Goa News Highlights 12 buildings identified as dangerous in Bardez taluka Mapusa: The Public Works Department, building section has conducted a survey and has identified three residential quarters and a government primary school as dangerous and dilapidated in Bardez taluka. Only the primary school building is abandoned while the other buildings are occupied. Following directions of the executive engineer, PWD building section a survey was conducted by the office of the assistant engineer Public Works Department (PWD) wherein four buildings comprising of Junta Quarters at Angod, Mapusa, Asilo quarters at Fierra Alta, DDC residential quarters at Mapusa and Government primary school at Gudem Siolim were found to be in a dilapidated condition. The government primary school at Guddem in Siolim which is a ground plus one storied structure is currently abandoned and the school is closed. The villagers have demand that the building must be demolished and a new commercial building must be constructed by the government. The two health department buildings identified as Asilo quarters and DDC residential quarters is also in a bad state and needs to be vacated as early as possible. Another dangerous and dilapidated building in Bardez taluka is Junta quarters at Angod Mapusa which has four ground plus two buildings. Four government buildings comprising 24 apartments are beyond repair and have been declared unsafe by PWD and also by the Mapusa Municipality. Assistant engineer Maniraj Talkar said “we were asked to submit a report hence a detail survey was conducted and dangerous buildings have been identified.” He further added that “During the ZP election we submitted a report stating that it is unsafe to have any polling activity in the dilapidated buildings. Hence the polling booth had been kept outside the building.”[nt] Gen Next claims revenue loss of Rs 5,000 crore from casinos Panaji: A week after announcing Goa’s casinos as illegal claiming their operations were against licences issued by the State government, the Generation Next NGO says the scam is making the state loose over Rs 5,000 crore in collections from commercial tax. Speaking to media persons on Sunday, NGO President Durgadas Kamat pointed to an un-starred question at the ongoing assembly session. The question asks for details of revenue generated from casinos, to which it was replied that Rs 1,15,74,69,287 was collected by the commercial taxes department. Kamat however says the department should be collecting nothing less than Rs 196 crore. Considering 5,000 people visit the casinos in a day, he said, the daily collections itself would amount to Rs 1,96,50,14,000. “This is taking into consideration Rs 2,000 as the entry fee and if each person plays a minimum of Rs 1,000. There are collection in the form of entry tax, entertainment tax, service tax and VAT,” he said. He went on to add that according to the commercial tax Act there should be a track of bills, tickets, cash books, but nothing of the sort was being maintained. “This is a major revenue leakage that is happening. We had initially predicted it to be a scam of Rs 5,000 crore, but it seems to be more. When the tourist season begins, there are more people visiting these on shore and off shore casinos,” said Kamat. During a recent conversation with Governor Mridula Sinha, Kamat said she had promised to organise a meeting with the NGO and police officials. The NGO however has decided to write about the matter to the ED, Income Tax office as well as the Central Finance Ministry and the Home Ministry.[H] Shiroda VP to recover arrears of rent for shops Ponda: The Shiroda gram sabha on Sunday resolved to recover arrears of rent for its shops pending for a long time and also decided to hike the rent of shops given to locals. The panchayat has a total of 32 shops at Bhatim, Bazaar and Karai areas that have been rented out. But about 50% of the shop keepers have failed to pay their monthly rents. Rent amounting to around 15 lakh is pending and locals had raised the issue in the gram sabha and sought information from the panchayat about steps taken to recover the rent. Admitting that the panchayat had issued notices in April this year to some defaulters to pay the rent, sarpanch Sandesh Prabhudesai has clarified that half the shop keepers have paid the pending rent, but about 15 to 16 have to pay the arrears. The gram sabha, that was attended by over 150 villagers, also demanded that the employees of power department reluctant to take care of street lights and regular maintenance be transferred. Raising concern over safety of locals and commuters during the monthly 'Amavasya' of the goddess Kamakshi temple in the village, the villagers have demanded that the panchayat should ask for traffic police at the busy village points to avert accidents[NT] St Inez creek on course for ‘turnaround’ Panaji: In an attempt to infuse new life into the highly polluted St Inez creek, the Goa State Pollution Control Board will forward a proposal to the government with shortlisted suggestions from members of the public on how to clean the 3.7-km-long water body in the city. GSPCB chairperson Jose Noronha said that by next week the board will weigh in the recommendations and decide on suggestions to be forwarded to the government. The GSPCB looks to de-siltation as a long-term measure and installation of aerators along the creek stretch as a short-term step to improve water quality and get rid of the stench. “We have received over 30 suggestions from citizens,” he said, adding that de-siltation and aeration are two of the many suggestions that will be put forth before the government as a long-term and short-term measures to clean the creek. “The actual work will start after the monsoon,” he said. The long-term plan for giving a new lease of life to the creek will be based on decision of the government. The government will be responsible for preparing a detailed plan, factoring in expenditure, activities, roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders and a monitoring mechanism for cleaning up the creek. The board has approached four corporate giants – Zuari Agro, Cipla, Syngenta and Siemens – seeking their support in cleaning the polluted water body. These firms have assured financial support under their corporate social responsibility projects. Quality of the creek water is as bad as sewage. It has been found that several commercial establishments including hotels, a car service centre and residential complexes, which dot along the creek course from its originating point at Nagalli hills to Campal, discharge waste water and operate their establishments without consent of the board. Wells in Caranzalem are also contaminated by toxic waste in the nullah. At a July 22 interactive workshop, which had been organised by the GSPCB in collaboration with the Centre for Environment and Natural Resource Management, it was suggested that the water body be declared as a ‘creek’ – instead of current terminology nullah – to bring it within the ambit of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority. It was also suggested that hutments situated along the creek bank be demolished to improve sanitation in the area. In May, Captain Joseph Lobo had placed a proposal before the GSPCB for installing rigs at the cost of Rs 65000 each, which could be fixed up at ten different locations to aerate and re-circulate the water so as to increase its oxygen content allowing fish to breed.[NT] LED lights inaugurated across Rawanfond Bridge Margao: The long pending demand of locals for LED lights across the Rawanfond Bridge was finally fulfilled by Fisheries Minister and Navelim MLA Avertano Furtado when inaugurated the same on Sunday. This comes against the backdrop of the recent announcement by Union power minister that the State government would soon be powering LED lights across the State. “The cost of the work was Rs 12 lakh and it was done through the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC),” said Avertano adding, that he had sorted out the delay as the file had been stuck between the GSDIC and the Power Department. “Soon we will be installing LED lights at the Telauuklim bridge as well and the tender work in that regard has already started” Furtado said. Pointing out that the residents of the area had long been complaining about how the area was in darkness, Furtado said that one could immediately feel the impact of the LED lighting in the surrounding area. Aquem Baixo Sarapnch Sharon Quadros also pointed out that the villagers had to deal with blackouts on the bridge for over a year and were grateful to the MLA for solving this problem. A large crowd had gathered for the commissioning of the LED lights that has been welcomed by the public.