Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service & circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ph:2252660 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A certificate from this FF ensures new-comers a berth ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to Velim, the home of two-time former Cuncolim MLA and eminent Freedom Fighter, Rock Santan Fernandes. He is among the handful of Freedom Fighters (FFs), whose certificate can bolster or mar the prospects of many a would-be registered Freedom Fighters.
Indeed, ever since the government re-opened the exercise probably for the last time, inviting applications for registration of those who participated in Goa's struggle for Liberation, many a Freedom Fighter have been flocking to Velim to the residence of the former MLA. And, the reason is simple. A certificate from Fernandes confirming his or her participation in the struggle can bring a left-out Freedom Fighter closer to being registered with the government.
So far, Fernandes who underwent imprisonment for a total of nine years, has sworn affidavits for around 40 applicants since the process began a fortnight ago. And, the number of total applicants have crossed the 100-figure mark if one considers the applications received by the Home Department. Inquiries have revealed that the Home Department has received around 110 applications till date.
Says Rock Santan Fernandes, "People are coming even from Pernem and other talukas to get my certificate. I expect more people before the deadline expires on June 30".
According to Fernandes, the much-sought after certificate is not automatically issued to the applicants on a mere request as is the general notion. "I insist that the person gets a letter from a Freedom Fighter of his area, certifying his participation in the struggle", he remarked.
His insistence on a letter from other Freedom Fighters has two-fold objective. Firstly, he has little or no knowledge of the applicant's contribution in the liberation movement, and, secondly Fernandes was inside prison for nine-long years.
And, every time Fernandes is approached by an applicant for his certificate, he had to accompany him to Margao, where an affidavit is sworn before the Mamlatdar.
Sources said the applications received by the Home Department will be later scrutinised by a Committee headed by the Chief Secretary. Incidentally, moves are afoot to get the deadline extended by the committee re-constituted. Sources informed that the deadline might be extended given that the exercise did not receive wide publicity.
"So far, nothing has been decided as yet", informed A Mascarenhas, joint Secretary, Home, adding that any decision on the matter would be announced in the media.He, however, did not comment when asked whether there are plans to re-constitute the committee to give representation to some groups.
When contacted, president of Goa, Daman and Diu Freedom Fighters Association, Vasant Molio pointed out that registration of Freedom Fighters was stopped around 1990. "Even a resolution was adopted to stop further registration, which was later accepted by the Rehabilitation Board of Freedom Fighters", he said when asked for his comment on the government's decision to re-open the registration.
According to him, there are around 742 registered FFs drawing local pension, of which around 150 have passed away, adding that around 650 FFs are also drawing Central pension. --------------------------------------- HERALD 27/6/03 page 1 --------------------------------------
======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
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