Saffron BJP goes white and light in Assembly -ToI

Saffron BJP goes white and light in Assembly By Joaquim Fernandes, TNN | Feb 1, 2013, 12.49 AM IST PORVORIM: Vanilla shirts and cream pants has been the preferred attire of most ruling party legislators and also their allies during the current session of the Goa legislative assembly. In an apparent show of unity and discipline, most BJP legislators, led by chief minister Manohar Parrikar, come dressed in pastel shades of vanilla and cream but it's not a rule cast in iron. Some BJP MLAs simply wear whitish shirts and Vishnu Surya Wagh still comes in bright coloured kurtas. Deputy chief minister Francis D'Souza confirmed it is a conscious decision to wear light colours in the current session of the Assembly. "It's not a dress code. But our party has told us that ruling party MLAs should wear light coloured clothes. Otherwise, it looks like a zagor. Also, there are comparisons that one MLA has dressed well and another has not. But it's only a request, we are not forcing the MLAs to do it," D'Souza said. That is probably why Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Wednesday wore a light blue shirt. When TOI, from the media gallery, asked Lobo in the well of the House (after the session was over), his BJP colleague Nilesh Cabral joked that Lobo was soon switching to the Congress side. On Thursday, Lobo had switched to sparkling white. Even the allies are following the colour code. MGP's Deepak Dhavalikar and Lavoo Mamledar studiously wear white. Mamledar told TOI on Thursday that they had been directed by MGP's PWD minister Ramkrishna Dhavalikar to do so. Whether the informal rule extends to the independents is not known but on Thursday at least, Rohan Khaunte (Porvorim), Avertano Furtado (Navelim) and Benjamin Silva (Velim) wore light coloured shirts. The dress code provoked wisecracks from the galleries. Someone said white-and-light symbolized chief minister Manohar Parrikar's mantra of zero tolerance to corruption. Someone else expressed relief that they were not all wearing saffron. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Saffron-BJP-goes-white-and-light-in-Assembly/articleshow/18280170.cms

Goa government to spend Rs 58 crore on schemes - ToI

By Murari Shetye, TNN | Jan 31, 2013, 12.49 PM IST PANAJI: The state government intends to spend around Rs 58 crore to implement 17 different schemes announced by chief minister Manohar Parrikar in his budget speech. Parrikar in a written reply to the Goa legislative assembly said that the number of schemes announced in the budget for the year 2012-13 by the government is 17 "The number of schemes actually started is 10", Parrikar said. Government will spent Rs 10 crore in grants in lieu of house tax which has been abolished. Government allocated Rs 15 crore for Laadli Laxmi Scheme, Rs 5 crore for welfare scheme for STs, Rs 16 crore for infrastructure development. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goa-government-to-spend-Rs-58-crore-on-schemes/articleshow/18269674.cms

2012 saw 56% rise in crimes agianst childre, 55% in rapes - Herald

2012 saw 56% increase in crimes against children, 55% rise in rapes http://www.epaperoheraldo.in/Viewarticle.aspx?d=2013/01/31&f=Herald&hsno=1&pageno=pg%203

CM: Law & order in State not that bad -Herald

CM: Law & order in State not that bad January 30, 2013 PANJIM: Claiming that the crime detection rate in Goa for the month of January, this year has been similar to that of January 2012, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said that the law and order situation in the State is not that bad as depicted by some. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/CM-Law-order-in-State-not-that-bad/70111.html

Religious leaders unite against addiction - Herald

Fr. Savio Fernandes, Shree Brameshanandacharya Swami Maharaj and Mohammed Iqbal Mulla addressed a public meeting at Lohia Maidan on the topic 'De-addicting Goa' http://www.epaperoheraldo.in/Viewarticle.aspx?d=2013/01/31&f=Herald&hsno=4&pageno=Pg%207

Parulekar admits fall in foreign tourist arrivals in December -Herald

January 30, 2013 PANJIM: Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar has admitted that there was a drop in foreign tourist arrivals during the peak December season, which he said was partially due to visa restrictions imposed by Central government. The minister however projected an overall increase in both domestic and foreign arrivals for the 2012-13 season, in comparison to the previous year. In a written reply to the Goa Assembly Tuesday, the tourism ministry pointed out that there was a marginal decrease in foreign tourist arrivals in the month of December 2012, due to restrictive visa procedure such as two month cooling period imposed by the Central government. That there was no visa on arrival facility at Goa airport which was another reason cited for the downturn in arrivals. The minister listed out other reasons citing relatively high hotel tariff in Goa in December 2012, increase in royalty imposed by Airports Authority of India and resultant cancellation of some charter flights as other reasons for the drop in foreign tourists. The economic recession in Europe had also led to cancellation of holidays and travel plans to Goa. However despite all this, in another written reply to the Goa Assembly the tourism minister states that overall domestic and foreign tourist arrivals have increased this year in comparison to last year. “We anticipate growth on arrival of total foreign and domestic tourists,” said Tourism minister Dilip Parulekar. The question were raised by Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo. Parulekar also spelt out measures such as engagement of the world’s best consultancy services to formulate a new tourism policy document and a comprehensive tourism development Master Plan to boost increase in flow of tourists. Likewise the tourism ministry plans to have empanelment of project management consultants for development of properties of the department of tourism and GTDC in addition to infrastructure development and tourism promotion strategies through print and electronic modes. http://www.epaperoheraldo.in/indexadv.aspx

Ponda saw 45 suicides in 2012 -ToI

Ponda saw 45 suicides in 2012 TNN | Jan 29, 2013, 04.01 AM IST http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Ponda-saw-45-suicides-in-2012/articleshow/18231904.cms

Ban mining in eco-sensitive areas: panel (HERALD)

January 26, 2013 NEW DELHI: A complete ban on mining activities in areas of national parks, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries could be on the anvil if the government agrees to the recommendations of a high-level Environment Ministry panel. font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">The panel, chaired by then Environment Ministry Secretary T Chatterjee, has recommended that thick forests in such areas should be classified as "inviolate". "Mining blocks shall be considered inviolate if majority of grids falling within a block have been labeled as inviolate," according to the Report of the Committee to Formulate Objective Parameters for Identification of Inviolate Forest Areas. The forest grids have to be determined based on their biological richness, thickness, landscape integrity and hydrological and wildlife values, said the report placed in public domain by the Ministry today. Though the panel submitted the report in July last year, the Ministry chose to make it public at a time when there is lot of discussion in the country on the issue of diversion o forest areas for mining and infrastructure projects. According to it, all the grids falling in protected areas (national parks and wildlife sancturies) located in within one km distance from boundary of protected areas and compact patches (of minimum 1 km sq size) of very dense forests should be automatically labelled inviolate. The panel recommended that last remnants of forest types having total geographical area in the country less than 50 sq kms and areas located in direct draining catchment of first- order perennial streams being utilised for water source, hydro power and irrigation projects should also be classified as inviolate. Areas located within 250-metre distance from banks of perennial streams and boundary of important wetlands and storage reservoirs of water supply should also be treated as inviolate, it said. The panel was constituted after then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee rejected the 'go, no-go' policy of the Environment Ministry which allowed certain forest areas to be mined. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Main%20Page%20News/Ban-mining-in-eco-sensitive-areas-panel/69923.html

