa Bank respectively while, public prosecutors Adv Carlos Ferreira and Winnie Coutinho represented the state.
Pay hikes for MLAs
BT A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The state Cabinet yesterday is learnt to have approved a proposal to hike salary, allowances and pensions of Ministers and MLAs.
It is learnt that the meeting held in the Goa Assembly Complex yesterday evening decided to enhance housing loans for MLAs from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. It also discussed various government bills including the Parliamentary Secretaries (Salaries, Allowances and Pensions) Bill, 2009 to be introduced in the ongoing Assembly session.
PANJIM: The state Cabinet yesterday is learnt to have approved a proposal to hike salary, allowances and pensions of Ministers and MLAs.
It is learnt that the meeting held in the Goa Assembly Complex yesterday evening decided to enhance housing loans for MLAs from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. It also discussed various government bills including the Parliamentary Secretaries (Salaries, Allowances and Pensions) Bill, 2009 to be introduced in the ongoing Assembly session.
Govt pulled up on all fronts
Under fire, Churchill assures work in BJP constituencies
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The alleged step motherly treatment meted out to constituencies represented by the opposition while planning, sanctioning and executing development works saw the opposition BJP benches rise in unison against PWD Minister Churchill Alemao in the House yesterday.
BJP MLAs -- Mayem MLA Anant Shet, Mandrem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar, Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot, Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar, Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik -- charged the government of not according financial approval for works in their constituencies.
Parsekar charged the government with holding back 12 files which had been sent for sanction. "No roads have been constructed in Mandrem for two years," said Parsekar.
Mayem MLA Anant Shet was very specific on his Starred Question. Shet wanted to know the number of works tendered and work orders issued.
Ministry for Tribal Welfare soon: CM
PANJIM: The reduction of funds for tribal welfare prompted the opposition BJP benches to put the Social Welfare Minister Sudin Dhavlikar on the mat. It was only after Chief Minister Digambar Kamat came to the rescue of his colleague and promised a Ministry of Tribal Welfare that the BJP relented.
Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar was peeved over the gradual reduction of funds for Tribal Welfare as a percentage of the budget envisaged under the Tribal Sub Plan. Dhavlikar contended that some departments failed to prepare the relevant estimates, he pinned the blame on Finance Department. "The outlay reduced from 7% to 5% of the budgetary provision is done by the Finance Department," he said.
At this stage, Parrikar quickly pointed out that the percentage must be 12% as per the norms.
Govt mulling law to prosecute owners not reporting tenants
PANJIM: The government is examining the pros and cons of enacting a suitable legislation to empower the police to prosecute those owners who do not furnish information about migrants residing in their residences. However, any law enacted in this regard will be in tandem with the provisions of the Constitution of India.
This assurance by Home Minister Ravi Naik came against the backdrop of a Calling Attention Motion moved by Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo.
Lourenco demanded more measures such as taking finger prints of migrants. Naik put the rough estimates of migrants in Goa at 4 to 5 lakhs.
"It will, however, be unfair to assume that only migrants are indulging in crimes. Any law aimed against migrants would be discriminatory in nature and violative of the Constitution.
Illegal conversion of agri land echoes in House
PANJIM: Revenue Minister Jose Philip D'Souza admitted that the law pertaining to illegal conversion of agriculture land needs to be changed in the rapidly changing scenario. Priol MLA Pandurang Dhavlikar,Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar and former Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar who described the situation at ground level as alarming.
Earlier, Dhavlikar raised the matter through a Calling Attention Motion when he pointed out to the illegal conversion of agricultural land in the state and the non-implementation of the acts/rules in this regard.
While former Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar referred to encroachment in comunidade property, he wanted these structures to be regularised.
This, Narvekar argued, was due to the existence of these structures for many years. Madkaikar opposed the regularisation of structures on agricultural land while Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho was for setting a revised cut-off date for regularising these structures.
In his reply, the Revenue Minister said it was high time to amend the law. Delving into history, he informed that in the year 2002, an amendment was made for regularisation of structures on comunidade land where the cut-off date was pegged at June 2000. "One comunidade went to court and the entire procedure was paralysed," said Jose Philip.
He put the number of such cases of illegal construction on comunidade land at 2515 -- with 2127 in the North and 418 in the South. The options before the government, Jose Philip claimed, were regularisation or demolition. He felt the need for amending the law for enabling the filing of an FIR, registering the encroachment as cognisable offence and seizure of material.
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The alleged step motherly treatment meted out to constituencies represented by the opposition while planning, sanctioning and executing development works saw the opposition BJP benches rise in unison against PWD Minister Churchill Alemao in the House yesterday.
BJP MLAs -- Mayem MLA Anant Shet, Mandrem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar, Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot, Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar, Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik -- charged the government of not according financial approval for works in their constituencies.
Parsekar charged the government with holding back 12 files which had been sent for sanction. "No roads have been constructed in Mandrem for two years," said Parsekar.
Mayem MLA Anant Shet was very specific on his Starred Question. Shet wanted to know the number of works tendered and work orders issued.
Ministry for Tribal Welfare soon: CM
PANJIM: The reduction of funds for tribal welfare prompted the opposition BJP benches to put the Social Welfare Minister Sudin Dhavlikar on the mat. It was only after Chief Minister Digambar Kamat came to the rescue of his colleague and promised a Ministry of Tribal Welfare that the BJP relented.
Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar was peeved over the gradual reduction of funds for Tribal Welfare as a percentage of the budget envisaged under the Tribal Sub Plan. Dhavlikar contended that some departments failed to prepare the relevant estimates, he pinned the blame on Finance Department. "The outlay reduced from 7% to 5% of the budgetary provision is done by the Finance Department," he said.
At this stage, Parrikar quickly pointed out that the percentage must be 12% as per the norms.
Govt mulling law to prosecute owners not reporting tenants
PANJIM: The government is examining the pros and cons of enacting a suitable legislation to empower the police to prosecute those owners who do not furnish information about migrants residing in their residences. However, any law enacted in this regard will be in tandem with the provisions of the Constitution of India.
This assurance by Home Minister Ravi Naik came against the backdrop of a Calling Attention Motion moved by Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo.
Lourenco demanded more measures such as taking finger prints of migrants. Naik put the rough estimates of migrants in Goa at 4 to 5 lakhs.
"It will, however, be unfair to assume that only migrants are indulging in crimes. Any law aimed against migrants would be discriminatory in nature and violative of the Constitution.
Illegal conversion of agri land echoes in House
PANJIM: Revenue Minister Jose Philip D'Souza admitted that the law pertaining to illegal conversion of agriculture land needs to be changed in the rapidly changing scenario. Priol MLA Pandurang Dhavlikar,Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar and former Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar who described the situation at ground level as alarming.
Earlier, Dhavlikar raised the matter through a Calling Attention Motion when he pointed out to the illegal conversion of agricultural land in the state and the non-implementation of the acts/rules in this regard.
While former Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar referred to encroachment in comunidade property, he wanted these structures to be regularised.
This, Narvekar argued, was due to the existence of these structures for many years. Madkaikar opposed the regularisation of structures on agricultural land while Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho was for setting a revised cut-off date for regularising these structures.
In his reply, the Revenue Minister said it was high time to amend the law. Delving into history, he informed that in the year 2002, an amendment was made for regularisation of structures on comunidade land where the cut-off date was pegged at June 2000. "One comunidade went to court and the entire procedure was paralysed," said Jose Philip.
He put the number of such cases of illegal construction on comunidade land at 2515 -- with 2127 in the North and 418 in the South. The options before the government, Jose Philip claimed, were regularisation or demolition. He felt the need for amending the law for enabling the filing of an FIR, registering the encroachment as cognisable offence and seizure of material.
Maid’s torture: State invokes SC/ST Act
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The State police yesterday, yesterday invoked section 3 of the Prevention of Atrocities (SC/ST) Act against the family accused of torturing their maid-servant as the victim belongs to the protected community.
Under this act, the case has to be investigated by an officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or higher.
DySP Gundu Naik has been assigned the case.
A family going by the surname Pednekar residing at Porvorim, was booked earlier this week on charges of torturing -- beating and burning-- their minor maid servant.
The prosecution will file an appeal against the conditional bail granted to one of the three alleged accused owners Audumber alias Shubam Pednekar, by the Children’s Court on Monday.
Official spokesperson of the Goa Police, Superintendent Atmaram Deshpande confirmed that a revision application is being filed in the Bombay High Court at Goa.
Meanwhile, appalled by the state of the minor girl employed by the Pednekar family as domestic help and regularly assaulted by her owners, Save Child Abuse Now (SCAN)-India yesterday sought intervention of the Women and Child Development terming it as a case of ‘child labour’.
Deshpande further revealed that the Porvorim police have recorded the statement of the 10-year-old victim girl, who is still undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim.
Reliable sources have confirmed that according to girl, her employeers Shubham, his wife Meenaxi and sister-in-law Rekha Wagale regularly assaulted her, ever since she was employed at their place, six months back. The anticipatory bail plea of the two females will be heard at the children's court, today.
In yet another revelation, the girl’s salary was picked up by a person (not known) on her behalf, though she was not regularly paid.
In addition, she was forced to sleep in the balcony of her owner’s house and her flesh was burnt, quite often. She was even assaulted by her male owner, earlier.
It was moreover learnt that GMC at Bambolim will constitute a fresh medical board to examine the girl, thoroughly. When contacted GMC Superintendent Dr Rajan Kunkolienkar, however said that they haven’t received any such request from the police.
“We have not been requested for the same. However, if we are requested then we will indeed constitute a board to examine the girl’s old and new bruises,” Kunkolienkar told GT.
He said that personal attention was given to the minor girl’s health and that she would be shifted to a separate room shortly. “We are giving personal attention to the girl. Her food, treatment, etc are all being looked after,” the doctor said.
PANJIM: The State police yesterday, yesterday invoked section 3 of the Prevention of Atrocities (SC/ST) Act against the family accused of torturing their maid-servant as the victim belongs to the protected community.
Under this act, the case has to be investigated by an officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or higher.
DySP Gundu Naik has been assigned the case.
A family going by the surname Pednekar residing at Porvorim, was booked earlier this week on charges of torturing -- beating and burning-- their minor maid servant.
The prosecution will file an appeal against the conditional bail granted to one of the three alleged accused owners Audumber alias Shubam Pednekar, by the Children’s Court on Monday.
Official spokesperson of the Goa Police, Superintendent Atmaram Deshpande confirmed that a revision application is being filed in the Bombay High Court at Goa.
Meanwhile, appalled by the state of the minor girl employed by the Pednekar family as domestic help and regularly assaulted by her owners, Save Child Abuse Now (SCAN)-India yesterday sought intervention of the Women and Child Development terming it as a case of ‘child labour’.
Deshpande further revealed that the Porvorim police have recorded the statement of the 10-year-old victim girl, who is still undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim.
Reliable sources have confirmed that according to girl, her employeers Shubham, his wife Meenaxi and sister-in-law Rekha Wagale regularly assaulted her, ever since she was employed at their place, six months back. The anticipatory bail plea of the two females will be heard at the children's court, today.
In yet another revelation, the girl’s salary was picked up by a person (not known) on her behalf, though she was not regularly paid.
In addition, she was forced to sleep in the balcony of her owner’s house and her flesh was burnt, quite often. She was even assaulted by her male owner, earlier.