[H] Divar locals oppose EDM festivals on their island Old Goa: A gram sabha of Goltim-Navelim (Divar) panchayat on Sunday witnessed uproarious scenes, as the islanders grilled the sarpanch and strongly opposed any rave parties or other parties with electronic dance music (EDMs) on the island. The islanders had got wind of a rave party to be held in Divar on August 16 and noisy opposition to it dominated the three-hour long meeting, as the members shot queries and shouted in unison questioning sarpanch Prasad Harmalkar over certain issues. A tense atmosphere prevailed in the packed Fr Jacome Gonsalves hall, as the agitated members unanimously resolved not to permit a yacht club to hold the alleged rave party on Divar island on the scheduled date. Reacting to the islanders demand, Harmalkar assured them by saying, "We will also not allow EDM music of high decibels to be played on the island." No sooner the meeting started, a member, Abhay Raiker asked the sarpanch about the action initiated to stop the rave party, but Harmalkar said that the panchayat had no jurisdiction over bunds and areas under CRZ. This only drew strong protests in the hall, as villagers heatedly asked him as to how he had issued NOCs to the club for some activity in CRZ. Harmalkar said that he had issued them in good faith, but these were not approvals, which the agency had to obtain from appropriate authorities. This only resulted in pandemonium for several minutes, as members shouted in unison. Former sarpanch, Mario Pinto also joined Raiker and questioned Harmalkar, who maintained that he had to act as a mediator between both sides. But villagers pointed out that he had been elected to look after their interests. The members also pointed out that the three NOCs were issued to clear the area, which is in CRZ to lay an access for a pontoon platform in the mangrove area. If the panchayat has no jurisdiction, then NOC should not have been issued, the members said. Harmalkar said he had issued them in good faith and finally conceded that it was a mistake. Further, he said the NOCs were valid for six months. As the club had not obtained any permissions, they are as good as revoked, he stated. Regarding a hut constructed by the club, he said the panchayat had sought to raze it, but the party has obtained a stay on it. He said if the rave party is held, he would inform the police and authorities.[TOI] Garbage, illegal CRZ structure mar Verem gram sabha Verem: Garbage and demolition of an illegal structure in CRZ, dominated the Verem gram sabha held at the Shantadurga Prasadi Samaj at Betim on Sunday. A resident raised the issue of garbage in ward no 7 which is not being cleared by the village panchayat. Sanjay and Jyoti raised the issue of garbage being dumped near a drinking water well. The members said that due to the non clearance of garbage, mosquitoes have started breeding and many residents are down with dengue and malaria. The villagers requested the gram sabha to impose a fine of Rs 5,000 to culprits who dump garbage in the area. They also requested the village panchayat to install a board stating not to dump garbage. The Verem sarpanch Kedar Naik said that the village panchayat has given a one month’s time to clear the garbage within its jurisdiction. Naik said that he will be writing to the animal husbandry department to sterilize stray dogs. He also said that the health department will be informed on fogging mosquito infested areas. Rajesh Dabolkar raised the issue of illegal construction which is coming up in CRZ area. He accused the ex-sarpanch for giving license to the project. Dabolkar informed the gram sabha that there is a Supreme Court ruling that no permission should be granted for construction in CRZ area but in Verem many structures are given permission by the ex-sarpanch for his selfish gain. The sarpanch Kedar Naik had no answer to this allegation and informed the gram sabha that all details will be furnished in the next gram sabha. Rajan Parab raised the issue of a post office roof which is in bad condition and required urgent repairs. The sarpanch assured the gram sabha that the roof will be repaired at the earliest. Villagers raised the issue of gaddas that are near the Verem fish market causing hindrance to the free flow of traffic and causing traffic congestion. Other issues discussed at the gram sabha were new transformers, replacement of street lights, and blocked PWD cross drains.[NT] Malaria cases down across State Panaji: The State government through its Department of Health Services (DHS) has shown that the state has reduced the number of cases of malaria even at the health centre level. The state’s overall figures show a drastic decline from 1,530 cases in 2013 to 824 in 2014 and 188 till June 2015. Primary Health Centers (PHC), Community Health Centres (CHC) and district hospitals have also shown similar trends in decreasing number of cases of malaria. Candolim’s PHC had registered 389 cases in 2013 which reduced to 84 in 2014 and this year has registered only 25 while Margao’s UHC registered 384 malaria cases in 2013 and has this year reached 40. In Vasco’s UHC, 110 patients were registered as having malaria in 2013 though 2014 saw 66 and this year only 13 were registered. The main reason for this considerable decrease in the cases of malaria, say the department is due to the preventive measures undertaken. Their major initiative in surveillance and case management includes the early detection and complete treatment where blood is tested for the malaria parasite as well as the use of Rapid Diagnostic Testing at all health centres. The department also informed that as a public health measure, they had made it mandatory for every labourer to have a health card after getting screened for malaria. This card has to be renewed every three months. Other measures the DHS has implemented include an integrated vector control measure by spraying and introducing fish in stagnant water, fogging with pyrethrum in areas where cases were reported and with a rapid response team set in place.[H] Govt clueless about Goans in industries Panaji: Flying in the face of the Laxmikant Parsekar-government's promise that it was trying to create and ensure that 80% of the jobs created in the state would be earmarked for Goans, official records indicate that the government machinery remained clueless and that it does not even maintain a list of the ratio of Goan employees to non-Goan employees who are employed in industrial units in the state. When asked to furnish information regarding the employees working in companies that are part of industrial estates in Goa and how many of them were non-Goan and Goan, sources in department of industries, trade and commerce said that this data is not maintained. At the same time, the government has assured the state that it has taken steps to increase employment opportunities for locals by providing incentives to industries who employ 80% Goans. "The Goa investment promotion and facilitation board has, in its meetings, impressed upon every unit to employ locals and the board has setup a high-level coordination committee under industries minister Mahadev Naik to visit various units, to deliberate and discuss with the management of the units and to ensure that maximum number of Goans are employed in these companies," an official with the investment promotion board said. Despite this, Naik did state in a written reply that the Bharatiya Janata Party government remained concerned and committed about the employment opportunities being created and made available to the locals in the industries that are set up or that will receive clearance from the investment promotion board. Embarassing itself further, documents sourced from the government also indicate that the department does not even have data on the number of job vacancies created by the ministry of industries in last three years and the number of Goans who gained employment during the same period. This throws questions on the government's claim that it will ensure that 80% of the jobs created will