Co-operation ensures safety

Published in the Herald on 26 Jan 2013 by Soter D’Souza -----Even before a month could elapse since the Delhi gang rape-murder that rocked the capital, Goa has been rattled by its own rape incident of a 7-year old schoolgirl during school hours, within the premises of a prominent school. These days, murmurs at every street corner centre around the deteriorating law and order in the State. Within a couple of days after the Vasco incident, came the horrific news about a 19-year-old girl who was stripped naked and her face smashed beyond recognition in broad daylight at Assagao. The police have so far failed to arrest the suspects in both incidents. After the shocking rape incident in Delhi, instead of the Goa government taking steps to prevent the occurrence of such a crime in the State, it seemed more concerned with clearing tourism projects, approving the Sunburn festival and protecting mining interests. The Government’s negligence has resulted in the mishandling of the rape victim by the management of the Vasco school. And, as is typical of the ever able and clean Government, the principal has now been made a scapegoat. Instead of admitting its own failure, the government has been shamelessly blaming the Opposition for instigating the public to protest. The emptiness in the claims of clean and able governance in Goa has been exposed by the rape of an innocent child besides other horrific crimes in the last six months. We may recall that this is not the first reported incident of a student being sexually assaulted in the toilet of a prominent city school. The victim, in an earlier case, a couple of years ago, was a high school boy from a prominent school in the heart of Goa’s capital city. Another girl is also believed to have been attacked in the toilet of the city’s higher secondary school but managed to scream and attract the attention of her male classmates who thrashed the assailant before letting him go. The rape of a student by her teacher outside school hours is also fresh in the minds of the people. The only difference then and now is that the epidemic of mass hysteria over rape that has menacingly spread from Delhi was missing. Therefore, there could have been several more incidents of rape/molestation in schools that may have not reached the police stations. The present reaction to rapes appear to be no different from the hypocritical responses during the time of mass farmer suicides in Maharashtra, which has been aptly described in P. Sainath’s book titled Everyone Loves a Good Drought. The Delhi rape case is being conveniently twisted and exploited to serve vested interests, while the actual problem remains unaddressed. From politicians to businessmen, there could only be hidden smiles and cheers at the prospects of an increased demand for products that will give a sense of false security to citizens. The increased demand for pepper sprays, blades, CCTV cameras, biometric machines, police patrol vehicles and the rest could only mean good news for markets. Even the debate on the rights of women to dress as they wish or party at any part of the night appears more to do with promoting the entertainment and fashion industry, rather than protecting the dignity of women. The over emphasis on installation of CCTV cameras and increase of security in public places and campuses seem to suggest that no one has problem with rape or molestation provided it is made easy for the investigating agencies to detect the perpetrators of the crime. Besides spitting venom at rapists and the government, there has been no visible effort to actually understand why sexual assault on women is on the rise, and how these crimes could be prevented. And, as civil society groups and politicians play ping-pong with accusations and demands being thrown around, there seems to be no respite in crimes against women. This nation needs to be reminded that Mahatma Gandhi had forewarned of such a crisis way back in 1909 if India embraced the western model of development. In Chapter XIII of his book Hind Swaraj, Gandhiji explains why our forefathers chose to ensure the maximum use of their hands and feet and did not invent machines, even though they had the capability to do so. He further wrote, “They (our forefathers) further reasoned that large cities were a snare and a useless encumbrance, and that people would not be happy in them, that there would be gangs of thieves and robbers, prostitution and vice flourishing in them and the poor men would be robbed by rich men.” With so much written about the violence that capitalism and materialism breeds, civil society seems to be behaving as if it is not aware of what is the root cause of its problems. Everyone seems eager to eat the cake and preserve it at the same time. It is more like saying that we will consume alcohol, but we do not want the intoxication which is a natural consequence. While everyone talks about their fundamental right to safety, is it not time to ask whether everyone also has a duty to ensure their safety? There is some sense in the argument that CCTVs and police patrolling alone will not be sufficient to stop such crimes. Citizens also need to collaborate with the authorities by being vigilant and exercising caution. The safety of citizens cannot be ensured without the issuing of government advisories or intrusion on our privacy, which we as a free society detest in the same breath. Not even the best security measures in the USA could prevent the attack on the World Trade Centre. A sign of good democracy and responsible citizenry is not about more police on the streets, but their absence. And this can only be made possible when civil society shoulders its share of the responsibility and is more proactive instead of sitting back and cursing the Government. We need to bear in mind that for a criminal mind no security systems are impenetrable. So society actually needs to reflect on what are the factors that produce such criminals and take necessary steps towards prevention. Probably the moment has come for this nation to even reflect upon its model of development that is being mindlessly pursued before it breeds more dacoits, rapists, naxalites and terrorists. A secure and peaceful society cannot be built on an economy of violence that deprives many for the pleasure of some. The increase in violence, particularly against women, could possibly be the manifestation of a larger violence that is being perpetrated in the name of development and modern lifestyles. http://www.heraldgoa.in/newscategory/Opinions/14

1,428 vehicles booked for tinted glasses - ToI

1,428 vehicles booked for tinted glasses TNN | Jan 23, 2013, 04.22 AM IST PANAJI: The Goa police traffic cell issued 1,428 challans during the six-day special drive against vehicles with tinted glasses. The drive, conducted by the traffic cell, commenced on January 14 and ended on January 20. The traffic police booked the violators under Rule 100 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Traffic cell SP Vijay Singh said that despite advising people to remove the tinted glasses from their vehicles, the response received was not encouraging. Therefore, vehicles spotted with the tints were made to remove them on the spot. During the drive, the traffic cell in Panaji booked 83 cases, 203 in Mapusa, 234 in Ponda, 188 in Calangute, 176 in Margao, 289 in Vasco, 205 in Curchorem and 50 by the traffic enforcement cell. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/1428-vehicles-booked-for-tinted-glasses/articleshow/18141637.cms

Land acquisition begins in Guirim for new water treatment plant - ToI

Land acquisition begins in Guirim for new water treatment plant TNN | Jan 23, 2013, 04.40 AM IST PANAJI: The PWD has started land acquisition proceedings for 30,000 sq m of land under the urgency clause near the Guirim cross to build a 20-MLD water treatment plant. PWD sources said that the new water treatment plant will help solve water shortage problems of about 25,000 consumers at the tail-end of the Assonora water supply pipeline. These areas include parts of Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim, Saligao, Sangolda and the whole of Porvorim. Sources said that the water from the Assonora water treatment plant has to travel about 35km to reach these places and the pipeline is tapped at many places in between causing water shortages. Once completed, the new water treatment plant will address this problem. The PWD had called for pre-bid discussions on the project on January 16 wherein 13 companies participated. The PWD was supposed to open the technical bids by January 30 but it is still not in possession of the land. It has now started land acquisition proceedings and is arranging to pay the advance amount for the land. Once the land is acquired, the PWD will open the technical and financial bids and finalize the contractor. The project is estimated to cost around 45 crore including 5 crore for land acquisition and 5 crore for underground power cables. The acquisition is expected to be completed in about three months. Once the construction begins, it is expected to be completed within 18 months, sources said. There were fears about the fate of the proposed project with the stoppage of raw water from Tillari. But with the resumption of water supply, the project has now become viable. The raw water will be obtained from Tillari, initially from the canal, but from Colvale to Guirim, it will be routed through the irrigation department's pipeline. Though the rated capacity of the Guirim plant is 20-MLD, it will have a capacity to treat a little over 20-MLD, sources said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Land-acquisition-begins-in-Guirim-for-new-water-treatment-plant/articleshow/18141788.cms