It was moreover learnt that GMC at Bambolim will constitute a fresh medical board to examine the girl, thoroughly. When contacted GMC Superintendent Dr Rajan Kunkolienkar, however said that they haven’t received any such request from the police.
“We have not been requested for the same. However, if we are requested then we will indeed constitute a board to examine the girl’s old and new bruises,” Kunkolienkar told GT.
He said that personal attention was given to the minor girl’s health and that she would be shifted to a separate room shortly. “We are giving personal attention to the girl. Her food, treatment, etc are all being looked after,” the doctor said.
Mapusa cops bust gang, net rich haul
By A GT Correspondent
Mapusa: The Mapusa police, on Sunday, arrested three robbers and recovered stolen property worth more than Rs one lakh. The trio have been remanded to five days police custody by JMFC Mapusa.
The three thieves have been identified as Manjunath K Nagraj Achari alias Manja (26), Hanumant Karvat (22) and Sayam Karvat (19).
All three are residents of Carassco waddo-Mapusa and are natives of Karnataka.
According to PI Manjunath Desai the three accused committed are behind the thefts at Acoi, Karaswada and Gaunswado all falling within Mapusa Municipal limits.
The accused were arrested at the Banda check post while they were in a Panjim-Kolhapur MSRTC bus.
Head Constble Arjun Gauns, Sushant Korgaonkar, PC Nilesh Parab, Dinesh Satelkar, Sushant Chopdekar and Prabhakar alias Patrick Parab arrested the accused.
Police have recovered stolen articles such as two cooking gas stoves, cylinders, 3 TV sets, 8 water pumps, one fan, 2 DVD players and Crockery. PI Manjunath Desai assisted by PSI Uday Parab is conducted the investigation under the supervision of DySp Sammy Tavares.
Meanwhile, ASI Shankar Yeram and his team while on night patrolling duty at Housing Board on then night of July 26 night arrested one Govind Pujari (30) and Shivappa Nayak while they were attempting to steal an electricity transformer at Ganeshpuri.
Mapusa: The Mapusa police, on Sunday, arrested three robbers and recovered stolen property worth more than Rs one lakh. The trio have been remanded to five days police custody by JMFC Mapusa.
The three thieves have been identified as Manjunath K Nagraj Achari alias Manja (26), Hanumant Karvat (22) and Sayam Karvat (19).
All three are residents of Carassco waddo-Mapusa and are natives of Karnataka.
According to PI Manjunath Desai the three accused committed are behind the thefts at Acoi, Karaswada and Gaunswado all falling within Mapusa Municipal limits.
The accused were arrested at the Banda check post while they were in a Panjim-Kolhapur MSRTC bus.
Head Constble Arjun Gauns, Sushant Korgaonkar, PC Nilesh Parab, Dinesh Satelkar, Sushant Chopdekar and Prabhakar alias Patrick Parab arrested the accused.
Police have recovered stolen articles such as two cooking gas stoves, cylinders, 3 TV sets, 8 water pumps, one fan, 2 DVD players and Crockery. PI Manjunath Desai assisted by PSI Uday Parab is conducted the investigation under the supervision of DySp Sammy Tavares.
Meanwhile, ASI Shankar Yeram and his team while on night patrolling duty at Housing Board on then night of July 26 night arrested one Govind Pujari (30) and Shivappa Nayak while they were attempting to steal an electricity transformer at Ganeshpuri.
HC directs Candolim p’yat to furnish details
By A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Panjim, yesterday, directed the Candolim panchayat to furnish the details of action initiated against illegal structures sprouted in the fields at Aradi-Candolim by August 10.
The Court directives came after it witnessed heated arguments between the Adv Pranoy Kamat, counsel for the petitioner and the Advocate General Subodh Kantak.
The petitioner John Baptista Sequeira pointed out in 2000 the High Court had passed a judgement banning conversion of tenanted fields and despite of this, illegal constructions were made in fields at Aradi-Candolim. He said that these structures were granted all permissions including occupancy certificate by the panchayat even after he had lodged complaints at all competent authorities.
AG Kantak told the Court that the Mapusa deputy collector was investigting the case and that at present 16 such cases were pending with him. He said that the petitioner did not approach these offices with his complaint. Arguing on behalf of the Candolim panchayat, Adv Nitin Sardessai said that the petitioner did not bother to inquire what action the panchayat had initiated against the illegal structures and when he had every oppotunity to approach the Deputy Director of Panchayats, Panjim.
PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Panjim, yesterday, directed the Candolim panchayat to furnish the details of action initiated against illegal structures sprouted in the fields at Aradi-Candolim by August 10.
The Court directives came after it witnessed heated arguments between the Adv Pranoy Kamat, counsel for the petitioner and the Advocate General Subodh Kantak.
The petitioner John Baptista Sequeira pointed out in 2000 the High Court had passed a judgement banning conversion of tenanted fields and despite of this, illegal constructions were made in fields at Aradi-Candolim. He said that these structures were granted all permissions including occupancy certificate by the panchayat even after he had lodged complaints at all competent authorities.
AG Kantak told the Court that the Mapusa deputy collector was investigting the case and that at present 16 such cases were pending with him. He said that the petitioner did not approach these offices with his complaint. Arguing on behalf of the Candolim panchayat, Adv Nitin Sardessai said that the petitioner did not bother to inquire what action the panchayat had initiated against the illegal structures and when he had every oppotunity to approach the Deputy Director of Panchayats, Panjim.
Buzz at Malim has just begun
With the fishing ban slated to end on July 31, trawler crew members have begun arriving from other states and are gearing up for the season ahead. Vibha Verma speaks to fishermen on difficulties faced at the Malim jetty and the season ahead.
PANJIM: An eerie of silence that prevailed at the seven jetties across the state, has began to transcend into a buzzing zone with the fishing season coming to an end on July 31.
The Fisheries Department has started pooling in resources to give these jetties a facelift to improve the working conditions.
However the Malim jetty is still in a dilaphidated condition despite complaints from the trawler owners and fihing crew working on this jetty.
Malim jetty has over 4,000 workers working on 300 trawlers that venture into the sea for fishing. The workers expects the government to boost the working conditions at the jetty.
Apart from crew members who venture into the sea, presently around 30 workers are untangling purseine nets at the jetty, while others are busy washing nets, cleaning trawlers and mending nets.
The jetty faces numerous problems like its maintenance, expansion, and so forth.
“We expect the government to provide us with more facilities. We require additional 200 meters space at the jetty as against the present 110 meters, as the jetty is getting congested,” said Chairman of the Mandovi Fishermen Co-operative Society Sitakant Parab.
He also added that the congestion at the jetty results in damage of the trawlers parked.
Sitakant complainted that the trawlers parked at the jetty collide into each other with huge waves, strong currents and winds, which lead to their damage.
Of the total trawler boats, 250 are made of wood while remaining are fiber boats which require proper maintenance.
Ironically, ever since Malim jetty was constructed in the year 1996, upto now it has been debarred from water supply despite connection from the Public Works Department (PWD). The jetty users daily require atleast two-lakh litres of water, which they obtain from water tankers.
“The taps are run dry everyday. The society pays for the water tankers daily, which in turn is paid to the society by the trawler owners depending on the volume of water they utilize,” he said adding that their Ice Plant utilizes nearly 50,000 litres of water, everyday.
Insisting on the maintenance and amenities at the existing jetty, Parab brought to notice the need for a ‘Fish Selling Platform’.
“Number of trucks are parked inside the jetty creating a chaos during fish auction, every morning. To avoid this, we have requested the government to provide us with platforms,” he stated further adding that several recommendations to the fisheries ministry did not help. “We were given only assurances.”
Subsides offered by the government however alleviates the encumbrance. The association receives reimbursement for diesel. “We pay Rs 5.60 (market rate) for one-litre of diesel, which the government refunds later,” he said.
The trawlers owners expect this season to be fruitful. As per figures, the total catch at the Malim jetty from April 2008 to March 2009 was 11,500 tones.
He however claimed the society was in profit as it was outfitted with diesel pumps, ice plant, a spare part shop, grocery, workshops, medical facilities, etc. for trawler owners and its workers.
Meanwhile, out of the total labourers working on the trawlers and jetty, atleast 40% workers hail from Karnataka and Orissa each, while the remaining constitute of labours from Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and even Nepal (as they can enter India without a visa).
Besides, under the ‘new welfare schemes for safety of the fishermen’, proposed by the government lately, Parab informed that they received five complimentary ‘Distress Alert Transmitters’ (DAT) from the Coast Guard.
“These are on a trial basis, following which every trawler owner will have to purchase this transmitter.
DAT would benefit the workers on fishing vessels, as it is directly connected to the satellite.
During any emergency the fishermen can press the button of the instrument, and the satellite signal would reach the Coast Guard showing the exact location of the vessel to conduct rescue operation.
PANJIM: An eerie of silence that prevailed at the seven jetties across the state, has began to transcend into a buzzing zone with the fishing season coming to an end on July 31.
The Fisheries Department has started pooling in resources to give these jetties a facelift to improve the working conditions.
However the Malim jetty is still in a dilaphidated condition despite complaints from the trawler owners and fihing crew working on this jetty.
Malim jetty has over 4,000 workers working on 300 trawlers that venture into the sea for fishing. The workers expects the government to boost the working conditions at the jetty.
Apart from crew members who venture into the sea, presently around 30 workers are untangling purseine nets at the jetty, while others are busy washing nets, cleaning trawlers and mending nets.
The jetty faces numerous problems like its maintenance, expansion, and so forth.
“We expect the government to provide us with more facilities. We require additional 200 meters space at the jetty as against the present 110 meters, as the jetty is getting congested,” said Chairman of the Mandovi Fishermen Co-operative Society Sitakant Parab.
He also added that the congestion at the jetty results in damage of the trawlers parked.
Sitakant complainted that the trawlers parked at the jetty collide into each other with huge waves, strong currents and winds, which lead to their damage.
Of the total trawler boats, 250 are made of wood while remaining are fiber boats which require proper maintenance.
Ironically, ever since Malim jetty was constructed in the year 1996, upto now it has been debarred from water supply despite connection from the Public Works Department (PWD). The jetty users daily require atleast two-lakh litres of water, which they obtain from water tankers.
“The taps are run dry everyday. The society pays for the water tankers daily, which in turn is paid to the society by the trawler owners depending on the volume of water they utilize,” he said adding that their Ice Plant utilizes nearly 50,000 litres of water, everyday.
Insisting on the maintenance and amenities at the existing jetty, Parab brought to notice the need for a ‘Fish Selling Platform’.
“Number of trucks are parked inside the jetty creating a chaos during fish auction, every morning. To avoid this, we have requested the government to provide us with platforms,” he stated further adding that several recommendations to the fisheries ministry did not help. “We were given only assurances.”
Subsides offered by the government however alleviates the encumbrance. The association receives reimbursement for diesel. “We pay Rs 5.60 (market rate) for one-litre of diesel, which the government refunds later,” he said.
The trawlers owners expect this season to be fruitful. As per figures, the total catch at the Malim jetty from April 2008 to March 2009 was 11,500 tones.
He however claimed the society was in profit as it was outfitted with diesel pumps, ice plant, a spare part shop, grocery, workshops, medical facilities, etc. for trawler owners and its workers.