be earmarked for Goans[TOI] Ruckus at Divar gram sabha over yachting club NOC Divar : The gram sabha at Divar witnessed a ruckus on Sunday over an NOC given to Champions Yachting Club. The gram sabha was held at Fr J Gonsalves Hall, Divar. The sarpanch promised to revoke the NOC and demolish the temporary shed. The sarpanch of Goltim-Navelim Prasad Harmalkar offered to quit the post if allegations of taking a bribe were proved. He said that members should come forward and file a complaint against him of taking a bribe. While elaborating further Harmalkar said if he was absolved of the charge then the person who accused him should apologise publicly adding he has not issued any NOC to any firm. Earlier the Bharatiya Janata Party state executive member Abhay Raikar and former sarpanch Mario Pinto accused the sarpanch of taking bribe to issue an NOC to the yachting club without taking the panchayat into confidence. The sarpanch assured the gram sabha that he is ready to demolish the temporary shed built on the land but he is waiting for the outcome of the court decision. Dr German D’Mello brought to the notice of the gram sabha about the cutting of mangroves and gross violation of CRZ violations adding that the area falls within CRZ–I. The sarpanch informed the gram sabha that the issue of shifting the power department to Nagoa had risen after a legal notice was issued to them to vacate the school premises. He said that the power department needs extra space to store their material besides a rest room for their staff. He informed the members that the junior engineer has assured the panchayat that two linesmen will be posted in Divar to look after the grievances of the public. Garbage issue also cropped up at the meeting but the sarpanch stated that only dry garbage (paper and plastic) can be collected provided the village panchayat can find a person to do the door-to-door garbage collection. The sarpanch appealed to the villagers not to upload any matter on social networking sites which will tarnish the image of the island.[NT] Will Alemao be granted bail? Court to decide today Panaji: The bail application filed by former PWD minister Churchill Alemao and the freshly-filed bail application of suspended JICA director A M Wachasundar are scheduled for hearing before a special court on Monday. Both, Alemao and Wachasundar, have been arrested by the crime branch in connection with the Louis Berger bribery case. Another application filed by former vice-president of Louis Berger International Inc, Satyakam Mohanty, who was arrested last Monday and remanded to 14 days judicial custody, is also slated for hearing on Monday. The anticipatory bail application filed by former chief minister Digambar Kamat will come up for hearing on Wednesday. A source said that police have pieced together strong evidence to arrest Kamat and oppose his anticipatory bail plea. The crime branch has also made efforts to identify the places where the illegal transactions actually took place. The crime branch has strengthened their case with the arrest of hawala operator Raychand Soni. [TOI] 82 lives lost in S Goa road mishaps in last six months Margao: Eighty two persons were killed during the last six months in road accidents including hit-and-run cases reported at various places in South Goa while during the same period as many as 155 minor accidents were reported in which over 200 persons including 13 school children were injured. As compared to this in South Goa in 2014, 76 fatal and 190 minor accidents were reported. In 2013, 88 fatal and 230 minor accidents were reported and in most of the accidents the drivers were said to be in a drunken state. Statistics available from police indicate that South Goa district witnessed a sharp rise in cases of fatal accidents in first half of the year as compared to such cases in 2014. South Goa SP Shekhar Prabhudessai said that over speeding, rash driving, rules violations, failure to understand signs, fatigue and driving under the influence of alcohol were contributing to accidents. He said that rash and negligent driving has been the main cause for the rise in the number of road accidents adding that another reason for the accidents is drunk driving especially along the highways. Prabhudessai felt that cause of pedestrian deaths arise due to carelessness, and also due to crossing at wrong places and time. He said people also tend to lose their lives as they project their body outside the vehicle while talking, while alighting and boarding vehicle from wrong side, travelling on foot boards, catching a running bus etc. Other factors, which contribute to accidents, he said, are failure of brakes or steering, tyre burst, improper headlights, overloading etc. Non-use of helmet while riding is also the cause of death in road accidents. He said measures like awareness on road safety, strict enforcement of law, non-driving during alcohol consumption can reduce accidents on the roads. According to information available from South Goa police headquarters in Margao, of 82 fatal accidents reported in the last six months the highest number of cases, that is, 17 were reported in Ponda followed by 10 in Margao, 8 each in Maina Curtorim, Verna, Sanguem and Canacona. At Cuncolim and Vasco, 6 each cases were reported while at Mormugao 7 fatal accidents were reported and one each at Colva, Quepem and 2 at Curchorem. Of 155 minor accidents, the highest number was reported in Ponda, that is, 48 followed by Margao 44. Police have identified Navelim junction, Borda, Cortalim, Agnel Ashram spot, Titan junction, Verna, Cuncolim- near the police station, near Balli panchayat, Raia and Karmalghat areas as accident-prone zones. Construction of traffic islands in accident-prone areas is another measure to be taken to avoid accidents, said Prabhudessai. A senior police officer of traffic cell said that rash and negligent driving has been the main cause for the rise in accidents and that the traffic police have decided to strictly enforce rules which will go a long way in reducing the accidents including fatal ones. According to a senior police officer, the traffic police along with local police will keep an eye on motorists to prevent fatal accidents. He said that the traffic and local police will carry out extra patrolling in Salcete and other areas. Another senior police officer from Margao police headquarters informed that in 2014, of 189 two-wheeler riders who lost their lives in road accidents, 131 were without helmets and died due to head injuries. Police inspector of Margao traffic cell Prabodh Shirvoiker said that since the use of helmets has been made compulsory on all roads from April 1, Margao traffic cell has booked 15,452 cases for non-use of helmet by riders in Salcete taluka. Shirvoiker said the two-wheeler riders have to use helmets as studies has proved beyond doubt that wearing of helmets reduces chances of head injuries by 70 per cent and therefore increases chances of survival by 70 per cent. PI Shirvoiker claimed that with the implementation of helmet rule, road deaths involving two-wheeler riders will reduce in future.[NT] WRD will favour pro-agri projects, says Mandrekar Valpoi: Water Resources Minister Dayanand Mandrekar stated that the Water Resources Department (WRD) was concerned about wastage of water and it was trying to further develop agriculture in Goa. He was speaking at the inauguration of a footbridge-cum-bandhara at Kudshe, Sattari on Sunday. He said, “This project costs Rs 6.5 crore and is for the betterment of Sawarde and Valpoi. The government will always give higher priority for such projects in Sattari as it will boost agricultural activities. If possible, WRD will develop life irrigation systems for farmers in these areas.” He also directed WRD officials to speed up their work. Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane said the footbridge was a dream project for the locals for several years and it had finally come true. He also expressed gratitude towards Mandrekar for fully supporting the project. As per information, the bandhara will accumulate six lakh cubic meters of water, while the footbridge is 112 meters long and 2.5 mts wide.