Now, boys get introduced to alcohol at 12-13 years: Studies - ToI

TNN | Jan 20, 2013, 03.10 AM IST PANAJI: Recent studies have shown a new trend in the consumption of alcohol in the state. "The initiation period for boys has come down to 12-13 years from 18-20 years a decade ago," said Dr Rajesh Patil of the Goa Medical College (GMC) and hospital, Bambolim, at a seminar on Saturday. Organized by Jammat-E-Islami Hind, Goa, the three sessions on 'Alcoholism in Goa' covered the impact of government policies and marketing strategies of alcohol companies. Patil, who is associated with Alcoholics Anonymous, said, "We have been receiving cases of alcoholic complications in men between the age group of 24 and 25 years. This implies that they must have started to drinking at a pretty young age of 12-13 years," said Patil. He added that in 2011, of the 2,602 deaths at GMC, 450 were alcohol-related. In 2012, the number of alcohol-related deaths increased to 610. A total of 2,700 deaths were reported at GMC in 2012. Social activist Soter D'Souza, while speaking on the 'Role of the alcohol industry in projection of Goa as a centre of addiction', said alcohol is a multi-crore industry that has succeeded in influencing government policy and even evading stringent laws. "The economic prospects involved in the production and sale of alcohol have been successful in delaying the implementation of Article 47 of the Constitution of India which requires that the government shall endeavour to bring about the prohibition of the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health, except for medicinal purposes." Nandakumar Kamat, in his presentation, while taking a dig at the government policies on gambling, casinos and entertainment, said it is shameful that the government is promoting all kinds of vices to garner revenue. In the first technical session, A R Royan, Sarita Shirodkar and Rajesh Patil presented papers. The session was chaired by Tomazinho Cardozo. In the second session, Sabina Martins spoke on the government policy and the alcohol mini-industry. The third session which was chaired by Edward D'Lima has presentations by T A Gangadharan, Peter D'Souza and Fr Clifford Castellino. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Now-boys-get-introduced-to-alcohol-at-12-13-years-Studies/articleshow/18095729.cms More: Salkar calls for strong anti-drinking laws January 20, 2013 http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Salkar-calls-for-strong-anti-drinking-laws/69663.html

Govt gives go-ahead for Rs 150 cr tourism projects -Herald

Govt gives go-ahead for Rs 150 cr tourism projects January 18, 2013 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: The tourism high powered monitoring committee, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has given its nod to a Panjim cruise jetty, Merces amphitheatre and Margao mini exhibition-convention centre and other tourism and infrastructure projects totalling Rs 50 crore, with a two year completion target. The committee set-up to hasten clearances for tourism infrastructure, met last week, where it reviewed and cleared projects which had been pending for want of departmental and financial concurrences. Serving as a single window system, the committee has given top priority for works on five important projects proposed all across the state. While the first phase of the cruise jetty below the Mandovi bridge has been tendered, the committee has cleared the second phase of the project, the estimated cost of which is around Rs 14 crore. The mega 3,000 capacity amphitheatre proposed at Merces estimated to cost Rs 13 crore also got the green signal. A mini exhibition cum convention centre in Margao, near the district hospital, estimated to cost Rs 8 crore, has also been cleared by the committee. Similarly the committee has also approved the coastal development circuit from Colva - Benaulim – Cavelossim. The drawings have been finalised for this project and inputs from coastal MLAs would be sought. This plan would be tendered after it gets CRZ approval. The committee has also okayed the Baga development plan costing Rs 8 crore. As far as the multi-storeyed car park project near the St Monica Jetty is concerned, the committee has reviewed and approved changes in the design and a sub-committee has been formed to look into minor issues. Likewise, an approval has also been granted for two more additional floors for the tourism plaza at Patto. This would be placed before the TCP for further clearances. A top official in the tourism ministry said, “With the monitoring committee clearing the projects and sanctioning financial estimates, the projects would be put on track.” He said that directions have been given by the committee that works have to be expedited without compromising on quality and completed at the earliest so as to give tourism and infrastructure a much needed boost. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Govt-gives-go-ahead-for-Rs-150-cr-tourism-projects/69566.html

Goa’s gender ratio goes off balance - Herald

Goa’s gender ratio goes off balance January 18, 2013 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: Goa’s sex ratio of 968 women to 1000 men is the same as neighboring Karnataka - a large and relatively less affluent state compared to which Goa represents a mini Dubai as far as employment avenues are concerned - while highly populous states such as Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Naidu have better sex ratios with 978, 992 and 995 women per 1000 men respectively, 2011 census figures show. As of 2011, the state had a population of 14,57, 723. In 1960, Goa had a commendable sex ratio 1,066 women per 1,000 men, but since then the ratio has had a free fall to 961 women per 1,000 men in 2001. This drop is in line with the worrying all-India trends as nationwide average ratio of women to men is 940 to 1000, and this has come into sharp focus after the heinous rape and murder of the 23-year-old in Delhi and the depraved assault on a seven –year- old in the port town of Vasco gave indication of a ticking time bomb due to the skewed sex ratio. Kerala has the best sex ratio and tops the list (1084 women to 1000 men) followed by Pudicherry (1031 to 1000), and Chattisgarh, which is way above Goa with 991 women to 1000 men. Despite perceived high social indicators, this highly educated state (literacy rate of 87.4 per cent) ranks 12th on an all India survey. But the male to female sex ratio in the 0-6 years range is a low 920 to 1000, according to the 2011 census information and even Bihar has a higher sex ratio of 933 to a 1000 while in neighbouring Karnataka, the ratio is 943 girls. The average all-India sex ratio between 0-6 yrs is 914 females per 1000 males. Compared to the below 0-6 year category, Goa does little better in the adult female with– 968 females to every 1000 males ratio. However, it is the low below-six-year ratio that is extremely disturbing. The causes for this alarming trend remain largely unanswered and unaddressed even as it may have serious implications for the warped sex ratio of the next generation in this liberal, cosmopolitan state. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Main%20Page%20News/Goa-rsquo-s-gender-ratio-goes-off-balance/69556.html