Meanwhile, out of the total labourers working on the trawlers and jetty, atleast 40% workers hail from Karnataka and Orissa each, while the remaining constitute of labours from Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and even Nepal (as they can enter India without a visa).
Besides, under the ‘new welfare schemes for safety of the fishermen’, proposed by the government lately, Parab informed that they received five complimentary ‘Distress Alert Transmitters’ (DAT) from the Coast Guard.
“These are on a trial basis, following which every trawler owner will have to purchase this transmitter.
DAT would benefit the workers on fishing vessels, as it is directly connected to the satellite.
During any emergency the fishermen can press the button of the instrument, and the satellite signal would reach the Coast Guard showing the exact location of the vessel to conduct rescue operation.
Modify law on church, state ties: Faleiro
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro yesterday said, the existing law in Goa regulating relations between the Church and the state should be modified for the same reasons and to the same extent as done in Portugal.
He said, the present law was created by the “Concordata” or treaty signed between the Holy See (Vatican) and the Portuguese government in 1940 and enacted during Salazar's dictatorship. It had been repealed in Portugal on the grounds that it was unconstitutional and violative of the democratic constitution that came into force in Portugal in 1974, post-Salazar, he added.
Faleiro was delivering his presidential address at the conference on 'Should there be a law to protect the properties of the Church?' organised by All India Catholic Union (Goa State) and Goa Cultural and Social Centre at the Goa International Centre, Dona Paula.
Faleiro further said, the Church authorities in Portugal supported the repeal of the Concordata of 1940, which was also against the letter and spirit of the Vatican-II Council.
The Concordata of 1940 was then repealed and substituted by the Concordata of 2004. In furtherance of the Concordata of 2004, two joint committees had been created in Portugal consisting of representatives of the Church and of the government. One of the joint committees deals with the interpretation and proper execution of the Concordata.
Faleiro said the Legislative Assembly was competent to enact a new law as this is within the legislative powers granted to it by the concurrent list in the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution. Such laws exist for other other major religions in the country such as the Hindu Endowments Act, the Wafk Board Act and the Sikh Gurudwara Act.
Faleiro, however added that, any such change in the laws should be done in prior consultation with Church authorities and with their co-operation.
Former Supreme Court Judge K T Thomas, in his key-note address said, the Sikh religion, which is one of the smallest religions (in membership) in India, had the “Sikh Gurudwara Act” to govern its properties. Muslims too had also trust properties, the administration of which is governed by the “Wakf Act” and under these legislations the activities were subject to judicial scrutiny, apart from public auditing.
PANJIM: Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro yesterday said, the existing law in Goa regulating relations between the Church and the state should be modified for the same reasons and to the same extent as done in Portugal.
He said, the present law was created by the “Concordata” or treaty signed between the Holy See (Vatican) and the Portuguese government in 1940 and enacted during Salazar's dictatorship. It had been repealed in Portugal on the grounds that it was unconstitutional and violative of the democratic constitution that came into force in Portugal in 1974, post-Salazar, he added.
Faleiro was delivering his presidential address at the conference on 'Should there be a law to protect the properties of the Church?' organised by All India Catholic Union (Goa State) and Goa Cultural and Social Centre at the Goa International Centre, Dona Paula.
Faleiro further said, the Church authorities in Portugal supported the repeal of the Concordata of 1940, which was also against the letter and spirit of the Vatican-II Council.
The Concordata of 1940 was then repealed and substituted by the Concordata of 2004. In furtherance of the Concordata of 2004, two joint committees had been created in Portugal consisting of representatives of the Church and of the government. One of the joint committees deals with the interpretation and proper execution of the Concordata.
Faleiro said the Legislative Assembly was competent to enact a new law as this is within the legislative powers granted to it by the concurrent list in the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution. Such laws exist for other other major religions in the country such as the Hindu Endowments Act, the Wafk Board Act and the Sikh Gurudwara Act.
Faleiro, however added that, any such change in the laws should be done in prior consultation with Church authorities and with their co-operation.
Former Supreme Court Judge K T Thomas, in his key-note address said, the Sikh religion, which is one of the smallest religions (in membership) in India, had the “Sikh Gurudwara Act” to govern its properties. Muslims too had also trust properties, the administration of which is governed by the “Wakf Act” and under these legislations the activities were subject to judicial scrutiny, apart from public auditing.
Handicapped ex-serviceman pedals to Goa
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Prabhajit Singh, ex-sepoy of 4-Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, a handicapped ex-serviceman who undertook a nationwide cycle expedition with the 'Nothing is Impossible' motto, reached Goa yesterday morning.
Singh had joined the army in 1984 and was discharged from service on medical grounds in 1989 when he lost his arm in a train accident.
He embarked on the cycle tour of the nation in January 19, 2009 from Ambala in Haryana and has so far travelled 11,823 kilometres, covering 21 states including Central, North-Eastern and Southern India, in 118 days.
On reaching Bambolim Military Camp, Singh was received by Brig Ashwani Sharma, Commandant 2-Signal Training Centre and Station Commander, Goa Military Station, who presented him a cheque of Rs 15,000. Officers and other ranks of the Centre were also present.
PANJIM: Prabhajit Singh, ex-sepoy of 4-Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, a handicapped ex-serviceman who undertook a nationwide cycle expedition with the 'Nothing is Impossible' motto, reached Goa yesterday morning.
Singh had joined the army in 1984 and was discharged from service on medical grounds in 1989 when he lost his arm in a train accident.
He embarked on the cycle tour of the nation in January 19, 2009 from Ambala in Haryana and has so far travelled 11,823 kilometres, covering 21 states including Central, North-Eastern and Southern India, in 118 days.
On reaching Bambolim Military Camp, Singh was received by Brig Ashwani Sharma, Commandant 2-Signal Training Centre and Station Commander, Goa Military Station, who presented him a cheque of Rs 15,000. Officers and other ranks of the Centre were also present.
No new mine at Dhave: CM
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat yesterday assured Speaker Pratapsing Rane that the government will not allow new mining at Dhave, Sattari in the stretch of Western Ghats even if it was granted environmental clearance by the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment and that non-operating mines will not be renewed.
The Chief Minister also reiterated that the government will close all illegal mines in the state and that all MLAs will be taken into confidence before drafting the new Mining Policy for Goa and see that the interest of the state was protected. He was replying to the discussion of Demands for Grants for mines, industry commerical taxes, art and culture, information techonlogy, etc in the Legislative Assembly.
He told the House that under MMRD Act, if any mine owner applies for renewal of licences after the expiry of his lease licences, the lease continues because this entire process consumes a lot of time for clearance. He said that following demand for low grade iron ore in countries like China, some of the closed mines re-started their operations including the entry of traders into the business. He said that the government passed a regulation to regulate these traders and so far 260 traders had been registered with the Department of Mines, while the officials are checking from where they procured the iron ore and stored.
He said that a committee of officers headed by Chief Conservator of Forests had been authorised to conduct inspections and initiate cation against the illegal mining in the state.
Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar rued that the Government of India was not bothered to check the reports submitted by the public while, the environmental clearances granted by them was also not available on the website. He said that there was 75 per cent increase in mining operation in the state. He said that there were only 74 mines registered in 2004 and the same had increased to 115 mines (though official figure as 108), of which 58 mines were located in Sanguem taluka.
Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar demanded that the government should constitute a House standing committee to look into the complaints of all illegal mining in the state. He said that these illegal mining was doing nothing good for Goa and mining business was increasing despite global recession. He demanded that the NEERI report regarding the working of mining and environmental degradation should be reflected in the draft mining policy.
PANJIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat yesterday assured Speaker Pratapsing Rane that the government will not allow new mining at Dhave, Sattari in the stretch of Western Ghats even if it was granted environmental clearance by the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment and that non-operating mines will not be renewed.
The Chief Minister also reiterated that the government will close all illegal mines in the state and that all MLAs will be taken into confidence before drafting the new Mining Policy for Goa and see that the interest of the state was protected. He was replying to the discussion of Demands for Grants for mines, industry commerical taxes, art and culture, information techonlogy, etc in the Legislative Assembly.
He told the House that under MMRD Act, if any mine owner applies for renewal of licences after the expiry of his lease licences, the lease continues because this entire process consumes a lot of time for clearance. He said that following demand for low grade iron ore in countries like China, some of the closed mines re-started their operations including the entry of traders into the business. He said that the government passed a regulation to regulate these traders and so far 260 traders had been registered with the Department of Mines, while the officials are checking from where they procured the iron ore and stored.
He said that a committee of officers headed by Chief Conservator of Forests had been authorised to conduct inspections and initiate cation against the illegal mining in the state.
Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar rued that the Government of India was not bothered to check the reports submitted by the public while, the environmental clearances granted by them was also not available on the website. He said that there was 75 per cent increase in mining operation in the state. He said that there were only 74 mines registered in 2004 and the same had increased to 115 mines (though official figure as 108), of which 58 mines were located in Sanguem taluka.
Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar demanded that the government should constitute a House standing committee to look into the complaints of all illegal mining in the state. He said that these illegal mining was doing nothing good for Goa and mining business was increasing despite global recession. He demanded that the NEERI report regarding the working of mining and environmental degradation should be reflected in the draft mining policy.
Sherol: Lass who brought smiles from Lisbon
BY JULIO D'SILVA
CHANDOR: Six years of dedication and a disciplined regimen of regular training paid off when Sherol Fernandes won the bronze medal in the below 57 category of Taekwondo at the Lusofonia Games held in Lisbon recently where eight former Portuguese colonies along with the host country participated.
Way back when Sherol was studying in the V standard at Fatima Convent High School, her father noticed her sporting talent as she used to regularly climb the guava tree in their courtyard at Padribhat in San Jose de Areal.
"I do not know why, but I had this brainwave that she would do well in Taekwondo and as classes in this sport were being held in the village, I got her enrolled," disclosed Anicet Sucorro Fernandes.
However, as the classes in the village were irregular, she joined the Taekwondo classes at Margao and kept improving her game. In the very first Nationals that she participated at Manipur in 2005, Sherol bagged a silver.
Her tally of medals at the National level are: two gold won in the year 2007 and 2008 and now taking a place of pride is the Bronze medal at the international tournament won in 2009.
However, Sherol very closely missed the games even though she had trained hard for them for nearly one-and-a-half month including a residential camp - the reason being that she was overweight weighing 64.7 kilograms.
In order to qualify, she started eating cabbage and finally when the tournament commenced, the scales showed her weight to be 56.2 kilos meaning she had reduced 7.5 kgs.
Sherol is very happy with her performance and is grateful to the principal of her school - Shree Damodar Higher Secondary School at Paroda - for giving her the permission to not only participate in the games but also to train for it, missing classes.
"If only my earlier principal had to give me similar permission, maybe I would have participated in an international tournament earlier," rues Sherol.
In December 2007, Sherol was invited to participate in the national Taekwondo camp at Bhopal to select the Indian team for the World Junior Championship and Asian Senior Taekwondo Championship. However, as the principal of Bethany Convent, San Jose de Areal refused to give her any assurance on compensation for missing classes during the training and tournaments, she had to drop out. "I wish the government and schools give us extra marks for the days we miss classes, specially when we win medals and bring honour not only to the State but also the institute we are studying in," opined Sherol.
As the practice sessions were affecting her studies, Sherol's mother Sucorina, at one stage wanted her to stop Taekwondo. However, her father did not agree.