[H] Canacona traffic cell rakes in Rs 1.80 lakh revenue in July Canacona: PSI Gautam Salunke, who took over as the in-charge of the Canacona Traffic Cell, in July is trying to discipline the traffic in the area. Salunke is assisted in this work by 2 assistant police sub-inspectors, 2 head constables, 3 police constables and 15 home guards. During the month of July alone, he booked as many as 1,680 cases under different sections of the Motor Vehicle Act, thereby collecting revenue to the tune of Rs 1,80,700. The cases booked include, riding without helmet – 612, driving without seat belt -502, dangerous parking – 291, vehicles without wiper – 48, driving under influence of alcohol – 38, driving without valid licence -25, driving without uniform 23, transporting goods without being covered with tarpaulin – 16, carrying passengers in goods carriage -12, rash and negligent driving -11, improper number plate- 11, vehicles without side mirror – 11, using mobile while riding/ driving -1, vehicles without proper lights – 3, dazzling lights – 1, carrying passengers in cabin – 3, carrying excess pillion riders -3, without rear lights – 6, parking in no parking area – 1, without pollution certificate -1, using multi-tone horn – 1, driving without L plate – 1, driving without number plate – 5, and carrying load dangerously – 7. Speaking to this daily, Salunke informed that he has been working with his staff to bring about discipline among the motorists. He pointed out that of late drunk driving and rash and negligent driving are on the rise, and called upon the rider/drivers to strictly follow the traffic rules and regulations.[NT] Parulekar assures to return Bhatkar family property Panaji: Dayanand Bandodkar Memorial High School (DBMHS) chairman Suresh Parulekar stated that he would return the Bhatkar family’s property once the school’s new property was developed. He also maintained that he paid the rent regularly. The Bhatkar family had temporarily offered their property to Parulekar to start a school in the ‘70s. The school management was now allegedly refusing to vacate the premises despite several requests from the family. The property owner Damodar Bhatkar had accused the management of backtracking on its assurance to shift the school and neglecting to maintain the property, which was now in a dilapidated state. However, the former Industries Minister Parulekar stated, “I continue to maintain good relations with Damodar and his three brothers. There was no dispute until recently, when Damodar began asking us to hand over the structure. We pay the rent regularly, and once the approach road near our property is done, we will construct the school building and hand over the existing one to the Bhatkar family.” Regarding the management’s claims of an approach road not existing at the new school site, Damodar had questioned what the management was doing when the land was identified and the formalities to set up the school done.[h] Goa Scan Collem VP awaits land for waste disposal plant Ponda: With opposition rising over the use of a shed erected in the Hindu crematorium at Souzamol for segregation of garbage, Collem village panchayat now awaits transfer of land from the government for the garbage disposal plant at another site at Ambete-Shigao. A proposal in this regard is pending with the South Goa collector, sources said. After a resolution was passed in a meeting on January 30, 2015, Collem panchayat had erected a shed at a corner of the Hindu crematorium in Souzamol ward, but, the locals have started opposing it. Realizing that the issue may be raised during the gram sabha on Sunday, the panchayat authorities informed members at the outset, itself, that segregation work at Souzamol has been stopped. At present, segregation of garbage has been suspended and the collected solid waste is being dumped in a plot admeasuring about 5,500sq m earmarked for segregation at Ambete. The wet waste is being disposed of by locals themselves[TOI] Simplify ST scheme procedure: Davorlim locals Margao: Villagers at the Davorlim gram sabha demanded that the procedure for obtaining schemes for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community be simplified immediately. They observed that people are unable to avail the schemes, especially Indira Awaz Yojna, which is meant for housing. With no other proposals, this was the gram sabha’s only agenda. The rail over bridge (RoB) issue was to be discussed, but it got postponed as the matter is still pending with Navelim MLA Avertano Furtado. The panchayat has long demanded an RoB as people have complained that they had to wait for a long time whenever the railway gate was shut. The panchayat has raised this issue with the authorities and pointed out that people had to wait for almost an hour at times, and as such, it was dangerous for anyone who had an emergency.[h] Two held for theft of centering plates Panaji: Porvorim police have arrested two persons on charges of allegedly stealing centering plates that were stored outside the house of a contractor at Betim. Porvorim police have identified the duo as Abdul Ansari, a resident of Betim and Laurence Dias from Marcel. Police have also attached the rickshaw in which the centering plates were being transported to an undisclosed location to be sold. A complaint was lodged with Porvorim police by contractor Babu Mulla claiming unknown persons had committed theft of around 15 centering plates used in construction activities. The plates were kept outside the house. Police inspector Brendan D’Souza informed that, upon source information, a rickshaw was intercepted at Betim on Friday evening. Around 13 centering plates were found in the rickshaw. Subsequently, upon questioning the alleged accused, it was revealed that it was the stolen property. According to the police, after stealing the centering plates, the duo had kept the plates hidden in bushes at a location in Betim and on Friday that material was being transported in a rickshaw when the vehicle was intercepted. Each centering plate costs around Rs 1500 and the stolen plates were planned to be sold at cheaper price, informed the police. Police have recovered 13 plates from the duo and further investigation is in progress. The alleged accused have been remanded to four-day police custody.[NT] Iffy over IFFI: Goa spent Rs33cr in 3 yrs, Centre Rs1cr Panaji: The first-hand information provided by the Minister for Information and Publicity Milind Naik to the state legislative assembly on Friday stated that the central government has contributed an amount of only Rs 1 crore towards the organisation of the past three International Film Festivals of India, while the Goa government spent a whopping Rs 33.65 crore towards these three mega film events. The House was also informed that the Centre did not allow the state to handle any programming section at these three film festivals. Naik, providing a written reply to a related question from the Margao MLA Digambar Kamat informed the state legislative assembly that the state government had received an amount of Rs 1 crore, from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting/Directorate of Film Festivals, for the International Film Festival of India 2014, while there was no contribution from this Ministry/ Directorate towards IFFI 2013 and IFFI 2012. The written reply further said that the state government spent Rs 12,69,02,339 on IFFI, 2012, Rs 10,74,22,000 on IFFI, 2013 and Rs 10,22,08,000 on IFFI, 2014. It was further informed that no programming sections were handled by the Entertainment Society of Goa for various categories, during the last three International Film Festivals of India, held in the state. Furthermore, the written information stated that during IFFI 2012, IFFI 2013 and IFFI 2014, the cash sponsorship brought in Rs 56,50,000, Rs 37,00,000 and Rs 1,05,10,000, respectively. The sponsorship in kind during the three film festivals included wireless radios, confectionary, soft drinks and water, hoardings, air tickets, insurance premium, chocolates for delegates, onscreen publicity, dinner, radio publicity, newspaper publicity and so on. As per the written information, altogether 7,228 delegates were registered for the IFFI 2012, in all 9,188 delegates were registered for the IFFI 2013, while the number of registered delegates rose to 12,755 for IFFI 2014. In comparison, altogether 3,171 Goan delegates were registered for IFFI 2012, while the number of delegates from Goa, who registered for IFFI 2013 and IFFI 2014 was 4,576 and 5,457, respectively. In another written reply, the Minister for Information and Publicity stated that no Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the government of Goa and government of India for the forthcoming International Film Festival of India 2015, yet. Naik added that neither the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting nor Directorate of Film Festivals has curtailed any powers of the Entertainment Society of Goa as regards organisational aspects of IFFI 2015.