'Western Ghats report prepared after consulting people'- ToI

'Western Ghats report prepared after consulting people' TNN | Jan 18, 2013, 02.01 AM IST PANAJI: Ecological expert MadhavGadgil has rubbished allegations that the Western Ghats panel did not consult the people before preparing its report. Gadgil, who was chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Experts Panel told mediapersons on Thursday that the panel "had done a very extensive process of consultation with the people and got very good inputs as to what people of the region wanted". He further said that it is the government that was not consulting people and was taking centralized decisions on the issue. Gadgil said, "The government is rejecting a distorted version of the report...and the report is being projected as imposing restrictions on the people which isn't the case." Gadgil said there was a misconception that the report makes suggestions on mining. He further said people must participate in the decision-making process and decisions should be taken only after detailed feedback from the people. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Western-Ghats-report-prepared-after-consulting-people/articleshow/18067520.cms Gadgil lashes out at govt over distortion of report January 18, 2013 http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Gadgil-lashes-out-at-govt-over-distortion-of-report/69570.html

68% of rapes in 2012 were against children -ToI

68% of rapes in 2012 were against children TNN | Jan 17, 2013, 03.51 AM IST PANAJI: Goa has turned unsafe for minor girls. Statistics with Goa police reveal that 68% of rape cases registered in 2012 involved minors. Last year, police registered 54 rape cases across the state of which 31 cases were registered under the Goa Children's Act. Police detected over 90% of the rape cases and charges have been filed in a majority of these. Bailancho Ekvott president Auda Viegas said rapes on children are taking place because of misconception that if one has sex with children they can cure certain diseases. "Our children are vulnerable because we don't make them aware about the risks and dangers of associating with strangers," Viegas said. Bailancho Saad convener Sabina Martins said rapes on children have increased because children are a vulnerable section and easy targets for perverted minds. Martins said, "Rapes against children are reported because of the sympathy attached to the victim." Children's Rights in Goa (CRG) director Nishtha Desai said people should be concerned and everyone should take care of children. Desai said the state government needs to pay attention to strengthening child protection mechanisms. "It is now almost 10 years since the Goa Children's Act was passed but a number of its salient provisions are yet to be implemented," Desai said, adding that the conviction rate of crimes against children is not satisfactory and there are a number of pending cases over the past years and there is need for speedy disposal of cases. NGO Savera chairperson Tara Kerkar said, "Government should immediately take all measures to protect children from such incidents." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/68-of-rapes-in-2012-were-against-children/articleshow/18054768.cms

CoP eyes coal import via Panaji port - ToI

CoP eyes coal import via Panaji port TNN Jan 12, 2013, 02.57AM IST PANAJI: The Captain of Ports (CoP) wants to make up for its loss of revenue by throwing open its facilities for coal import. The CoP's revenue crashed to Rs 11.5 crore this season (till date) as against its earnings of Rs 40 crore during the last season, due to the ban on mining by the Supreme Court in September 2012. The CoP is currently, working on logistics to facilitate the import of coal from the Panaji port which was earlier monopolized by ore vessels. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-12/goa/36295397_1_panaji-port-coal-import-coal-shipments No pollution in Panaji due to coal import, assures CM Published on Tuesday, 15 January 2013 11:13 http://www.goacom.com/goa-news-highlights/5033-no-pollution-in-panaji-due-to-coal-import-assures-cm

Goemkar tells govt to stop work on Mopa right now

Goemkar tells govt to stop work on Mopa right now January 16, 2013 http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Goemkar-tells-govt-to-stop-work-on-Mopa-right-now/69483.html Goemkar meet: Nine resolutions passed TNN | Jan 16, 2013, 04.02 AM IST http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goemkar-meet-Nine-resolutions-passed/articleshow/18040882.cms

LATE NIGHT BRAWL OVER BEERS AT PUB - Herald

LATE NIGHT BRAWL OVER BEERS AT PUB January 15, 2013 MARGAO: A 30-year-old from Chennai was stabbed to death by a bouncer of a night club in the wee hours of Monday at Colva beach, after he got into a brawl with the club’s bouncers after being denied his eight member group more beers after 1 am. A complaint was filed by Gopinath Arijana Nian, of Chennai with Colva police that one of their colleague, Madan G Gangadharan had been stabbed to death by the bouncers. The Colva police who have registered a case under section 302 read with 34 IPC are on the look out for the two bouncers Xavier D’Costa, 24, resident of Sinquetim, Navelim and Basilio Raposo alias Pokol, 22 of Pedda, Benaulim employed by the night club both of whom are reportedly absconding after the murder. Margao DySP Mohan Naik told newsmen that Madanji had arrived on a holiday on January 13, at 11.30 am along with 14 other youth. After checking into a hotel at Colva, eight members of the group visited the night club (Boomerang), at Colva. At around 1 am, Gangadharan and his colleagues are believed to have demanded more beers and got into an argument with the staff after being refused by the management. Bouncers ~ D’Costa and Raposo ~ employed at the night club are said to have had heated argument with Gangadharan and his colleagues resulting in a brawl and subsequent death of the Chennai youth. Colva PI Nilesh Rane is investigating the case. The body of the deceased has been kept at Hospicio morgue, Margao. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Main%20Page%20News/LATE-NIGHT-BRAWL-OVER-BEERS-AT-PUB/69399.html