"This sport has made me self confident," discloses Sherol who earlier was a timid child. "For my first match, I was very scared, but after I won it, my confidence rose and today I am no longer afraid of entering the ring," she said.
Sherol has now set her eyes on the Taekwondo Olympics slated to be held in Goa in 2013 while at the same time she is preparing for the West Zone nationals to be held in October this year.
"We have to work very hard and improve our speed," she quipped, when asked about lessons learnt from the Lusofonia Games.
CHANDOR: Six years of dedication and a disciplined regimen of regular training paid off when Sherol Fernandes won the bronze medal in the below 57 category of Taekwondo at the Lusofonia Games held in Lisbon recently where eight former Portuguese colonies along with the host country participated.
Way back when Sherol was studying in the V standard at Fatima Convent High School, her father noticed her sporting talent as she used to regularly climb the guava tree in their courtyard at Padribhat in San Jose de Areal.
"I do not know why, but I had this brainwave that she would do well in Taekwondo and as classes in this sport were being held in the village, I got her enrolled," disclosed Anicet Sucorro Fernandes.
However, as the classes in the village were irregular, she joined the Taekwondo classes at Margao and kept improving her game. In the very first Nationals that she participated at Manipur in 2005, Sherol bagged a silver.
Her tally of medals at the National level are: two gold won in the year 2007 and 2008 and now taking a place of pride is the Bronze medal at the international tournament won in 2009.
However, Sherol very closely missed the games even though she had trained hard for them for nearly one-and-a-half month including a residential camp - the reason being that she was overweight weighing 64.7 kilograms.
In order to qualify, she started eating cabbage and finally when the tournament commenced, the scales showed her weight to be 56.2 kilos meaning she had reduced 7.5 kgs.
Sherol is very happy with her performance and is grateful to the principal of her school - Shree Damodar Higher Secondary School at Paroda - for giving her the permission to not only participate in the games but also to train for it, missing classes.
"If only my earlier principal had to give me similar permission, maybe I would have participated in an international tournament earlier," rues Sherol.
In December 2007, Sherol was invited to participate in the national Taekwondo camp at Bhopal to select the Indian team for the World Junior Championship and Asian Senior Taekwondo Championship. However, as the principal of Bethany Convent, San Jose de Areal refused to give her any assurance on compensation for missing classes during the training and tournaments, she had to drop out. "I wish the government and schools give us extra marks for the days we miss classes, specially when we win medals and bring honour not only to the State but also the institute we are studying in," opined Sherol.
As the practice sessions were affecting her studies, Sherol's mother Sucorina, at one stage wanted her to stop Taekwondo. However, her father did not agree.
"This sport has made me self confident," discloses Sherol who earlier was a timid child. "For my first match, I was very scared, but after I won it, my confidence rose and today I am no longer afraid of entering the ring," she said.
Sherol has now set her eyes on the Taekwondo Olympics slated to be held in Goa in 2013 while at the same time she is preparing for the West Zone nationals to be held in October this year.
"We have to work very hard and improve our speed," she quipped, when asked about lessons learnt from the Lusofonia Games.
Kidnappers booked for murder, illegal possession of weapon
BY A GT REPORTER
MARGAO: The four kidnappers of the Chicalim resident Sayad Ayaz have been booked by the Cuncolim police for an attempt to murder as well as under the Arms act.
An offence under Section 307 IPC and 25 r/w 4 of the Arms act has been filed against the four kidnappers Parriket Dileswhar Handike, Assam, Venkantash G Shrinivas (27), Orissa, Suraj Kumar Jha, Bihar and Imid Ali, Assam after the police recorded the statements of various witnesses from Canaguinim, Betul. Police have also recovered the weapon (a pistol) that the accused used to fire at them when they were chased in the woods at Rajbhag, Cabo de Rama, Canacona.
A bag containing a knife and some documents were also left behind by the accused while trying to escape from the clutches of the police.
The Verna police had earlier detained Suraj's brother Ravi Kumar has been now arrested on the charge of murdering the driver of the Maruti van, Sudan Dabhale of Mapusa on July 17.
Ali, Suraj and his brothers have been all brought on a transfer warrant to Vasco and shall be produced in court for police custody, today, July 28. Meanwhile, the postmortem conducted of the deceased driver Dabhale has revealed that the victim was stabbed in the abdomen and chest and that the throat was slit with a sharp weapon.
Slain taxi driver cremated
Mapusa: The Mapusa police have taken in their custody Ravindra Za (26), the accused involved in the kidnapping and killing Maruti Van driver Sudan Dabhale of Belowado Ucassaim. Za has been remanded to 14 days police custody by JMFC Mapusa.
Meanwhile the last rites of the deceased Sudan Dabhale was performed yesterday evening at Ucassaim. His body was earlier handed over to the relatives after autopsy.
North Goa SP Bosco George visited Mapusa police station to take stock of the investigation and offerd a few tips to DYSP Sammy Tavares and PI Manjunath Desai along with their team. Revealing details, PI Manjunath Desai disclosed that on July 17 around 7.45 pm one Mohamad Ali and his friend hired the Maruti Van of the deceased to go to Verna. He was last seen when he went to refuel the taxi at at around 8 pm at Carvalho petrol pump at Mapusa.
CM announces compensation
PANJIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat yesterday announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the kin of Sudan Dabhale, a taxi driver from Ucassaim, Mapusa who was murdered by four abductors at Consua, near Cansaulim last week.
The Chief Minister also announced a compensation of Rs 25,000 to a minor girl Laxmi Nagappa Rathod, who was allegedly tormented and branded by her employers who had employed her as a maid servant.
MARGAO: The four kidnappers of the Chicalim resident Sayad Ayaz have been booked by the Cuncolim police for an attempt to murder as well as under the Arms act.
An offence under Section 307 IPC and 25 r/w 4 of the Arms act has been filed against the four kidnappers Parriket Dileswhar Handike, Assam, Venkantash G Shrinivas (27), Orissa, Suraj Kumar Jha, Bihar and Imid Ali, Assam after the police recorded the statements of various witnesses from Canaguinim, Betul. Police have also recovered the weapon (a pistol) that the accused used to fire at them when they were chased in the woods at Rajbhag, Cabo de Rama, Canacona.
A bag containing a knife and some documents were also left behind by the accused while trying to escape from the clutches of the police.
The Verna police had earlier detained Suraj's brother Ravi Kumar has been now arrested on the charge of murdering the driver of the Maruti van, Sudan Dabhale of Mapusa on July 17.
Ali, Suraj and his brothers have been all brought on a transfer warrant to Vasco and shall be produced in court for police custody, today, July 28. Meanwhile, the postmortem conducted of the deceased driver Dabhale has revealed that the victim was stabbed in the abdomen and chest and that the throat was slit with a sharp weapon.
Slain taxi driver cremated
Mapusa: The Mapusa police have taken in their custody Ravindra Za (26), the accused involved in the kidnapping and killing Maruti Van driver Sudan Dabhale of Belowado Ucassaim. Za has been remanded to 14 days police custody by JMFC Mapusa.
Meanwhile the last rites of the deceased Sudan Dabhale was performed yesterday evening at Ucassaim. His body was earlier handed over to the relatives after autopsy.
North Goa SP Bosco George visited Mapusa police station to take stock of the investigation and offerd a few tips to DYSP Sammy Tavares and PI Manjunath Desai along with their team. Revealing details, PI Manjunath Desai disclosed that on July 17 around 7.45 pm one Mohamad Ali and his friend hired the Maruti Van of the deceased to go to Verna. He was last seen when he went to refuel the taxi at at around 8 pm at Carvalho petrol pump at Mapusa.
CM announces compensation
PANJIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat yesterday announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the kin of Sudan Dabhale, a taxi driver from Ucassaim, Mapusa who was murdered by four abductors at Consua, near Cansaulim last week.
The Chief Minister also announced a compensation of Rs 25,000 to a minor girl Laxmi Nagappa Rathod, who was allegedly tormented and branded by her employers who had employed her as a maid servant.
Ravi: New law on casinos soon
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Home Minister Ravi Naik yesterday stated in the Legislative Assembly that the government will soon draft a comprehensive legislation encompassing modern day casino gaming rules and stringent verification of antecedence of licence holder including financial position.
Replying to the discussion on Demands for Grants for home, Goa police and prosecution, Ravi said the government will ensure there was no revenue loss in casino operation and that its interest will be protected as always it has.
He further assured that no illegal casino will be allowed to operate in the state, adding that legislators will be taken into confidence before enacting the law.
However, he said those operators who had not met statutory requirements had been given time to produce the same taking into consideration that hundreds of Goan youth were employed with decent remuneration.
PANJIM: Home Minister Ravi Naik yesterday stated in the Legislative Assembly that the government will soon draft a comprehensive legislation encompassing modern day casino gaming rules and stringent verification of antecedence of licence holder including financial position.
Replying to the discussion on Demands for Grants for home, Goa police and prosecution, Ravi said the government will ensure there was no revenue loss in casino operation and that its interest will be protected as always it has.
He further assured that no illegal casino will be allowed to operate in the state, adding that legislators will be taken into confidence before enacting the law.
However, he said those operators who had not met statutory requirements had been given time to produce the same taking into consideration that hundreds of Goan youth were employed with decent remuneration.
Mickky to get tough on casinos
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: All activities in five casinos operating in river Mandovi are to be sealed. These erring casinos continue to operate despite their NOCs having expired (See Box on Pg 2).
This matter echoed in the House yesterday as Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar pointed out to the glaring irregularities in this regard. Compounding matters further for the government, the opposition leader also showed how the Advocate General had adopted a contradictory stand on this issue. This prompted the Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco to announce the sealing of all activities on the errant five casinos in tune with Parrikar's demand for the same.
The issue had its genesis in the blatantly illegal way casinos continued operations in river Mandovi. Parrikar said their NOCs have long expired.
To start with, the Tourism Minister informed that letters have been served to all six owners of casino vessels directing them to shift from river Mandovi to outer anchorage at Aguada Bay. "Wherein, they have filed a writ petition in the High Court of Bombay at Goa challenging the said letters. The Advocate General made a statement that in the meanwhile, no action will be taken pursuant to the impugned communication," said Pacheco.
At this stage, Parrikar was quick to point to the Cabinet Note listed in the miscellaneous agenda of the cabinet meet dated 23 February, 2009. "While the AG's note mentions that the casino vessels need to be moved to the Aguada Bay as vessels in Mandovi face navigational problems, why did the AG tell the Court that no action has to be taken in this matter?" questioned Parrikar. "Why no action was taken after the NOCs of these vessels expired?" Parrikar asked Pacheco when the latter sought to take refuge under the premise that these vessels were asked to move to Aguada Bay after their NOCs had expired. "Why has the Captain of Ports not stopped operations on these five casinos when they are not having NOCs. Why are you not stopping operations other than plying on these five casinos? questioned Parrikar.
The issue took an interesting turn when the Speaker opined that the AG can be summoned to the House in case the Minister finds it difficult to justify his stand. Pacheco finally bowed to Parrikar's demand and promise to seal all activities on these five casinos.
PANJIM: All activities in five casinos operating in river Mandovi are to be sealed. These erring casinos continue to operate despite their NOCs having expired (See Box on Pg 2).