[NT] NGT admits plea against third Mandovi bridge Panaji: The construction of the third bridge over River Mandovi seems to have run into rough weather with the National Green Tribunal admitting a challenge filed by Goa Foundation. Goa Foundation has challenged the construction of the bridge alleging that it is being constructed without an environment clearance. It also challenged the destruction of some 247 mangrove trees for constructing ramps (roads) to access the bridge. NGT admitting the application earlier this week and matter will now be taken up on August 21. Goa Foundation has asked for a stay on the construction of the bridge in the absence of proper environment studies and an environment clearance. The NGT order passed by Justice V R Kingaonkar, states that Advocate General Atmaram Nadkarni, under instructions of GSIDC, has made a statement that pending application, till scheduled date, no mangroves will be cut. “Considering such a statement, at present ad-interim relief may not be required,” the NGT order states. NGT has asked Goa Foundation to serve copies of the application in accompanying matters by adding the Secretary, Ministry of Road and Surface Transport, Union of India, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the executing agency or contractors.[H] More objective questions at Board exams from 2017 Panaji: Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education is working on reducing the subjectivity element in the Class X and XII public exam question papers from the 2017 tests. The board has been troubled with students and parents increasingly challenging the marks allotted to them by seeking reevaluation in hundreds after the two public exams each year. "We are planning to introduce a series of changes which will alter the Class X and XII exam question papers. One of the plans is to ask more objective-type questions," said Goa board chairperson Jose Remedios Rebello. He said that the board at its next meeting will discuss how cheating can be arrested once more objective type questions are introduced as objective questions make it easier to pass on answers. "We are thinking of measures that can take care of this aspect, after which we will be ready to introduce the new pattern of question papers. We are aiming to introduce the changes from the 2017 exams," he said. Rebello said that sociology, political science and languages are where the maximum number of cases of students applying for reevaluation as these are subjects where the answers tend to be more subjective. Essays in language papers also see the evaluation by teachers varying vastly from one evaluator to another. The board is trying to standardize the evaluation in case of such subjects where the evaluation can be highly subjective, by allowing only a limited number of evaluators to correct all the answer sheets in the subject, said Rebello.[TOI] BBSM demands revocation of grants to English medium schools Panaji: Over 4,000 persons of the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) marched from Mahalaxmi temple to Azad Maidan, Panjim on Friday demanding revocation of grants to English medium schools. Speaking at the protest meet, BBSM leader Subhash Velingkar said, “Let the government fall, we will not back down on our decision. The Congress gave temporary grants to English schools, the BJP have carried on with them. Grants may be given in Nagaland, but this is Goa not Nagaland.” The Manch demanded that the government stop grants to English medium primary schools after the end of the current academic year, that cases be booked against all persons that participated in the FORCE agitation rasta roko on July 30 and that concession be given to all Konkani and Marathi schools by October 2. BBSM also condemned FORCE saying, they were misleading and instigating the people of the State and that Diocesan schools were only politicising education in the State. MLAs Vishnu Wagh, Naresh Sawal and Lavoo Mamledar were present at the meet. Uday Bhembre said English led to decentralisation and denationalisation pointing to Environment minister Alina Saldanha as an example. “People who study in English have a complex and feel embarrassed to speak in the local language. Alina Saldanha is a product of this decentralisation. Whenever she goes for a function, she only speaks in English even if none of the audience understands what she is saying,” he said. He added that the 11 MLAs, who assured FORCE of taking up the bill in the next Assembly session, had no right to make the assurance. “In any case, the assembly has 40 members. They are only 11, with what majority will they pass the bill?” he asked. Fr Mousinho de Ataide said he was not in favour of primary education in English as it wasn’t their mother tongue. “Parents who put their children in English medium schools do not enhance their children’s chances but hamper them. We are not Anglo Indians, we do not have English in our blood,” he said.[H] Suresh Prabhu launches DEMU service in Goa Pernem: Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today flagged off the DEMU passenger train service connecting Pernem (Goa) to Karwar (Karnataka) on the Konkan railway route. Initially, there will be two services of the DEMU train in each direction connecting all the stations of Konkan Railway in Goa. Run by Konkan railway corporation (KRC), the train will leave Pernem at 10.40am and 5.15pm and will leave Karwar at 6am and 2pm daily except Sunday. The launch of the DEMU was held in the presence of the chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar at a special function held at Pernem railway station. "When the chief minister requested me for such a service, I immediately took up the issue and the file was processed," Prabhu said reminding that his connection to the coastal state goes back to the time since his marriage 22 years back. "Being married to a woman from Goa it was my responsibility to fulfill the request of locals," he said striking a lighter note with the audience. He said Goa has made a mark for itself across the world. "There is a huge potential for tourism and union government will provide all the possible help for development of the state," Prabhu said. Goa chief minister appreciated Prabhu for taking up the matter. "When we met on May 24 we had requested him for the train. And within no time he completed all the process to start the train," the chief minister said. This train is expected to reduce some pressure on the Goan roads which witnesses heavy traffic during peak time. Parsekar said this train will also help the people to travel to Pernem where greenfield airport is being constructed. "This (local railway) will also help the people from south Goa to reach to the airport after its construction," he said. The Chief minister said several projects like electronic city are planned in Pernem. "This train will help people commute to this taluka faster. The gap between north and south Goa will be reduced." [TOI] Minister criticised for multiple taxation of power consumers Panaji: The opposition legislators on Friday slammed the Power Minister Milind Naik, during the question hour of the state legislative assembly, for multiple taxation of the electricity consumers around the state. The Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardesai said that the power department charges the infrastructure development cost for supplying power, from the respective consumers, as also charges electricity duty from them, on the power bills. “And besides duplication of these charges, the electricity department does not spend all the money it earns by way of electricity duty on the power infrastructure in the state,” he added. Informing the House that the objective behind levying of electricity duty is to build up the transmission and distribution network in the state, which involves huge investment that cannot be met from the normal revenue of the department, the Power Minister said that the electricity duty collected prior to 2008 was utilised for maintenance of the streetlights. Speaking further, Naik said that from 2008 to date, an amount of Rs 800 crore has been collected by way of electricity duty, from which Rs 620 crore have been placed in the electricity development fund. “Furthermore, electricity works amounting Rs 550 crore are already in pipeline, undertaken with the utilisation of this fund,” he informed, stating that works worth Rs 200 crore have been already completed. The Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo said that the builders pay crore of rupees worth infrastructure tax to the electricity department, further questioning as to why the department doesn’t provide service to them, once the tax is paid. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, intervening in the discussion said that the rate of power in Goa is lowest in the country, even lower than that charged in those states, which generate their own power.[NT] BMC workers finally get July salary Bicholim: The 105 workers of Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC) who had remained without salary for July heaved a sigh of relief on Friday as the BMC disbursed their dues. BMC Chairperson Karuna Govekar stated that the problem was due to lack of funds and that it had been solved. She also refuted claims that the Council had misappropriated funds and said the financial crisis existed since she took over as chairperson. “It is because of the mismanagement of funds by the earlier Council. Since we took over, we have tried our best to stop the wastage of funds and unnecessary spending. The opposition is making baseless allegations,” said Govekar. On Friday, Herald reported that 105 BMC workers did not receive salary for July. BMC had stated that the crisis was due to a reduced octroi given by the government, while the opposition alleged that BMC had misappropriated funds. Five councillors – Narayan Betkikar, Shashikant Naik Harlankar, Premanand Mayekar, Anisha Vernekar and Anita Harmalkar – had also submitted a letter demanding a special council meeting to discuss BMC’s financial position.[H] Submit documents to Tejpal, court directs prosecution Panaji: A local court on Friday pulled up investigation officer in the Tarun Tejpal case after he sought hearing on arguments before charge in the alleged rape case against the former Tehelka editor without complying with Supreme Court order to provide relevant documents to the accused. The additional sessions court noted that the prayer asked in the application is clearly contrary to the order passed by the Supreme Court. "Instead of complying the aforesaid orders, the IO without asking from this court any further time to comply with the order of the SC prayed to proceed with the case on hearing arguments before charge in clear violation of the order of the SC," judge Vijaya D Pol remarked. The additional sessions court has also ordered that a letter be issued to the apex court giving detailed information about the matter and asking for extension of time for compliance of the SC order by the prosecution. While dismissing the application of the crime branch to proceed with the case, Pol directed the prosecution to forthwith comply with the order passed by SC on January 16, 2015. On July 13, the IO moved an application before the court and stated that hard and soft copies of the subject matter of petition before the SC and high court have already been furnished to the accused. On the same day, Tejpal also filed an application stating that the police had not complied with the SC order. In January, the SC had directed the trial court to direct the prosecution to provide all relevant documents including unedited CCTV footage, etc. (As contained in the order dated May 3, 2014 passed by the trial court) within three weeks to the accused. "Till such time, we request the learned trial judge to adjourn the proceedings and immediately thereafter start the hearing on framing of the charges" the SC said. The SC also permitted the trial court to seek extensions of time from it in case of difficulty. Subsequently, on June 5, the additional sessions court gave the last and final opportunity to the prosecution to comply with its order and the SC order to give the relevant documents to the accused. Tejpal's counsel Rajiv Gomes said that they have not been furnished copy of survivor's cell phone and laptop clone copy. Prosecution has so far furnished CCTV footage to Tejpal. [TOI] PWD contract workers protest across state Vasco: Pumping operations of sewage at various spots in Mormugao taluka were affected on Friday due to the protest called by PWD contract workers in lieu of their demands. This led to overflowing of sewage from sewerage chambers with no worker present to attend to the job. About 33 workers, working at sewerage and water sections in Mormugao taluka, staged a dharna in front of Mormugao municipal building on Friday as part of their strike. These workers are employed as supervisors, operators, mechanics, helpers and others at various pumping stations of sewerage and water sections of the public works department (PWD). The strike was a part of the state-wide agitation launched by the workers in all the talukas. They termed the strike as ‘Pani Bani Andolan’. The PWD contract workers union leaders, who are affiliated to the Goa Trade Unions Confederation, have threatened to intensify the agitation if the demands of regularisation of services and abolition of labour contract were not fulfilled. They also threatened not to support BJP and its alliance parties in the forthcoming assembly session, if they fail to resolve the demands of the workers. Speaking to this daily, supervisor Chandrahas Pandhare informed that there are around 33 contract workers in Mormugao taluka and among them some are working for over 10 years. He demanded that the workers working with PWD should be paid atleast Rs 323 per day or that the state government should increase the monthly payment by minimum Rs 10,000 from the existing Rs 4,000. MAPUSA: The PWD workers union staged an agitation at the government complex here, on Friday, demanding regularisation and hike in the monthly salary. The morcha was also supported by the Bardez block committee of Shiv Sena. Around 60 workers held a protest in front of the mamlatdar’s office in the midst of Mapusa police who were deployed to maintain law and order. Addressing the workers, Harish Gaude said that “the government should regularise all contract workers who are working for the last 10-12 years. The pay scale is not sufficient and our families are suffering due to non-payment of monthly salaries regularly.” Mandar Parsekar, Shiv Sena’s Bardez block president extended his support to all PWD workers and said that “we will support them in their fight till the end,” adding, the government should look into the demands and fulfil them. VALPOI: Around 50 PWD contract workers staged an agitation in front of mamlatdar office in Valpoi on Friday demanding regularisation of their services. The agitators, holding placards and shouting slogans, took out a rally in Valpoi market area. The agitators besides demanding regularisation of their services also raised issues pertaining to payment of arrears and pending salaries and so on. Local AAP members (Valpoi) Vishwesh Prabhu, Sattana Bi, Gabriel D’Costa and Sushant Gaonkar were seen with agitators in the morning. While in the afternoon union leader advocate Ajeetsingh Rane and social activist Swati Kerkar also met the agitators and assured their full support. CURCHOREM: The contract workers from Sanguem taluka sat in protest in front of the Sanguem mamlatdar office. Nagu Velip and Rattan Naik said that there are around 750 contract workers in the state and around 58 in Sanguem taluka. They said the government had declared that Rs 332 would be paid from June this year, but it is August now and the new rates of wages have not been implemented. They pointed out that it takes 5 to 6 months to receive their payments. “MLA has advised us to wait for two months. If our above demand is not met immediately, we shall be forced to go on a hunger strike,” they said. SANKHALI: PWD contract workers attached to Opa water treatment plant, under the banner of PWD contract workers association and supported by Goa Shiv Sena, held a day-long protest against the lackadaisical attitude of the government in regularising their services and also over payment of pending wages for last six months. The workers also took out a morcha in Bicholim town, shouting slogans by holding banners and placards in their hands. Goa Shiv Sena chief and union leader advocate Ajitsingh Rane and advocate Swati Kerkar assured the workers to give them justice by supporting their issue. The workers in the morning carried out a morcha from the KTC bus stand and later gathered near the old bus stand. They submitted a memorandum to Bicholim police and mamlatdar requesting them to look into their demands. The second morcha was taken out in the evening from the old bus stand to KTC bus terminus where it culminated into a public meeting.