7-yr-old sexually assaulted in Vasco school toilet - Herald

7-yr-old sexually assaulted in Vasco school toilet January 15, 2013 VASCO: At a time when crimes against women and children have angered the nation, a shocking incident has been reported in Vasco involving the sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl in the toilet of a prominent school on Monday morning. Shocked by the incident, hundreds of people surrounded the school in the evening and accused the school of various lapses, besides condemning the delay in sending the schoolgirl for a medical check-up. According to reports, the incident took place at about 10.30 am, when an unknown person entered the school premises. While neither the police nor staff at the school was willing to narrate the sequence of events, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who visited the school late Monday evening, told the waiting reporters that the accused was, in fact, caught even before the sexual assault had taken place, after he was found moving in the school in a suspicious manner. “The culprit was caught by the staff before the incident could take place and he was produced before the headmistress. When asked to justify his presence in the school, the accused told the headmistress that he had entered from the second gate, which is manned by a security guard, of the school compound. He then proceeded to the third gate leading into school building,” said Parrikar. “Instead of merely asking him to leave the school premises, the headmistress should have locked both the school gates to prevent him from entering the school a second time,” said Parrikar, while holding the headmistress responsible for negligence. There are two gates leading into the school premises, of which only one gate (towards the higher secondary section) is manned by a security guard. The man then returned to the school during recess and escorted a 7-year-old girl to the school toilet on the first floor, where he sexually assaulted her. The girl raised an alarm and the man fled from the site. Some students from Std 3 and 4 reported the matter to the school headmistress, who in turn, notified the school management and the girl’s parents. The school management then filed a complaint with the Mormugao Police. Police claims to have received the complaint at about 12 noon and a police team rushed to the site, which is barely a kilometre away from the police station. At about 3 pm, senior police officials comprising DGP Kishan Kumar, South Goa SP Shekhar Prabhudessai, Mormugao DySP Lawrence D’Souza, Mormugao PI Suresh Gaonkar, Vasco PI Rupendra Shetgaonkar, SP (Crime) Om Prakash Kudchadkar, DySPs (Crime) Sammy Tavares and Nilu Raut Dessai, PI Sunita Sawant and Women’s Police Station PI Ezilda D’Souza, went to the school to take stock of the situation. The police officials also interacted with the girl, her parents and the school authorities, and also requested a local woman activist and MMC Councillor Tara Kerkar to interact with the schoolgirl. As investigations were in progress at the school, agitated residents from Sada began to assemble outside the school. During this time, Power Minister Milind Naik and Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida made separate visits to the school to enquire about the incident. The schoolgirl was sent for a medical test at GMC hospital at 6.15 pm and she was accompanied by her parents, PI Sawant and PI D’Souza. By 7.30 pm, hundreds of agitated residents gathered inside the school compound and virtually held hostage the police officials, the headmistress and some teachers in the school building. They wanted the headmistress to appear before the crowd and to clarify the various lapses leading to the incident. What angered the crowd was a delay in sending the girl for a medical test till 6.15 pm, over seven hours after the incident was reported. Residents were also agitated that the management had not installed any CCTV cameras in the school premises, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify and nab the culprit. They also came down heavily on the lack of security posted at both main gates of the school and were also critical of the many tankers and heavy vehicles stationed outside the compound wall which, they said, could easily be a hiding place for anti-social elements. A strong police force was dispatched from various police stations in the taluka to control the mob and to move them outside the school building. Speaker Rajendra Arlekar visited the school late in the evening and tried to persuade the crowd, but they refused to pay heed to his assurances. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was on a personal visit to the port town, decided to go to the school and tried to interact with the agitators. He was, however, greeted with jeers as the people were in no mood to listen to him. He then met the police officials and headmistress, who were virtually held hostage by the mob. Before leaving the school, Parrikar spoke to reporters at the site and held the school headmistress responsible for negligence that had led to the incident. When asked if it was a case of rape or sexual assault, Parrikar admitted that “the report is positive.” To a query on the delay by police to send the girl for a medical check-up, Parrikar explained the traumatised girl had to be first calmed down and added that the girl’s mother had reached the school only by 1.30 pm. He also pulled up the school for failing to install CCTV sets and said that the Goa Police had acted swiftly in the matter. “As soon as I was informed of the incident at 1 pm, I directed the DGP to transfer the case to the Crime Branch and I asked senior police officials to rush to the site. Strict action will be taken against the accused, while a case of negligence will be initiated against the headmistress of the school,” said Parrikar. After the chief minister left the school premises, the headmistress was escorted out of the school with a strong police team to prevent any untoward situation. The crowd later dispersed from the site. Mormugao police has registered a case in the matter. Sources told Herald that the medical report has been kept on hold even as the police are on the lookout for the accused. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Main%20Page%20News/7-yr-old-sexually-assaulted-in-Vasco-school-toilet/69401.html

Vivekananda statue proposal stirs up a storm in CCP- Herald -

Vivekananda statue proposal stirs up a storm in CCP January 11, 2013 TEAM HERALD teamherald@herald-goa.com PANJIM: The Corporation of the City of Panaji called an extraordinary meeting Thursday to decide on erecting a statue of Swami Vivekananda at the Garcia de Orta (municipal garden). However, the ruling group sensing the mood of the councillors, abruptly cancelled the meeting a couple of hours before it was supposed to begin citing ‘unforeseen’ reasons. The historic city garden 'Garcia De Orta', a landmark in the capital city, along with its neighbouring Church of the Immaculate Conception was built by the Portuguese in 1855 and re-inaugurated following a facelift some years ago. Councillors reacting to the notice sent Wednesday and the proposed change, spoke to media on the issue. “Why don’t they put it in joggers park, Altinho? Then there is no problem. Also the mayor did not even bother to consult us before the meeting was called,” local councillor, Edward Jorge said while criticizing that the notice was given less than 24 hours in advance and said that it should have been given at least three days prior. According to insiders, after the proposal put forth by Swami Vivekananda Sardh Shathee Samaroh Samiti came up, the ruling group in CCP suddenly realized that it might lose the support of even its supporters and could face an embarrassing defeat, forcing them to do a rethink. “The CCP needs to pass a resolution that henceforth there will be no change in name of any of the existing areas of Panjim. In case any name has to be given, let the council put up new structures and give these new names. Mayor Vaidehi Naik could not be contacted for her comments. Incidentally the city is represented by the chief minister, Manohar Parrikar and the ruling CCP group is backed by ruling BJP. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Vivekananda-statue-proposal-stirs-up-a-storm-in-CCP/69240.html

Non-political outfit to be launched on Jan 15 -Herald

Non-political outfit to be launched on Jan 15 January 11, 2013 TEAM HERALD teamherald@herald-goa.com MARGAO: Various leaders and activists from across the state joined hands to form a non-political outfit former Goemkar with a motto “Goans First”, as its chairman and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai vowed to stop government’s plans for an indirect merger of Goa into Maharashtra by tendering Mopa airport by strangulating and closing down Dabolim airport. New Roman'; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Goemkar will be formally launched on January 15 on the eve of Opinion Poll Day at a public meeting at Lohia Maidan, Margao. A 25-member committee, representing various sections and areas has been formed at the meeting, to highlight various issues plaguing Goa and Goans. After the meeting, Sardessai said that Goemkar is a non political forum formed to protect interests of Goa and Goans. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Non-political-outfit-to-be-launched-on-Jan-15/69244.html

Flash Mobs & Democracy

Article published in Herald, 11th January 2013 Flash Mobs & Democracy by Soter D’Souza