This matter echoed in the House yesterday as Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar pointed out to the glaring irregularities in this regard. Compounding matters further for the government, the opposition leader also showed how the Advocate General had adopted a contradictory stand on this issue. This prompted the Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco to announce the sealing of all activities on the errant five casinos in tune with Parrikar's demand for the same.
The issue had its genesis in the blatantly illegal way casinos continued operations in river Mandovi. Parrikar said their NOCs have long expired.
To start with, the Tourism Minister informed that letters have been served to all six owners of casino vessels directing them to shift from river Mandovi to outer anchorage at Aguada Bay. "Wherein, they have filed a writ petition in the High Court of Bombay at Goa challenging the said letters. The Advocate General made a statement that in the meanwhile, no action will be taken pursuant to the impugned communication," said Pacheco.
At this stage, Parrikar was quick to point to the Cabinet Note listed in the miscellaneous agenda of the cabinet meet dated 23 February, 2009. "While the AG's note mentions that the casino vessels need to be moved to the Aguada Bay as vessels in Mandovi face navigational problems, why did the AG tell the Court that no action has to be taken in this matter?" questioned Parrikar. "Why no action was taken after the NOCs of these vessels expired?" Parrikar asked Pacheco when the latter sought to take refuge under the premise that these vessels were asked to move to Aguada Bay after their NOCs had expired. "Why has the Captain of Ports not stopped operations on these five casinos when they are not having NOCs. Why are you not stopping operations other than plying on these five casinos? questioned Parrikar.
The issue took an interesting turn when the Speaker opined that the AG can be summoned to the House in case the Minister finds it difficult to justify his stand. Pacheco finally bowed to Parrikar's demand and promise to seal all activities on these five casinos.
Govt to suspend erring policemen
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Home Minister Ravi Naik yesterday warned that the government would suspend any police officer refusing to register a complaint of any nature.
Ravi gave the warning while replying to the Demands for Grants for Police, Home, Prosecution, Jails, Home Guards, etc in the Legislative Assembly.
He said that persons visiting at the police station along with their grievances/complaints should be heard politely and their grievances solved. He said that reception counters had been opened at the police station in order to get friendly relation with the police. He said that community policing had been maintained and police-public interaction were held to solve their problems/grievances on the spot.
He said that a full-fledged missing person squad had been constituted to investigate and follow up cases of missing persons. It will maintain database of all missing persons anmd will help the various investigating officers at all police stations.
He strongly denied that the police transfer were effected in violation of the Supreme Court directives. He said that in pursuance of the directions by the apex court, the government had constituted Police Establishment Board to recommend the postings and transfers of officers of and above the rank of Superintendent of Police.
The Home Minister informed the member that the Goa Police would raise its second Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) comprising 1007 personnel, in order to tackle law and order problems and to strengthen the internal security of the state. The recruitment process for this battalion had already started while, the government was in the process of creating infrastructure for stationing Battalions at suitable place from where this manpower could be reached in shortest possible time at the place of need.
He told the House that the government was proposing to acquire Firing Training Simulator for improving the aiming and marks manship of the Goa police. He said that the Eagle Force launched recently would be expanded. The government is also considering to acquire Laser Speed Radar for the Police Traffic Cell, he said adding that full-fledged traffic cells would be set up at Curchorem, Calangute and Ponda.
He said that the government would procure additional weapons such as 150 rifle AK 47 folding butt 7.62 mm and 350 pistol Glock-269X19 mm under the police modernisation scheme.
He said that the process was on to recruit additional 250 Home Guards to supplement the workload of the Traffic Police, etc in the state. The government had enhanced the honorarium of Home Guards after seven years from Rs 150 per day to Rs 200 per day while, it was also examining the idea of providing comprehensive group insurance cover to Home Guards.
The Home Minister claimed that the conviction rate in courts in serious cases was high last year compared to 2007 and that police officers were sent to various Institutes in India for upgrading their investigating skills. Referring to the eight accused released on bail in connection with the seizure of swords case at Margao, Ravi said that the government would take appropriate decision to prosecute them under section 153-A of IPC.
Earlier, the opposition members charged that the government had failed to investigate the cases of temple desecration and failed to investigate the sword cases of Margao with seriousness it deserved. They said that the government failed to improve the conviction rates in courts and failed to curb menace of drug dealing.
The opposition members further alleged that the government failed to maintain sanctity of Supreme Court decision in matters of police transfer and failed to prevent politicisation of police transfers thereby making it ineffective.
PANJIM: Home Minister Ravi Naik yesterday warned that the government would suspend any police officer refusing to register a complaint of any nature.
Ravi gave the warning while replying to the Demands for Grants for Police, Home, Prosecution, Jails, Home Guards, etc in the Legislative Assembly.
He said that persons visiting at the police station along with their grievances/complaints should be heard politely and their grievances solved. He said that reception counters had been opened at the police station in order to get friendly relation with the police. He said that community policing had been maintained and police-public interaction were held to solve their problems/grievances on the spot.
He said that a full-fledged missing person squad had been constituted to investigate and follow up cases of missing persons. It will maintain database of all missing persons anmd will help the various investigating officers at all police stations.
He strongly denied that the police transfer were effected in violation of the Supreme Court directives. He said that in pursuance of the directions by the apex court, the government had constituted Police Establishment Board to recommend the postings and transfers of officers of and above the rank of Superintendent of Police.
The Home Minister informed the member that the Goa Police would raise its second Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) comprising 1007 personnel, in order to tackle law and order problems and to strengthen the internal security of the state. The recruitment process for this battalion had already started while, the government was in the process of creating infrastructure for stationing Battalions at suitable place from where this manpower could be reached in shortest possible time at the place of need.
He told the House that the government was proposing to acquire Firing Training Simulator for improving the aiming and marks manship of the Goa police. He said that the Eagle Force launched recently would be expanded. The government is also considering to acquire Laser Speed Radar for the Police Traffic Cell, he said adding that full-fledged traffic cells would be set up at Curchorem, Calangute and Ponda.
He said that the government would procure additional weapons such as 150 rifle AK 47 folding butt 7.62 mm and 350 pistol Glock-269X19 mm under the police modernisation scheme.
He said that the process was on to recruit additional 250 Home Guards to supplement the workload of the Traffic Police, etc in the state. The government had enhanced the honorarium of Home Guards after seven years from Rs 150 per day to Rs 200 per day while, it was also examining the idea of providing comprehensive group insurance cover to Home Guards.
The Home Minister claimed that the conviction rate in courts in serious cases was high last year compared to 2007 and that police officers were sent to various Institutes in India for upgrading their investigating skills. Referring to the eight accused released on bail in connection with the seizure of swords case at Margao, Ravi said that the government would take appropriate decision to prosecute them under section 153-A of IPC.
Earlier, the opposition members charged that the government had failed to investigate the cases of temple desecration and failed to investigate the sword cases of Margao with seriousness it deserved. They said that the government failed to improve the conviction rates in courts and failed to curb menace of drug dealing.
The opposition members further alleged that the government failed to maintain sanctity of Supreme Court decision in matters of police transfer and failed to prevent politicisation of police transfers thereby making it ineffective.
Exit mining, enter service industry
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: A growth rate of 10 per cent per annum; gradual decline of the primary sector and rise of the service or tertiary sector are all indications that the Goan economy is modernizing and the state is marching ahead.
Figures mentioned in the Economic Survey 2008-09 which was released yesterday showed that the contribution of the primary sector comprising agriculture, mining, fishing and forests to the state domestic product has declined from 11.3 per cent in 2001-02 to 10.42 per cent in 2007-08.
The number of workers in the agriculture sector has declined from 60 per cent of the total workforce in 1960 to 27.5 % in 1991 to 16.6 % according to the 2001 census.
“This may be attributed to the high cost of cultivation, pressure on land due to heavy urbanization leading to less economic viability in relative terms,” the reports stated.
The value added by forestry and logging also declined in real terms as cutting trees is banned in the state.
Admitting that fish production is the state had remained static, the report noted that in 2008 the total fish catch was 93,000 tonnes as compared to 94,000 tonnes the previous year.
At the time of liberation mining contributed about 17 per cent of the state income. Today the value added by the sector is les than 4 %.
However, the secondary sector, which included manufacturing units, electricity, gas, water supply and construction, has grown to fill in the void created by the decline of the primary sector.
The share of value addition in the state domestic product under this sector has increased from 8 % at the time of liberation to 34.34 per cent at present.
The pride of place goes to the tertiary sector, which led by the tourism industry, has become the main stay of the Goan economy. This sector has grown in leaps and bounds, increasing from 49.26 per cent in 2001-02 to 55.24 % in 2007-08.
In keeping with the demands of the 11th five year plan, the government now plans to focus on fast inclusive growth with greater emphasis on social security, enhanced quality of education and health care facilities, quality infrastructure, water supply, solid waste management and IT knowledge economy.
The expenditure in the first two years of the 11th five year plan has risen from Rs 1224.50 crore in in 2007-08 to Rs 1400. 89 crore in 2008-09.
PANJIM: A growth rate of 10 per cent per annum; gradual decline of the primary sector and rise of the service or tertiary sector are all indications that the Goan economy is modernizing and the state is marching ahead.
Figures mentioned in the Economic Survey 2008-09 which was released yesterday showed that the contribution of the primary sector comprising agriculture, mining, fishing and forests to the state domestic product has declined from 11.3 per cent in 2001-02 to 10.42 per cent in 2007-08.
The number of workers in the agriculture sector has declined from 60 per cent of the total workforce in 1960 to 27.5 % in 1991 to 16.6 % according to the 2001 census.
“This may be attributed to the high cost of cultivation, pressure on land due to heavy urbanization leading to less economic viability in relative terms,” the reports stated.
The value added by forestry and logging also declined in real terms as cutting trees is banned in the state.
Admitting that fish production is the state had remained static, the report noted that in 2008 the total fish catch was 93,000 tonnes as compared to 94,000 tonnes the previous year.
At the time of liberation mining contributed about 17 per cent of the state income. Today the value added by the sector is les than 4 %.
However, the secondary sector, which included manufacturing units, electricity, gas, water supply and construction, has grown to fill in the void created by the decline of the primary sector.
The share of value addition in the state domestic product under this sector has increased from 8 % at the time of liberation to 34.34 per cent at present.
The pride of place goes to the tertiary sector, which led by the tourism industry, has become the main stay of the Goan economy. This sector has grown in leaps and bounds, increasing from 49.26 per cent in 2001-02 to 55.24 % in 2007-08.
In keeping with the demands of the 11th five year plan, the government now plans to focus on fast inclusive growth with greater emphasis on social security, enhanced quality of education and health care facilities, quality infrastructure, water supply, solid waste management and IT knowledge economy.
The expenditure in the first two years of the 11th five year plan has risen from Rs 1224.50 crore in in 2007-08 to Rs 1400. 89 crore in 2008-09.
IN BLACK AND WHITE
‘Chorao-Madel p’yat fails to utilise grants’
BY GERARD D'SOUZA
PANJIM: While many panchayats claim shortage of funds, and others say they can just about manage, the Village Panchayat of Chorao-Madel has in hand a total closing balance of Rs 12.47 lakh.
According to the Audit report for the year 2007-08, the panchayat recorded a total income of Rs 19.76 lakh of which 8.06 lakh came in the form of government grants and the rest in the form of taxes and royalties collected by the panchayat.