[NT] Panjim court shifting postponed Panaji: Following protests by advocates, the Court of Principal District & Sessions Judge, North Goa, Panjim has postponed plans to shift to the new premises at Patto. A notice issued on August 7, signed by Principal District and Sessions judge BP Deshpande, says “The advocates, litigants and public in general are hereby informed that the shifting of four civil and criminal courts which are presently housed in the Old Civil and Criminal Court, Panjim to the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th floors of the ‘Spaces’ building at Patto Plaza, has been postponed until further orders.” Lawyers practicing at Panjim had opposed the proposed shifting of the lower courts. A notice had been earlier published that the lower courts were to be shifted to ‘Spaces’ at Patto plaza from July 27 onwards, though no such relocation has taken place yet. Around 200 advocates had decided to challenge the North District Court’s order directing the lower courts to shift to Patto by August 10. The lawyers demanded that government begin construction of the Merces court complex, which has been pending since 2009. when the then Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court Swantanter Kumar had laid the foundation stone. [H] International Goa News FC Goa to train in Dubai ahead of ISL PANAJI: FC Goa will travel to Dubai for pre-season next month and play friendlies against top teams ahead of the second season of Indian Super League. The Goan franchise of the Indian Super League will train in Dubai from September 1 and return on September 21. Chief coach and Brazilian legend Zico initially wanted the team to train in European destinations like Austria or Germany but the management opted for Dubai where a number of teams have confirmed they are ready for pre-season friendlies. Significantly, Zico was in Dubai last month at the annual Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Ramadan sports tournament. "The facilities in Dubai are as good as anywhere else in the world. The hotels and training grounds are top-notch," a source told this paper. Zico is understood to have insisted on a training stint abroad after discovering to his horror that the preparations at home can be marred by incessant rain and weak opponents for friendlies. Last season, FC Goa played the likes of Sesa Football Academy and Vasco Sports Club, giving the coaching staff a wrong picture of the team's abilities. By the time Zico discovered the strength and weakness of each player, Goa were already languishing at the bottom of the table and it was only a spectacular comeback that helped them qualify for the semifinals with comparative ease. This time around, Zico will know the problem areas even before he lands in Goa. According to sources, FC Goa will play friendlies against superior teams in the UAE and one of them could include Al Shabab. "Al Shabab has a Brazilian coach (Caio Junior) and FC Goa will almost certainly play a friendly against them," said one official. Al Shabab is among the top-ranked teams in the UAE Super League and finished third in the Arabian Gulf League. They defeated Al Seeb 4-3 on penalties to emerge champions in the GCC Clubs Championship trophy in Oman early this year and also made it to the final of President's Cup last season. Al Shabab recently signed Jo, the former Manchester City striker, who featured for Brazil at last summer's Fifa World Cup. FC Goa will open their campaign in ISL 2 with a home clash against Delhi Dynamos -- coached by another Brazilian legend, Roberto Carlos -- at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on October 4.[TOI] Obituaries Bebiana D'Silva Dandeavado- Chinchinim Born-02/12/1951- Died-09/08/2015 Wife of late Canstancio D'Silva Lovingmother/ mother in low of Daves/Alzira, Polly/Joanita, Plery/Leavita, Leena/Augustin Funeral cortege will leave her residence oTODAY,10 August 2015 at4.00 pm toOur lady of Hope,Church,Chinchinim for Eucharistic followed by burial. LUIS VAS Bogmalo-Bimmta Born-29/11/1952- Died-08/08/2015 Beloved husband of Josefa Vaz Loving father/ father in low of Anthony/ Sandra, Vincent/ Shamina,Nicky,Roney and Godwin, Grandfather of Alosn, Gilan & Alcia Funeral cortege will leave his residence oTODAY,10 August 2015 at 3.45 pm to Ss Cosme & Damiao church, Bagmalo for mass followed by burial. Politics BJP to teach first-time MLAs party ideology Panaji: BJP will conduct a training workshop for its MLAs and senior office bearers after conclusion of the ongoing monsoon session of the legislative assembly. At the workshop, MLAs, especially the first-timers, will be introduced to party ideology in depth. This is the first time such a workshop will be held in Goa though such workshops are held at the national level at regular intervals. At the workshops for workers that are held as part of its Mahasampark Abhiyan, the Louis Berger bribery case will be highlighted to the highest extent. The BJP's online registration of members in Goa has gained momentum. Since its launch in June, it has registered 30,000 voters online. BJP state unit president Vinay Tendular told TOI on Sunday that MLAs will be explained BJP's ideology, programmes and schemes, prominently targeting new MLAs at the workshop. Trainers have been invited from Delhi. To a question whether it isn't too late to have a workshop for first-time MLAs, for they have one-and-a-half year to complete their five-year term, Tendulkar said the workshop has been organized as part of its Mahasampark Abhiyan, a campaign to connect with people. The membership of the BJP in Goa is 4.30 lakh, and it expects to add more numbers to its fold as it online registrations increases in the months to come.[TOI] Heated CM, Rane discussions over late night arrest Panaji: State legislative assembly, on Friday, witnessed a heated discussion over the issue of police action in arresting a politician at midnight with the Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane saying the police operation smacked of a dictatorial regime while the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, saying that the police were free to act on their own to bring those involved in corruption to book. Making a statement in the House after the lunch break, the Chief Minister denied the allegations of his government being dictatorial and said that as the leader of the state he ordered a probe soon after the news of bribes being paid to Goan politicians and others broke following indictment of Louis Berger in an United States of America court. He denied that his government was involved in character assassination of anyone and said that he had neither interfered in the investigations of the case nor in the functioning of the police department, but went on to add that he was being briefed daily by the police being the Chief Minister and Home Minister. He said that the House has to be unanimous in dealing with the cases of corruption and bring the corrupt to justice. He said that police function round the clock and had freedom to act against those involved in illegalities as and when the need was felt. “The police can summon suspect at any time to probe the cases before them,” he stated. “I am not a dictator nor is my government on witch hunt,” he said adding that he was being blamed for seeking to give justice. Amidst shouting by the members of the ruling side, he said that it was a fact that bribe was paid to the corrupt and that police should not be blamed for being on the wrong side. Rane, on the other hand, said that the ruling side could not stifle the voice of opposition through acrimonious shouting and demanded that the case be handed over to the CBI for a fair probe. He also said that police should arrest those who gave bribe. As Rane made the statement, the ruling side members shouted