The horrendous and spine-chilling gang-rape in a bus and the subsequent death of the 23-year old paramedic at Delhi, stirred the conscience of the nation. Once again the casual approach adopted by the government to repeated crimes against women and girls, finally blew in its face after failing to gauge the extent of public anger. The refusal from a certain class of citizens to take any more nonsense from their government is very evident. In times when news and information is no more within the sole control of governments, it is not possible to conceal information and criticism. Relentless but peaceful advocacy and lobbying with the government by civil society groups, to ensure adequate laws and policies and their implementation in order to curb social evils, is very essential and justified in a democracy. A rape or molestation of any woman or girl is painful and threatening to any mother, father, husband, wife, brother or sister. Gender equity is a must for a healthy society, and violence against any gender just cannot be condoned. But in working towards gender sensitivity and security solutions, we also need to be mindful of the biological, mental and emotional aspects of humans. What seemed to have emerged as a spontaneous response from segments of concerned civil society on the rape incident, once again succumbed to seasoned opportunistic forces ~ as in the case of the anti-corruption movement. It was very unfortunate that yet again the momentum of a public initiative against a social evil which struck an emotional chord with the masses, was ultimately diluted into a political battle because of the absence of mature and experienced civil society leaders. The eagerness to imitate a ‘Tahrir Square’ or ‘Arab Spring’ phenomena and try to replicate it at Ram Lila Maidan or India Gate is probably the folly. Crossing the lakshman-rekha to a point of creating a constitutional crisis and governance paralysis, becomes more about a political revolution and a social reaction instead of social action. This gives an excuse for the government to clamp down on protests which in turn makes the public weary about lending support. It seems the latest trend is that little known civil society dispensations emerge as champions against social evils, with the ability to produce flash mobs that incite public emotions. This growing nuisance gets compounded by some private TV news channels that subject its viewers to an unceasing 24x7 bombardment on a single issue, as if the country and world is only confined to Jantar Mantar. This is nothing short of ‘mental castration’ that seeks to block rational thinking. Fascist approaches creeping in through proxy civil society flash mobs, hysterical TV channels and aggression in social media, to blackmail Parliament or Government with “this demand-this way-just now”; poses a threat to democratic institutions in this country. Only ‘Lokpal’ and all else is ‘Jokepal’ type of an approach, deprives the larger society of an opportunity for debate and informed decisions on policies or legislations. Parliament and governments are pushed into a state of panic and reluctant submission to pacify the mob. The increasing tendency by media reports to portray the decision of mobs as representative of the mind of a 1.2 billion population, is nothing but disrespect for democracy. As we know, the opinion of a mob is not necessarily the ‘truth’, as it is often devoid of rational and scientific thinking. This growing approach of a ‘one problem-one remedy’, that gets marketed across the country by some citizens squatting at Jantar Mantar, Ram Lila Maidan or India Gate and cheered on by the media, needs to be resisted if democracy is to survive. Those that manage to hustle together a mob in Delhi and rope in the media, cannot be allowed to become the decision makers and conscience-keepers for the entire country. What should worry every citizen is, the growing fascist type solutions of ‘hang them’, ‘burn them’ or ‘castrate them’ ~ that are taking control of young minds. The ‘one solution-one demand’ approach in recent movements against social evils, is reminiscent of a ‘one nation-one culture’ theory which is about intolerance and exclusion. Any citizen who has conflicting views is ridiculed, mobbed and driven into a corner. The rape of a young girl or pregnant woman on a street is no different from a rape or slitting of the womb of a pregnant woman during communal riots. The beating up of young girls with their boyfriends in public places or at parties, is no different from molestation of girls in a public bus or on the street. But it is disgusting that the responses of concerned civil society and political groups are discriminatory and skewed when it comes to action against certain forms of violence against women and girls. And if society is so concerned about women, then how come the rape victim and her friend had to remain naked and bleeding by the roadside for over half an hour, before help could reach them? Interestingly, the debate on the role of intoxicants and other cultural behaviours in the Delhi rape incident and other such crimes against women and girls, are cleverly being swept under the carpet. Probably, debating the issue of alcohol and drugs or modern life styles in relation to crimes against women, seems too threatening for civil society. It would confront many into looking and recognising their own contributory behaviour to the problem which they are selfishly hesitant to sacrifice for the greater good of the community. And here lies the hypocrisy in the entire debate ~ that takes pleasure in ridiculing males, slum dwellers, police and governments for failures to secure the rights of women and girls in this country. Can eradication of gender discrimination and violence be about a one-track blame game without every citizen acting responsibly? In short, the issue of violence against women cannot be tackled in isolation from other forms of violence, that are prevalent in our society. Rapes against women or girls are manifestations of a larger violence that takes place from ‘the womb to the tomb’. It is the manifestation of a violent economy and violent development, that involves displacement and deprivation of human beings. What better can one expect in a society that collaborates with an economy that commodifies the human person, particularly a woman’s body? Slogans like ‘dress to kill’ or philosophies about ‘My body, my life’ that get circulated without a second thought, cannot progress without an equal and opposite reaction. We cannot ignore natural laws. For, though we may have our own individuality and desires, we are also part of a society which ultimately is about dialogue, a degree of sacrifice and compassion, if at all there is to be harmony and peace. What we need is action towards fostering gender sensitivity and equality in our own homes and families to begin with, and not emotional reactions on the streets. More stringent and harsher laws, installing surveillance equipment and the rest would only mean someone earning more in the process, probably even more scope for corruption. Ultimately a criminal mind or a psychopath cares little for such deterrents. Investment in promoting sound and healthy families and economic development models that respect the human person, can contribute much more towards ensuring a safer society. We need more rational and positive action from citizens rather than reactions arising from emotions. http://www.heraldgoa.in/newscategory/Opinions/14

Parrikar hits out at media for highlighting Congress’ 'bogus' complaints against BJP ministers

Goa: Parrikar hits out at media for highlighting Congress’ 'bogus' complaints against BJP ministers GOA, Posted on Jan 09, 2013 at 11:30am IST Press Trust of India Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has criticised the media for giving undue publicity to Congress leaders in the state who filed "bogus" complaints against his ministers. "The bogus people have filed bogus complaint (against the ministers). But the biggest tragedy is that anyone makes any allegations and they are printed by the press...," Parrikar said. Congress spokesman Sudip Tamankar had filed a complaint with the CBI alleging involvement of two BJP ministers, Laxmikant Parsekar and Dayanand Mandrekar, in the drug peddlers-politician nexus case. The complaint which has made headlines, the chief minister said reflects on the conduct and credibility of media. He said that the statement quoted by Tamankar was already investigated by Crime branch in 2009 and it was found to be bogus. Parrikar said that then State Home Minister Ravi Naik was banking on those complaints (now cited by Tamankar) to score the points over the BJP. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/goa-parrikar-hits-out-at-media-for-highlighting-congress-bogus-complaints-against-bjp-ministers/314694-3-253.html

Dirtying the tourism picture -ToI

Dirtying the tourism picture TNN | Jan 8, 2013, 01.55 AM IST In the absence of a garbage management system and given the volume of waste generated by tourists-often twice the number of the local population-Goa is poised to destroy its natural attractions and, inevitably, its economy..... Read more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Dirtying-the-tourism-picture/articleshow/17932367.cms