However the large amount of money in hand is not necessarily a good sign. A bulk of this finds its source in unutilized funds of the panchayat. The panchayat has not spent a paise on either the Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRA) or the Goa Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. This despite the government allotting one-lakh under the SGRA during the year and the panchayat itself having almost 4-lakh carried over from the previous year under the two schemes.
A total of 7.5 lakh has remained in the kitty of these two schemes making up more than half of the closing balance.
The audit report also pointed out various irregularities by the panchayat. The Sarpanch has not certified the paid bills towards stationery etc. So also he has not attested the entries in the cash book. The panchayat has not maintained a separate cash book for the GREGS and SGRY schemes and has instead incorporated the entries in the general cash book.
The panchayat has exceeded its prescribed limit of 25,000 on expenditure purchased stationery by Rs 6,227.
This is not the case of this year itself but ever since 2000-01. Thus the total exceeded expenditure has touched Rs 74,047 which has not been approved. The report suggests that the panchayat obtain approval for this expenditure.
The audit report also found that during the year the panchayat collected Rs 2.75 lakh of taxes which amounts to just 36% percent of the total demand. Of the Rs 4.82 lakh of all (House, professional, light, cycle, cart and dog taxes), yet to be collected Rs 3.56 lakh itself comes from house tax.
Besides this, the last re-assessment of house tax was done in the year 1999-2000 and was valid up to the year 2003.
Reassessment of taxes which was due in the year 2005-06 has not been done till date.
It has also been brought to notice that the panchayat has executed various sundry jobs at the cost of Rs 18,575 and has not kept any record of the same and hence the reasonablity of the payments could not be verified in the audit.
The panchayat also issued 23 construction licences during the year and collected Rs 71,417 all of which has been found in order. However in the case if illegal constructions, another three cases cropped up during the year adding to the existing eight making the number of unsettled cases to 11, none of which were settled during the year.
The audit report ends by suggesting that the Panchayat improve it financial position by making all efforts to recover arrears of taxes and rent amounting to Rs 4.86 lakh along with a 10% penalty.
BY GERARD D'SOUZA
PANJIM: While many panchayats claim shortage of funds, and others say they can just about manage, the Village Panchayat of Chorao-Madel has in hand a total closing balance of Rs 12.47 lakh.
According to the Audit report for the year 2007-08, the panchayat recorded a total income of Rs 19.76 lakh of which 8.06 lakh came in the form of government grants and the rest in the form of taxes and royalties collected by the panchayat.
However the large amount of money in hand is not necessarily a good sign. A bulk of this finds its source in unutilized funds of the panchayat. The panchayat has not spent a paise on either the Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRA) or the Goa Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. This despite the government allotting one-lakh under the SGRA during the year and the panchayat itself having almost 4-lakh carried over from the previous year under the two schemes.
A total of 7.5 lakh has remained in the kitty of these two schemes making up more than half of the closing balance.
The audit report also pointed out various irregularities by the panchayat. The Sarpanch has not certified the paid bills towards stationery etc. So also he has not attested the entries in the cash book. The panchayat has not maintained a separate cash book for the GREGS and SGRY schemes and has instead incorporated the entries in the general cash book.
The panchayat has exceeded its prescribed limit of 25,000 on expenditure purchased stationery by Rs 6,227.
This is not the case of this year itself but ever since 2000-01. Thus the total exceeded expenditure has touched Rs 74,047 which has not been approved. The report suggests that the panchayat obtain approval for this expenditure.
The audit report also found that during the year the panchayat collected Rs 2.75 lakh of taxes which amounts to just 36% percent of the total demand. Of the Rs 4.82 lakh of all (House, professional, light, cycle, cart and dog taxes), yet to be collected Rs 3.56 lakh itself comes from house tax.
Besides this, the last re-assessment of house tax was done in the year 1999-2000 and was valid up to the year 2003.
Reassessment of taxes which was due in the year 2005-06 has not been done till date.
It has also been brought to notice that the panchayat has executed various sundry jobs at the cost of Rs 18,575 and has not kept any record of the same and hence the reasonablity of the payments could not be verified in the audit.
The panchayat also issued 23 construction licences during the year and collected Rs 71,417 all of which has been found in order. However in the case if illegal constructions, another three cases cropped up during the year adding to the existing eight making the number of unsettled cases to 11, none of which were settled during the year.
The audit report ends by suggesting that the Panchayat improve it financial position by making all efforts to recover arrears of taxes and rent amounting to Rs 4.86 lakh along with a 10% penalty.
Jose Philip promises inquiry
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The Minister for Factories and Boilers Jose Filipe D'Souza yesterday promised to inquire into the reasons leading to the blast in Global Ispat. The assurance came close on the heels of Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik highlighting negligence of the operator to be the main cause behind the blast.
Naik said the negligence of the operator handling the ground leakage relay trip led to molten lava at 1500 degrees celsius into water which caused the blast. He wanted to know whether the attendance register of that day was confiscated by the authorities. Earlier, the Minister was quick to inform that out of a total of eight inspectors recruited for inspection, the Department was left with just four inspectors. Naik charged that there was no industrial safety in Goa as exemplified by the blast. On his part, the Minister promised to inquire into the blast at Global Ispat.
Art and culture
The Art and Culture Department will now have to conduct an awareness drive of their schemes under the Tribal Sub Plan for the benefit of tribal communities. For this, they will hold meetings with tribal clubs to take this task to its logical conclusion. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat assured Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar to undertake such an exercise in tune with the demands of the latter.
Earlier, Tawadkar wanted the government to sanction grants earmarked under the Tribal Sub Plan to tribal cultural groups.
He expressed concern over the non-disbursal of grants despite their availabilty under the aforesaid Plan. Rising to reply, Kamat said Rs 123 lakhs under the Plan are earmarked this year for disbursal to cultural groups. This disbursal, Kamat said, varies in accordance with the nature of Sammelans divided into different categories -- national level, state level and taluka level. " While increasing the disbursal of grants, we see that the limit is within the system," informed the Chief Minister.
Desilting of Valvanti river
The government has been undertaking desilting of Valvanti river in Bicholim taluka at an expenditure of Rs 6.6 crores, informed Minister for Water Resources Filip Neri Rodrigues. While two tenders have already been floated, the third one is expected to be in the pipeline soon. A retaining wall of 300 metres will also be built, promised Rodrigues. Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar wanted the government to acquire some land for this purpose, Rodrigues requested Patnekar's help for obtaining NOC from the land owner.
PANJIM: The Minister for Factories and Boilers Jose Filipe D'Souza yesterday promised to inquire into the reasons leading to the blast in Global Ispat. The assurance came close on the heels of Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik highlighting negligence of the operator to be the main cause behind the blast.
Naik said the negligence of the operator handling the ground leakage relay trip led to molten lava at 1500 degrees celsius into water which caused the blast. He wanted to know whether the attendance register of that day was confiscated by the authorities. Earlier, the Minister was quick to inform that out of a total of eight inspectors recruited for inspection, the Department was left with just four inspectors. Naik charged that there was no industrial safety in Goa as exemplified by the blast. On his part, the Minister promised to inquire into the blast at Global Ispat.
Art and culture
The Art and Culture Department will now have to conduct an awareness drive of their schemes under the Tribal Sub Plan for the benefit of tribal communities. For this, they will hold meetings with tribal clubs to take this task to its logical conclusion. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat assured Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar to undertake such an exercise in tune with the demands of the latter.
Earlier, Tawadkar wanted the government to sanction grants earmarked under the Tribal Sub Plan to tribal cultural groups.
He expressed concern over the non-disbursal of grants despite their availabilty under the aforesaid Plan. Rising to reply, Kamat said Rs 123 lakhs under the Plan are earmarked this year for disbursal to cultural groups. This disbursal, Kamat said, varies in accordance with the nature of Sammelans divided into different categories -- national level, state level and taluka level. " While increasing the disbursal of grants, we see that the limit is within the system," informed the Chief Minister.
Desilting of Valvanti river
The government has been undertaking desilting of Valvanti river in Bicholim taluka at an expenditure of Rs 6.6 crores, informed Minister for Water Resources Filip Neri Rodrigues. While two tenders have already been floated, the third one is expected to be in the pipeline soon. A retaining wall of 300 metres will also be built, promised Rodrigues. Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar wanted the government to acquire some land for this purpose, Rodrigues requested Patnekar's help for obtaining NOC from the land owner.
Oppose Bainguinim garbage site, CSJP urges all MLAs
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) yesterday furnished memorandum to individual legislators asking to withdraw the Bainguinim site as garbage dumping ground. Spokesperson for CSJP Fr Maverick Fernandes told GT that it issued the said letters to all 40 legislators, yesterday.
Besides, a circular was read at all Churches of Goa on Sunday asking parishioners to come together to oppose the Bainguinim site for dumping garbage, since it would harm the historical monuments in Old Goa. The circular was re-sent to all Churches, which was earlier submitted to the Government in March 2008 citing various reasons on why the site should not be acquired.
“Despite that the government in course of time acquired the land at Bainguinim to unload garbage. We made another representation asking not to hand over the site to Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) because soon after the garbage dumping session would begin it would harm the historical monuments, religious institutions, etc in the area,” Fr Maverick spoke to GT over the government’s failure to heed to the issue, put forth several times. The organisation has appealed the parishioners to request their concerned MLAs across the state to make use of their office to oppose the site. Expressing grave concern over the issue, Fr Maverick said, “This is not only confined to Old Goa but all over the state.
This place is an important venue for various reasons. Also, if a garbage site begins here, UNESCO may de-notify the already notified monuments.”
PANJIM: Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) yesterday furnished memorandum to individual legislators asking to withdraw the Bainguinim site as garbage dumping ground. Spokesperson for CSJP Fr Maverick Fernandes told GT that it issued the said letters to all 40 legislators, yesterday.
Besides, a circular was read at all Churches of Goa on Sunday asking parishioners to come together to oppose the Bainguinim site for dumping garbage, since it would harm the historical monuments in Old Goa. The circular was re-sent to all Churches, which was earlier submitted to the Government in March 2008 citing various reasons on why the site should not be acquired.
“Despite that the government in course of time acquired the land at Bainguinim to unload garbage. We made another representation asking not to hand over the site to Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) because soon after the garbage dumping session would begin it would harm the historical monuments, religious institutions, etc in the area,” Fr Maverick spoke to GT over the government’s failure to heed to the issue, put forth several times. The organisation has appealed the parishioners to request their concerned MLAs across the state to make use of their office to oppose the site. Expressing grave concern over the issue, Fr Maverick said, “This is not only confined to Old Goa but all over the state.
This place is an important venue for various reasons. Also, if a garbage site begins here, UNESCO may de-notify the already notified monuments.”
Goa Board grants recognition to Cambridge students
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM:The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has announced its recognition for students holding Cambridge IGCSE qualifications from University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The announcement agrees with the prior notification from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
The regulation states that ‘Students passing out with five subjects from University of Cambridge International Examinations have been granted equivalency by this Board. It is further informed that this Board grants equivalency on a case by case basis only after referring the same to the Association of Indian Universities.’ The regulation means that five Cambridge IGCSE passes of Grade C or above are equivalent to Standard X from any Indian board.
Ian Chambers, CIE Regional Manager, South Asia welcomed the announcement. He said: ‘The decision by the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education recognises that Cambridge IGCSE is a gateway to progression in Goa. It is good news for Cambridge students in Goa because it will smooth their progression to Plus 2 studies if they so choose.
