* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2008 Toronto International Goan Convention Theme: Goan Identity And Networking Today. http://2008goanconvention.com/index.php
Mario Miranda Festival, July 24-26, 2008 Old GMC Building http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2008-July/077732.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Socorro Gram Sabha resolves against mega projects The Gram Sabha of Socorro resolved that henceforth the Village Panchayat issue construction permissions to only single dwelling units of not more than 100 sq. mtrs plinth area and that too only for personal use and to persons of goan origin. The Gram Sabha cited severe water and electricity problems, garbage problems, environmental degradation, road congestion and socio-cultural impact in the village as reasons in support of the resolution. Attempts by some panchayat members to differ the resolution to another meeting under pretext of encouraging a wider debate were vociferously opposed by the Gram Sabha members. Goans living in the mega-housing projects narrated the horrors they have been experiencing because of lack of basic amenities and infrastructure and blamed the Village Panchayat for their plight. The argument put forward by a former Sarpanch that such restrictions would increase the cost of land and housing was rubbished by the Gram Sabha, pointing out that current ly the cost of land and housing is already beyond the economic reach of the common goan and only meant to cater to the influx of migrants which is destroying the goan village ethos. The resolution was finally put to vote and was passed by majority of the members present. The resolution also further stated that wide publicity be given to the resolution and that in future the Village Panchayat must inform the Gram Sabha about all housing projects that are given approval. Earlier the Gram Sabha also resolved to demand from the government of Goa that all necessary powers required for Zilla and Village Panchayats to function as institutions of self-government according to Article 243 G and Schedule XI of the Constitution of India be devolved immediately. That The District Planning Committees be made functional as per Article 243ZD of the Constituion in order to prepare the District Development Plans and that the Regional Plan 2021 be prepared thorugh the DPCs. The Gram Sabaha also resolved a demand that the Government of Goa scrap section 16 and 16A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974 as it violates the principles of natural justice enshirined in the Constituion of India. Several resolutions about keeping a check on labour camps at construction sites, formulation of a garbage policy for the village, clearing of drainage, action against overflowing sewage tanks of buildings, activities under NREG and approval of names of the beneficiaries for the government schemes were adopted by the Gram Sabha. The Gram Sabha meeting was chaired by the newly elected Sarpanch, Mrs. Kirti Asnodkar. -Soter D'Souza Socorro --------------------------------------------------------------------------- **** http://www.GOANET.org **** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tri Continental Film Festival 2008 July 25 - 30, 2008 Goa, India http://www.moviesgoa.org/page/tri_continental/ http://www.moviesgoa.org/tricon/schedule_2008.pdf ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