Lingik Akromonn Ani Porjecho Zobab

Article published in JIVIT Konknni Monthly Magazine Lingik Akromonn Ani Porjecho Zobab -Soter D’Souza Halinch Dil’li-nt eke 23vis vorsanchea cheddvacho eke cholte busint dharunayen zalolea lingik akromonachi (sexual assault) khobor aikon amchea angant xirxire marle. Tiche sangata aslolea cheddea ixttakui pettun, ticher bolatkar korun ani tichea angant ek lokondachi sori ghalun, heam mon’xamni tankam dogaimkui nagddim korun rostear uddoilim. Oslem kam soiranant aslolo monis korunk xokchona. Heam mon’xancher khoincho tori denvchar bosla asunkuch zai. Thoddea vortoman potramni khobor mell’llea tea pormonnem, to denvchar mhonnta to Goychea somazacho chodd avddicho ixtt zaka mhonntat ‘soro’. Eka monxachi kudd ani mon hea soreachea tabeant poddli mhonttokuch ho monis kitem korunk pavtolo taka xim-mer asona. Hea cheddva baxen amcheach Goyant kitlim cheddvam bailo asat zancher ho soro bolatkar korta. Mhonnttokuch jen’na somaz hea lingik akromona virudh nixedh martana hea vikhall soreachi-i sudh-budh ghevunk zai. Halinchea kallar dusrea desamni zateleo chollvoli TV-cher and internettacher pollelea uprant, torunn vorg asa to nimtakuch ravun toslich chollvoll amchea desant korunk vell vogddaina. Soglleankuch hem TV-cher zanv internetacher nanv zoddpachi axa laglea. Egypt, Libya vo Amerikent chollvolli zata toxeoch amche Bharatant zavnkuch zai mhonn na. Tea desamni rajnitichem poryavoronn ani lokxayechi poristhiti ghoddie veglli asunk xokta. Amchea Bharotache proxn somajik asa ani te rajnitichea vo niyai sobhechea madyamantlean suttave korunk zatat. Hea fattleam disamni Dil’lint zalelea chollvolik ‘Arab spring in India’ oxem eka TV channelant porgott kelem. Arab desantlea chollvolechea vixoia modem ani Bharatantle chollvolichea vixoya modem khup forok asa. Te Arbi lok hukumxai kobar korpak ani lokxai haddpak proitn kortat. Punn hanga Dil’lint, bailam cheddvamcher hinvse virudh koddokh kaide korche mhonn lok magta. Vixoi khup vegllo asa, ani vixoya pormonne lokachi zapui veglli asunk favo. Zorui Arbi desant lok aplo sorkar umttavpak hinvsa vapurtat zalear ami tich hinvsa Bharatant vapurpachi goroz na. Bailamcher zatolea akromanacher ami nixedh dakhoupakuch zai, punn hea ‘India Gate’ hanga chol’lolea chollvolik dolle dhampun patthimbo diunche poilim ami don pautti chintunk favo. Goyant broxttachara virudh oxench ek rajnitik lhar marlem ani parivartan haddpachea nimitan ek BJP sorkar nivddun dilo. Punn aiz broxttachar kobar zalo? Goychea porjeche proxn suttave zale? India Gate hanga fattlea dismani zalolea hinvse voir ami amcho virodh dakhovunk zai. Chollvollichea nanvan amche Raxttrapotichi vo Prodhan montreachi surokxa varear uddovunk zaina. Eka cheddvacher zalolea hinvsecho bodla amche pulisecher kaddunk favona. Punn hemch Dil’lint ghoddlem. Lokachea ragacho ani bhavnnamcho faido uttoupak kai rajnitik pokx ani somazant futt ghalpi gottamni hinvsa posravpachem kam kelem. Hea hinvsent eka pulis choukidaracho jiv kaddlo. Tin bhurgeamcho bapui to, ani ghorant ekuch zoddpi to. Eka chollvolint loka modem ani pulise modem zatele hinvsent donui bazunk mar bosta hem sangun guneanv thoim maf zaina. Mahatma Gandhi he chollovllicho fuddari aslo zalear kitem korpacho? Dubavuch na, jen’nam loka modem faido kaddpi lok ghusle mhonn taka kollun ietoch to chollvoll fattim gheupachi xiddkavni ditolo aslo. Gandhiji, eke chollvollint kuddichi xokti vaprun sot sthapit zaina mhonn xikoitalo. Fokot anink dukh uprasta. Haka lagun ‘othmeachi xokti’ (soul-force) vapurpachi chodd gorjechi. Hi othmeachi xokti mhonnta ti, aichea kallavoilea kitlea somaz sevokam vo somajik fuddaream modem asa gai? Othmeachi xokti mhonnta ti eka xallent vo collegint pustokamni mellona. Amchi othmiktai vaddovunuch hi xokti amkam mellunk xokta. Tyag, Povitr Pustokamcher niall korun ani totvam mulliam amchea disa dispott’tea jivitant apnnavunuch hi otmeachi xokti toyar zata. Sota ani nemam (principles) pormonne chollta tea mon’xa voir khoinchi-i sonvsari xokti zoit vhorunk xokona. Hacho ami ugddas dovrunk zai. Takach lagun Gandhijin upas dhorlo mhonntokuch British bhiyevnuch tachem magnnem mandun ghetale. Ek pap kaddun uddounk dusrem pap adharop sarkem nhoi, oxem Gandhiji sodanch xikoitalo. Tor eka cheddvachea akromona virudh zatolea chollvolint he Gandhijint sthaplele nem- kaide amkam distat gai? Bilkul Na. Hi soglli chollvoll apxinch ruzli (spontaneous) mhonn TV channel kitlem-i sangum, tem sot disona. Survatek xantikayen nixedh dakhoupak kaim nagrikamni fuddakar ghetlolo zait, punn dusrea disa thavn tantunt ek rajkoronnacho rong ailo. Kongressichea virodhan aslelea pokxamni hea lokachea bhavnaxil (emotional) vixoyache chulicher aplem aidon xizounk dovorlem. Pulisecho vapor korpa sarko prosong sorkaracher haddlo fokot lokak anink challovun ghalunk! Kongres sorkarachi bodnami zavnk he fuddari vavrunk lagle. Chollvolicho vixoi nizacho asa khoro punn hetu bolltoch disunk lagla. Hea gondollant broxttachara virudh ghoddun ailolo ek rajnitik pokx ani Baba Ramdev sarke aploch faido sodpi monis (opportunist) he zomlele porjek anink pettoun ghalunk lagle. Tor, hea fuddem somajik chollvollink zap ditana don pautti chintunk goroz. Vixoi somazachea faideacho asa zait punn je lok ho vixoi suttavo korunk fuddakar ghetat tanchim monam nitoll asa zait? Ho vixoi ghevun anink koslo faido he lok kaddchenant zalearuch tankam patthimbo diunk favo. Aiz osle fottkire vo apsuvarthi khupuch somajik fuddari ganv ganvamni nirmann zata. Lokak fokot movjen dovortat ani proxn suttavo korinant. Tor chedvam-bailancher zatelea akromonacher ami nixed dakhonv-ia punn ho rag dakhovpachi pod’dot vapurtat tacher don pauttim chintum-ia. Hinvsa ani zobordosti korun kaimch suttavem zanvchemna. Xantponnan ani chintun kaideant bodol haddum-ia ani amcheam cheddvam-bailank surokxit dovrunk vavrum-ia.