Goa joins a number of states across India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, who clearly welcome Cambridge students.’
CIE qualifications are accepted by universities across the world and within India, and are recognised as a benchmark of academic success at Grade X and Plus Two.
PANJIM:The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has announced its recognition for students holding Cambridge IGCSE qualifications from University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The announcement agrees with the prior notification from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
The regulation states that ‘Students passing out with five subjects from University of Cambridge International Examinations have been granted equivalency by this Board. It is further informed that this Board grants equivalency on a case by case basis only after referring the same to the Association of Indian Universities.’ The regulation means that five Cambridge IGCSE passes of Grade C or above are equivalent to Standard X from any Indian board.
Ian Chambers, CIE Regional Manager, South Asia welcomed the announcement. He said: ‘The decision by the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education recognises that Cambridge IGCSE is a gateway to progression in Goa. It is good news for Cambridge students in Goa because it will smooth their progression to Plus 2 studies if they so choose.
Goa joins a number of states across India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, who clearly welcome Cambridge students.’
CIE qualifications are accepted by universities across the world and within India, and are recognised as a benchmark of academic success at Grade X and Plus Two.
‘Mining in Korgao to be stopped’
Parrikar, Sopte, Parsekar cry foul on illegal mines
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Illegal excavation of ore from Korgao mines in Pernem taluka and the illegally set up washing plant in the river bed figured in the House during the Question Hour yesterday.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat promised to stop this activity at Korgao with immediate effect.
Pernem MLA Dayanand Sopte highlighted the irregularities in the mining activity at Korgao and was supported by opposition leader Manohar Parrikar and Mandrem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar.
After lodging a complaint against this activity in Korgao in November, Sopte said the Committee paid a visit to the site without informing the complainant -- the Korgao panchayat.
He was also irked over the non-submission of the report by the Committee's after its visit.
" The mine does not have a licence, it does not have permission from Mines Department and now the construction of huts is in progress. Yet, the Committee has taken no action," claimed Sopte.
According to Sopte, the mine owner claims that this mine is in his private property.
Parrikar stated that out of 42 mines inspected by the Committee, the Action Taken Reports(ATRs) in 30 matters relates to Departments like Wild Life, Forests and Water Resources.
Parrikar pointed out that the mining activity carried out in the forest areas, especially in mine no 20/51 at Maulinguem (Sanguem) in Mahavir Wild Life sanctuary and washing plant illegally set up in the river bed in Sanguem.
" The Director of Mines is the Member Secretary of this Committee.
In case he comes across an illegal mine, he still waits for the report of the Committee?," Parrikar asked the House.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat informed that after the inspection, mining activity in Korgao was stopped. Parrikar took strong objection to this by categorically stating that the mining activity continues in Korgao.
It was at this stage that the Chief Minister rose to assure the House that this activity will be stopped with immediate effect.
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Illegal excavation of ore from Korgao mines in Pernem taluka and the illegally set up washing plant in the river bed figured in the House during the Question Hour yesterday.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat promised to stop this activity at Korgao with immediate effect.
Pernem MLA Dayanand Sopte highlighted the irregularities in the mining activity at Korgao and was supported by opposition leader Manohar Parrikar and Mandrem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar.
After lodging a complaint against this activity in Korgao in November, Sopte said the Committee paid a visit to the site without informing the complainant -- the Korgao panchayat.
He was also irked over the non-submission of the report by the Committee's after its visit.
" The mine does not have a licence, it does not have permission from Mines Department and now the construction of huts is in progress. Yet, the Committee has taken no action," claimed Sopte.
According to Sopte, the mine owner claims that this mine is in his private property.
Parrikar stated that out of 42 mines inspected by the Committee, the Action Taken Reports(ATRs) in 30 matters relates to Departments like Wild Life, Forests and Water Resources.
Parrikar pointed out that the mining activity carried out in the forest areas, especially in mine no 20/51 at Maulinguem (Sanguem) in Mahavir Wild Life sanctuary and washing plant illegally set up in the river bed in Sanguem.
" The Director of Mines is the Member Secretary of this Committee.
In case he comes across an illegal mine, he still waits for the report of the Committee?," Parrikar asked the House.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat informed that after the inspection, mining activity in Korgao was stopped. Parrikar took strong objection to this by categorically stating that the mining activity continues in Korgao.
It was at this stage that the Chief Minister rose to assure the House that this activity will be stopped with immediate effect.
NEW HEROES
Assolna villagers unite to set DRP 2021 right
Major heritage landmarks, roads, bridges were left out
BY SHENON LEMOS
ASSOLNA: Just like other Goan villages, Assolna was no exception as the villagers found most of its landmarks left out from the Regional Plan (RP) 2021 that had been prepared by the Task Force appointed by the government.
Responsible denizens of Assolna held ward-wise meetings to provide an opportunity to the residents of Assolna to express their views about the RP 2021.
The village committee comprised of approximately 21 members, including the panchayat members held eight meetings wherein the committee members interacted with the officials of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) at the village panchayat office.
Town Planner S M Bykod and draughtsman Francisco D'Sousa gave their valuable assistance to Assonakars in understanding the maps better.
"At the gram sabha, we were nominated by our villagers. While I, too had an earnest feeling to do something for my village by protecting our land and minimising any further damage," exclaimed a committe member, Tony Fernandes who is a business man, by profession.
Sunny Dias, an engineer added "We were not aware what was wrong with the earlier RP 2011, so this time I thought it would be a good opportunity to know more about this RP 2021 and do something for my village, so I, too, pitched in."
Hurdles faced
Difficulties did arise, as the data supplied to us was of poor quality, informed Sunny.
"Out of the three maps supplied to the Assolna panchayat, two maps are of the village of Assolna (scale 1:5000) wherein the maps contained many errors and omissions. Our village panchayat on one map was denoted as VP-l, while on the other, it is shown as VP-3, confusing the real facts," he added.
"As per the plan provided many internal village roads were depicted incomplete or shown in the wrong place and wrong scale. No distinction was made between the actual existing roads, bridges and the proposed development. A non-existent bridge has been shown to exist at the ferry point, a few hundred meters downstream from the existing bridge over the River Sal," he remarked.
"The village committee tried its best with the limited resources at its disposal to correct these errors by putting forth a new plan for our village," stated the Assolna sarpanch Joaquim.
Landmarks missed
Some of the landmarks that were missed out in the map included Regina Martyrum Church, Regina Martyrum cemeteries (old and new), Monument of Christ the King, Regina Martyrum School. "The monument of Christ the King is a heritage structure. The only one of its kind in India and probably the second in Asia (the other being in Karachi-Pakistan) so we have made the necessary changes," stated Tony.
Besides, the Maruti Temple (Orel), Bethal temple (Assolna village square), Hindu crematorium (the southern bank of the River Sal upstream of the existing bridge). These religious structures that are of great significance to our Hindu residents were also missed out, the Assolna resident pointed out.
The huge cross monument in the village square also of great historical significance and other public utilities and buildings such as the village post office, market complex, Lohia Chowk, sports complex, Children's Park were also included in the new plan.
Comments about satisfaction
When asked whether they were satisfied about the task set before them of preparing the plan for the entire Assolna village?
Sunny said, "whether the plan set up by us is taken into account or not, will remain a question. But I wanted to do something for my village and I am satisfied that I was a part of the committee." Tony opined, "Satisfaction depends, if recommendations put forth by us, is taken into account and is implemented. That would be a great feeling. But if this is an eyewash exercise, then it will be very disappointing. But if our suggestions are taken into the new Regional Plan 2021 then things for our state also will move into the right decision."
Major heritage landmarks, roads, bridges were left out
BY SHENON LEMOS
ASSOLNA: Just like other Goan villages, Assolna was no exception as the villagers found most of its landmarks left out from the Regional Plan (RP) 2021 that had been prepared by the Task Force appointed by the government.
Responsible denizens of Assolna held ward-wise meetings to provide an opportunity to the residents of Assolna to express their views about the RP 2021.
The village committee comprised of approximately 21 members, including the panchayat members held eight meetings wherein the committee members interacted with the officials of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) at the village panchayat office.
Town Planner S M Bykod and draughtsman Francisco D'Sousa gave their valuable assistance to Assonakars in understanding the maps better.
"At the gram sabha, we were nominated by our villagers. While I, too had an earnest feeling to do something for my village by protecting our land and minimising any further damage," exclaimed a committe member, Tony Fernandes who is a business man, by profession.
Sunny Dias, an engineer added "We were not aware what was wrong with the earlier RP 2011, so this time I thought it would be a good opportunity to know more about this RP 2021 and do something for my village, so I, too, pitched in."
Hurdles faced
Difficulties did arise, as the data supplied to us was of poor quality, informed Sunny.
"Out of the three maps supplied to the Assolna panchayat, two maps are of the village of Assolna (scale 1:5000) wherein the maps contained many errors and omissions. Our village panchayat on one map was denoted as VP-l, while on the other, it is shown as VP-3, confusing the real facts," he added.
"As per the plan provided many internal village roads were depicted incomplete or shown in the wrong place and wrong scale. No distinction was made between the actual existing roads, bridges and the proposed development. A non-existent bridge has been shown to exist at the ferry point, a few hundred meters downstream from the existing bridge over the River Sal," he remarked.
"The village committee tried its best with the limited resources at its disposal to correct these errors by putting forth a new plan for our village," stated the Assolna sarpanch Joaquim.
Landmarks missed
Some of the landmarks that were missed out in the map included Regina Martyrum Church, Regina Martyrum cemeteries (old and new), Monument of Christ the King, Regina Martyrum School. "The monument of Christ the King is a heritage structure. The only one of its kind in India and probably the second in Asia (the other being in Karachi-Pakistan) so we have made the necessary changes," stated Tony.
Besides, the Maruti Temple (Orel), Bethal temple (Assolna village square), Hindu crematorium (the southern bank of the River Sal upstream of the existing bridge). These religious structures that are of great significance to our Hindu residents were also missed out, the Assolna resident pointed out.
The huge cross monument in the village square also of great historical significance and other public utilities and buildings such as the village post office, market complex, Lohia Chowk, sports complex, Children's Park were also included in the new plan.
Comments about satisfaction
When asked whether they were satisfied about the task set before them of preparing the plan for the entire Assolna village?
Sunny said, "whether the plan set up by us is taken into account or not, will remain a question. But I wanted to do something for my village and I am satisfied that I was a part of the committee." Tony opined, "Satisfaction depends, if recommendations put forth by us, is taken into account and is implemented. That would be a great feeling. But if this is an eyewash exercise, then it will be very disappointing. But if our suggestions are taken into the new Regional Plan 2021 then things for our state also will move into the right decision."
Two days before season, Cutbona a ghost town
BY A GT CORRESPONDENT
CHANDOR: With not a soul in sight, Cutbona fishing jetty resembles a ghost town. However, just two days from now, the place will be teeming with activity.
With the the fishing season all set to commence on August 1, with the lifting of the fishing ban the place will spring to life once again.
Currently, most of the establishments at the jetty are closed. These include the tea and snack stalls, the restaurants serving thali, the liquor outlets and even the petrol pumps.
There are two petrol pumps at Cutbona. While one pump is managed by the Cutbona Fisheries Co-operative Society, the other is run by South Goa Mechanised Boat Owners Co-operative and Marketing Society.