'Govt, civil society must fight to curb alcohol-related problems' - ToI

'Govt, civil society must fight to curb alcohol-related problems' TNN | Jan 6, 2013, 02.16 AM IST PANAJI: With alcoholism being a major problem affecting the state, a view has emerged that the government needs to consider alternative means of revenue and move away from viewing liquor as a source of revenue through excise. Speaking at a programme in Panaji, Asif Hussain, a member of the De-addicting Goa campaign team, lamented that alcohol and beer are served freely at parties in the state. He said there was a need to dissuade families, organisations and institutions from serving alcohol at functions. Hussein felt "civil society and the government need to work together on the issue". Pointing out that even sports teams were being sponsored by liquor brands and companies, he called for surrogate advertising of alcohol to be banned. Highlighting the seriousness of the alcoholism problem, Mohammad Atharullah Sharif, member of council of representatives, JIH, Karnataka, said the accused in the recent Delhi gangrape case committed the crime under the influence of alcohol. He felt there was a need to educate masses as well as to impress upon the government to legislate certain changes that will curb the menace of alcoholism. Fr Joaquim Loyola Pereira, secretary of the archbishop, said, "Alcohol and other (addictive) substances are the cause of many evils in society." He felt tackling the root cause was necessary while fighting the problem. Pereira blamed the "warped value system that is prevalant in society" as a factor contributing to addictions. "Young people should be helped to see the evils such substances bring," he said, while adding that the "church is with this cause". Sabina Martins of NGO Bailancho Saad said that "the grip of alcohol is becoming tighter despite efforts against it". She felt awareness programs need to be addressed towards men and urged religious leaders to take a stand on alcohol. "Alcohol should not be promoted," said Martins. Soter D'souza, executive member of the CSJP, said, "Many women are also alcoholics but do so in a hidden manner." He seconded the view that many problems stem from alcoholism and said society was acting in a hypocritical way to avoid changing its lifestyle. Observing that drinking was becoming all pervasive in the state, he cited examples of adults drinking at children's birthday parties thus setting a bad example for kids. He said alcohol destroys the social fabric and noted that delinquents usually come from alcoholic families. D'Souza advocated beginning with de-addicting efforts in one's immediate surroundings. Fr Zeferino D'Souza of the Diocesan Society of Education, felt the ban on liquor sachets and pouches should be strictly implemented as cheaply available liquor creates alcohol addiction in students which can worsen later. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Govt-civil-society-must-fight-to-curb-alcohol-related-problems/articleshow/17906294.cms

The Christmas Carnival

An article never published The Christmas Carnival by Soter D'souza Goa celebrates its ‘Parivartan’ Christmas this year. I heard some caroling children in saffron Salcete sing, “I saw Mommy kissing P...last night.” The ‘Griha Adhar Yojana’ has certainly brought cheer to their mommies this Christmas considering the soaring prices and flourishing black market for gas cylinders. Those Goans in traditional occupations broke out singing, “Hark the Herald Angels sing, P is the new born king!”, after they got news about the new scheme of a thousand rupaiyas per month announced for the season. The choral symphony of retired sea-farers is busy rendering the traditional carol “I saw three ships...”. Now there is also terminology such as 'Christmas Carnival' slowly picking up in Goa. Probably it is about a new version of the Parivartan Santa Claus who will keep Goan spirits high from Christmas till Carnival time. So while the schemes bring cheer to the ever increasing tribe of Goan and migrant beneficiaries of government doles, it is to be noted that now the shelf-life of most of the latest schemes is only five years. The parivartan research team has discovered that schemes kept for too long on shelf could loose their potency for confusing the mental faculties of the electorate. Having shorter shelf-life for schemes could now have two political implications. One, it gives a subtle message that you continue voting the party to power if you would like that the scheme continue for another 5 years. The second is probably a new emerging trend to beat the curbs on election expenses set by the Election Commission of India and cutting down the financial burden on the political party for bribing the voter during elections. This is all about innovative techniques of getting the voter to pay for his own bribe over a period of 5 years preceding an election. So even though some may claim to be parties with a difference, ultimately the white corruption through Corporations and Societies continues. The way to defeat the Right to Information Act is by keeping the State Information Commission topless. To resist the devolution of powers and funds to the village governments just keep the State Finance Commission naked. Excuses for celebrations can only be expected to increase in Goa with a growing tribe of over-enthusiastic team of young ministers in Government. Goa has become a favorite toy-land for our young politicians with their imaginations flying wild. They dream about cable cars, race courses, film cities and high-rise watch towers overlooking the blue sea. If tourism has to survive then tourists have to be encouraged to look out at the vast sea because should they look eastwards in search of the much publicised green hills, they may be shocked to see only shades of grey and red brought about by the absence of Regional Plan, mining and new building regulations. The shortage of land to satisfy the greed of the tourism lobby and young politicians may soon find projects designed for underground red-light areas and casinos. Goa has become a favoured destination for any human activity ranging from thinking fests to sex jamborees. The herbal massages have become very popular and a complicated affair at the same time. It is now about choosing between a vegetarian massage and non-vegetarian massage. With massage parlours being raided by the cops, an eye wash of course, you can always enjoy one at your home with even the option of choosing the sex, nationality, region, religion and skin colour of your masseur. For those who have too much black money that needs to be blown up or turned into white, Goa’s tourism provides the off-shore magic at the casino scrap yard. If you are a Goan or have to be accompanied by children to a casino, even though Goa’s best politician of the year boasts about a law banning Goans and youngsters from going to casinos, you just need not worry. Sources reveal that the casinos have now found a way out to allow the entry of youngsters by demarcating gaming areas and non-gaming areas. It is just like visiting a brothel not to have sex. So do not be surprised to see Goans and tourists with their kids continuing to walk out from the casinos after midnight. Times are such in Goa that Goans have no choice but to increasingly remain indoors during Christmas and the New Year because the roads are no more meant for sane motorists. Venturing out on the streets only runs the risk of spoiling your Christmas and not seeing a New Year. You could well land up being one of those for Government’s statistics on road accidents after being knocked dead by some lunatics among the hordes of tourists descending on Goan roads who are high from sniffing dope and gulping spirits at the invitation of the tourism department. Goa’s tourism is about unrestricted profanity and promiscuity so that the Government can fill its coffers. The ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ has assumed new heights where the Goa Government increasingly expects that Goans should forgo their fundamental rights to accommodate visiting cannibalistic tendencies that lay siege over the roads and even the private spaces of the locals. The Health Minister should consider making provisions for expanding the capacity of IPHB to accommodate the Goans going crazy from an over dose of jarring music, deafening fire works all through the night, clogged roads, air pollution, overflowing sewage tanks and mounting garbage dumps. With the mining sector having a blue Christmas after the courts stepped in to spoil the free-for-all party, it is probably now time for Goans to start calculating the ecological and social foot-print of this new emerging 24X7 Tourism Carnival in Goa. For in economics we learn that ‘human wants are unlimited.’ As was amply demonstrated in the mining sector, greed tends to forget that other citizens too have their rights to a restful sleep and free movement. Five beach beds per shack and a 11 p.m. deadline for music just do not seem sufficient, yeh dil maange more! Goa’s tourism is fast degenerating into unrestricted booze, drugs, sex, noise and crime. This is more like the story about the camel and the Arab. It is only by displacing the 1.5 million existing Goans will the tourism department be able to accommodate its target of 6 million tourists. So dear Goans, make the best of this Christmas because you do not know whether you will ever have a chance to celebrate Christmas the Goan way in future. With the extent of social pollution, there is no guarantee that the snow will remain white for next Christmas and that your Santa may get his visa in time. The government is already thinking of infiltrating Gujaratis, Kanadigas and MP-ites in the Carnival parade. Tourism in Goa is no more about sharing the rich culture, heritage, music, customs, traditions and natural beauty of Goa. It is about profanity and promiscuity, catering to the carnal and savage tastes of the moneyed tourists to pay for the politician santa’s doles and goodies. Christmas Carnival is about exploiting the season and destroying Christmas.