According to Aldrin Crasto, manager of the pump operated by Cutbona Fisheries Co-operative Society, on the first two days of the season, they expect to sell at least 25 kilo litres of diesel per day. Subsequently, on an average, the pump sells 8 to 9 KL of diesel a day.
At the other pump, the daily sale of diesel is between 8 to 10 kilo litres while on the first two days, the sales are expected to be 16 kilo litres per day disclosed Kapil Ghotge, its owner.
The Cutbona Fisheries Co-operative Society caters to around 70 smaller vessels which have a three-cylinder engine and another 70 vessels that have six-cylinder engines.
The South Goa Mechanised Boat Owners Co-operative and Marketing Society, has 70 members who collectively own 112 vessels.
Currently, a few vessels are anchored at the jetty where minor repairs like painting and polishing is going on. However, most of the vessels are hoisted on land on the other bank of the river where repairs are underway.
The staff employed on these vessels are scheduled to arrive only from July 28 July onwards.
On an average a trawler has six labourers and one tandel or the captain. However, the purseine vessels carry around 20 labourers along with two tandel, two arimen and one mastman.
While the tandel steers the vessel and the airman supervises the laying of the net, the mastman has to spot the shoal.
The labourers are paid around Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 per month, the mastman earns around Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000. The tandel is paid around Rs. 7,000 while the ariman earns around Rs 10,000 per month. However, at the time of a bumper catch, they are rewarded with hefty bonuses.
The tandels and arimen are from Karnataka, the labourers come from states like Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Jharkand and Karnataka.
On an average, 200 others are employed in ancillary services like weighing of the catch and loading it onto pick-ups.
On an average, around 20 pick-ups owned by local Goans, transport the catch to the local markets. Similarly, around 10 refrigerated vans transport fish to Kerala and others parts where it is processed or exported.
However, whenever there is a sardine catch there are around 30 pick-ups and 50 refrigerated vans.
The Cutbona Fisheries Co-operative Society also runs an ice plant at the site. On an average smaller vessels carry 5 tonnes of ice, while the larger ones carry 10 tonnes. Besides, the agents who purchase the catch, use at least 25 tonnes of ice every day.
Once the season commences, the Assolna market is a major beneficiary. On an average, each vessel daily requires minimum 25 kg of rice for the staff employed. Besides, other requirements like condiments, masala, vegetables and coconuts are purchased from Thursday bazaar at Assolna or otherwise from Margao.
The staff is also provided a gas cylinder and stove to can cook their meals on the vessel itself, which incidentally is also their living quarters.
Sanitation is however not taken very seriously by the owners. The staff uses the sulabh facilities provided at the jetty which is inadequate for the quantum of people involved and some of the vessel owners have constructed toilets adjacent to their sheds used to store implements and nets.
“Mostly the staff use the dinghy attached to the vessel to do their jobs out in the sea,” admitted one vessel owner.
CHANDOR: With not a soul in sight, Cutbona fishing jetty resembles a ghost town. However, just two days from now, the place will be teeming with activity.
With the the fishing season all set to commence on August 1, with the lifting of the fishing ban the place will spring to life once again.
Currently, most of the establishments at the jetty are closed. These include the tea and snack stalls, the restaurants serving thali, the liquor outlets and even the petrol pumps.
There are two petrol pumps at Cutbona. While one pump is managed by the Cutbona Fisheries Co-operative Society, the other is run by South Goa Mechanised Boat Owners Co-operative and Marketing Society.
According to Aldrin Crasto, manager of the pump operated by Cutbona Fisheries Co-operative Society, on the first two days of the season, they expect to sell at least 25 kilo litres of diesel per day. Subsequently, on an average, the pump sells 8 to 9 KL of diesel a day.
At the other pump, the daily sale of diesel is between 8 to 10 kilo litres while on the first two days, the sales are expected to be 16 kilo litres per day disclosed Kapil Ghotge, its owner.
The Cutbona Fisheries Co-operative Society caters to around 70 smaller vessels which have a three-cylinder engine and another 70 vessels that have six-cylinder engines.
The South Goa Mechanised Boat Owners Co-operative and Marketing Society, has 70 members who collectively own 112 vessels.
Currently, a few vessels are anchored at the jetty where minor repairs like painting and polishing is going on. However, most of the vessels are hoisted on land on the other bank of the river where repairs are underway.
The staff employed on these vessels are scheduled to arrive only from July 28 July onwards.
On an average a trawler has six labourers and one tandel or the captain. However, the purseine vessels carry around 20 labourers along with two tandel, two arimen and one mastman.
While the tandel steers the vessel and the airman supervises the laying of the net, the mastman has to spot the shoal.
The labourers are paid around Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 per month, the mastman earns around Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000. The tandel is paid around Rs. 7,000 while the ariman earns around Rs 10,000 per month. However, at the time of a bumper catch, they are rewarded with hefty bonuses.
The tandels and arimen are from Karnataka, the labourers come from states like Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Jharkand and Karnataka.
On an average, 200 others are employed in ancillary services like weighing of the catch and loading it onto pick-ups.
On an average, around 20 pick-ups owned by local Goans, transport the catch to the local markets. Similarly, around 10 refrigerated vans transport fish to Kerala and others parts where it is processed or exported.
However, whenever there is a sardine catch there are around 30 pick-ups and 50 refrigerated vans.
The Cutbona Fisheries Co-operative Society also runs an ice plant at the site. On an average smaller vessels carry 5 tonnes of ice, while the larger ones carry 10 tonnes. Besides, the agents who purchase the catch, use at least 25 tonnes of ice every day.
Once the season commences, the Assolna market is a major beneficiary. On an average, each vessel daily requires minimum 25 kg of rice for the staff employed. Besides, other requirements like condiments, masala, vegetables and coconuts are purchased from Thursday bazaar at Assolna or otherwise from Margao.
The staff is also provided a gas cylinder and stove to can cook their meals on the vessel itself, which incidentally is also their living quarters.
Sanitation is however not taken very seriously by the owners. The staff uses the sulabh facilities provided at the jetty which is inadequate for the quantum of people involved and some of the vessel owners have constructed toilets adjacent to their sheds used to store implements and nets.
“Mostly the staff use the dinghy attached to the vessel to do their jobs out in the sea,” admitted one vessel owner.
Selaulim Botanical garden’s entry fee scrapped
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Despite the incomplete nature of the proposed Botanical garden at Selaulim, the government charges an entrance fee from its visitors.
The fees are charged to reduce the expenditure to be incurred to complete the work of this garden in three phases. This peeved Sanguem MLA Vasudev Gaonkar who put forth two demands.
Firstly, to abolish the fee imposed on visitors and to increase the proposed expenditure on this garden.
While the Minister for Forests Philip Neri Rodrigues caved into to the demand on the abolition of the fee, he was not very forthcoming on scaling up the expenditure on this proposed garden.
While it was Gaonkar's contention that an expenditure of Rs 15 crores was proposed on this Botanical garden at Selaulim, Rodrigues reply pegged the proposed expenditure for all three phases at Rs 8 crores, spread over three years.
" We will try to find out as to why the expenditure has been reduced," said Rodrigues. Gaonkar pointed out to the futility and absurdity of the fees charged even when the project is yet to be completed. According to Rodrigues, the fees were charged on a trial basis by the Forest Corporation.
PANJIM: Despite the incomplete nature of the proposed Botanical garden at Selaulim, the government charges an entrance fee from its visitors.
The fees are charged to reduce the expenditure to be incurred to complete the work of this garden in three phases. This peeved Sanguem MLA Vasudev Gaonkar who put forth two demands.
Firstly, to abolish the fee imposed on visitors and to increase the proposed expenditure on this garden.
While the Minister for Forests Philip Neri Rodrigues caved into to the demand on the abolition of the fee, he was not very forthcoming on scaling up the expenditure on this proposed garden.
While it was Gaonkar's contention that an expenditure of Rs 15 crores was proposed on this Botanical garden at Selaulim, Rodrigues reply pegged the proposed expenditure for all three phases at Rs 8 crores, spread over three years.
" We will try to find out as to why the expenditure has been reduced," said Rodrigues. Gaonkar pointed out to the futility and absurdity of the fees charged even when the project is yet to be completed. According to Rodrigues, the fees were charged on a trial basis by the Forest Corporation.
Advalpal villagers to move court
Upset with mining sludge entering homes
By A GT Correspondent
BICHOLIM: The villagers of Advalpal, Bicholim have decided to move to court against mining companies who have paid no heed to public grievances with regard to the mining silt despite repeated requests to curb mining menace.
Adressing a press conference on Sunday, the villagers said that, they are forced to take this extreme step as the government has failed to solve their problem.
It is understood that, villagers from Warche, Advalpal area are most affected as their residential area is a a low lying area at the foothill called 'Oraso Dongor' and 'Kalsanicho Matho' where the natural reservoirs of springs flows towards the Assnora irrigation project via Warchawada, Advalpal.
However, these natural springs and water reservoirs have been destroyed due to mining silt consequently which results into water scarcity during summer. “The mining excavation from this area which had been standstill for some years has started again due to which the springs have dried up due the silt” stated Gajanan Palkar, a resident of this area.
On June 6 when incessant rainfall lashed the state, villagers stated that mining slush from the mining pit on the mountain entered their houses as flow of one of the nullah's was diverted towards the opposite direction where the work of another industry was in progress consequently resulting into water stagnation from either sides.
Villagers have finally decided to file a law suit against these mining companies if their demands are not fulfilled before another tragedy strikes them.
A memorandum highlighting the acute difficulties faced by people of Advalpal due to mining activities was submitted to the Additional Collector (North Goa), Deputy Collector Bicholim, Bicholim Mamlatdar and Block Congress president Naresh Sawal as government has not taken any initiative to solve the problems of the villagers” stated Prabhakar Naik, a resident of Advalpal.
By A GT Correspondent
BICHOLIM: The villagers of Advalpal, Bicholim have decided to move to court against mining companies who have paid no heed to public grievances with regard to the mining silt despite repeated requests to curb mining menace.
Adressing a press conference on Sunday, the villagers said that, they are forced to take this extreme step as the government has failed to solve their problem.
It is understood that, villagers from Warche, Advalpal area are most affected as their residential area is a a low lying area at the foothill called 'Oraso Dongor' and 'Kalsanicho Matho' where the natural reservoirs of springs flows towards the Assnora irrigation project via Warchawada, Advalpal.
However, these natural springs and water reservoirs have been destroyed due to mining silt consequently which results into water scarcity during summer. “The mining excavation from this area which had been standstill for some years has started again due to which the springs have dried up due the silt” stated Gajanan Palkar, a resident of this area.
On June 6 when incessant rainfall lashed the state, villagers stated that mining slush from the mining pit on the mountain entered their houses as flow of one of the nullah's was diverted towards the opposite direction where the work of another industry was in progress consequently resulting into water stagnation from either sides.
Villagers have finally decided to file a law suit against these mining companies if their demands are not fulfilled before another tragedy strikes them.
A memorandum highlighting the acute difficulties faced by people of Advalpal due to mining activities was submitted to the Additional Collector (North Goa), Deputy Collector Bicholim, Bicholim Mamlatdar and Block Congress president Naresh Sawal as government has not taken any initiative to solve the problems of the villagers” stated Prabhakar Naik, a resident of Advalpal.
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