against his statement. Earlier, comparing the state police to Gestapo – the official secret police of Nazi Germany and German-occupied Europe, Rane said that the government is using its police to pick up the people from their houses at the middle of the night, without giving any prior warning. The Leader of the Opposition without taking any name was referring to the recent ‘midnight arrest’ of the former public works department minister Churchill Alemao, in connection with the Louis Berger corruption scandal. Rane, speaking at the beginning of the question hour in the state legislative assembly also said that the state Bharatiya Janata Party government is involved in systematic character assassination of the opposition legislators, in the House. “Today, Vijay (Sardesai) is targeted, tomorrow it may be me,” he noted, pointing out that wrong information and rumours are being spread around about all rivals of the BJP. He also asked the Deputy Speaker Anant Shet, who presided over the House, to direct the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar to make a related statement. “If you believe in democratic ideals, then direct the Chief Minister to make a statement,” he reiterated. The Deputy Speaker however, asked Rane to continue with the question hour. Later speaking to the media, Rane said that the Louis Berger bribe case should be referred to the CBI, observing that the state police should not have behaved the way they have done, while arresting a politician at night.[NT] Sports Panjim Veterans champs Mapusa: Panjim Veterans kept their cool in the ensuing penalty shoot-out as they edged past a spirited Chinchinim Veterans 7-6 in the sudden death in the final of the 1st late Mathew Braganza All-Goa veterans football tournament, organized by Morod Andog Friends Circle, Mapusa, at Duler Stadium, here, on Sunday. The teams were locked 1-1 at half time. Panjim Veterans played to a plan and attacked right from the word go with Pascoal Pereira in thick of action. The former Dempo SC star was unstoppable as he gave his team the lead with a clinical finish off an assist from Seby D’Costa. At the other end, Chinchinim Veterans took time to settle down but their strikers could not create any clear cut chances. In the second session, Chinchinim Veterans were all pumped up and marched ahead in search of the equalizer. They finally restore parity as Panjim Veterans goalkeeper could not stop the ball off a delightful free-kick by Mario Soares. The team went head-to-head in the final quarter but neither could score the match-winner as the overwhelming fans awaited the crucial penalty shoot-out. Panjim Veterans held the edge as Anthony Pereira netted first as then Neville Araujo, Pascoal, Govind Balekar, Daniel Noronha, Ramesh Palkar and Alex Alvares kept their composure to score. Chinchinim Veterans scored through Mario, Jerry Fernandes, Santan Rebello, Adrian Lobo, Mahesh Lotlikar and John Letiao. Deputy Chief Minister of Goa Adv Francis D'Souza was the chief gust and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour and MLA of Aldona constituency Glen Ticlo, Ryan Braganza and Kayle Braganza. Panjim Veterans received Rs 66,666 while Chinchinim Veterans had to be content with Rs 33,333. Individual prizes were to the following. Best goalkeeper: Francis Fernandes. First scorer of the final Pascoal Pereira. Man-of-the-Match Anthony Pereira (all Panjim Veterans). Best defender: Erodino Rebello and Player of the tournament Mario Soares. (Chinchinim Veterans). Earlier, in the exhibition girl’s match, Government College of Quepem got the better of St Xavier's College, Mapusa.[h] GEC, GMC swimming champs Panaji: Goa Engineering College (GEC), Farmagudi and Goa Medical College (GMC), Bambolim won top honors for men and women respectively in the inter collegiate swimming championship organised by Goa University at SAG swimming pool, Campal. Shree Damodar College, Margao claimed second place and St Xavier’s College, Mapusa claimed third place in the men section, whereas Agnel Institute, Assagao claimed second place and Dhempe College, Miramar claimed third place in the women section. [NT] A longer Indian Super League will be welcome, says FC Goa co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar Panaji: Despite the load of expectation after a hugely-engaging first season where they made plenty of friends and entered the semifinals, FC Goa don't feel burdened. With chief coach and Brazilian legend Zico continuing at the helm of affairs and picking a team entirely of his choice, co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar explains why FC Goa will be the team to watch in this edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). Excerpts from an exclusive interview with TOI... Last season when the ISL kicked off, there was a lot of concern over the response in Goa. Were you concerned too? We saw what happened in I-League matches and did not expect such a response (for ISL). Football is not what it used to be in the past. I remember watching football matches live with my father and saw Salgaocar play: It (the stadium) used to be packed. We never expected such a response for the ISL. We are happy that football has brought back not just the old supporters but also created new fans. Now, there are kids, ladies, non-Goans, and all love our engaging form of football. FC Goa won plenty of supporters in the first season. How do you build on such a success story? We have Zico and everyone knows what his presence means. The last time, we were forced to pick players from the draft and also the marquee. Zico came in (later) and had to work with players who we had already selected. This year, we chose Zico right at the start and gave him a free hand to select players and support staff of his choice. Are you delighted or concerned that almost all of them are Brazilians? We are very happy. We need to have a team which jells well. There has to be good understanding. I am told that all the (foreign) players are excited to work under Zico and have already started preparations. He is a big name in the world of football and it's no wonder that all players, including Indians, are excited to work with him. FC Goa is now an international brand, thanks largely to Zico's presence. What happens tomorrow if Zico wins the ISL for Goa and takes over another challenge? We have asked Zico to be there with us for a longer term. Let this season get over and then we can think of how to take the discussion forward. We are, and will continue to be, guided by him. Even if he cannot be with us in the future, we will be happy to continue with his philosophy, ideas and thoughts. If Zico quits as coach, will the franchise possibly offer him an ambassadorial role? We would like him to continue as our coach. If not, we are quite fine to associate ourselves with him in whichever manner he wants. The ISL final will be played in Goa. Does that heighten expectations? We are honoured to have the final here. It's a tribute to Goan fans. For us, and I quote Zico here again, 'the fear of losing should never take away the desire of winning'. Every game carries pressure but we have to handle it and rise to the top. Our fans will, as always, want us to win the tournament and we will do that. FC Goa made it to the semifinals last year, so anything less than a final appearance this time will be construed as failure? That's always been our goal. Where do you want to see FC Goa, probably five or 10 years from now? We want to build a professional club in every sense of the word, build a grassroot and youth development programme. Our main objective is to develop football which my father started doing 50 years ago. All partners (of FC Goa) want football to flourish in Goa. But a three-month competition will always hold you back. We hope the format is extended and the ISL becomes a longer competition. We would welcome that. A longer ISL would mean additional expenses on player salaries. Isn't that a concern? We would be fine with a longer competition. With an extended format, the revenue and sponsorship will increase. There will be more people engaged with the competition and plenty more will watch these matches. Realistically, is it possible for any franchise, or more specifically FC Goa, to make profits or can the franchise only cut its losses? We hope to ultimately make profits. The main objective, though, has always been to develop football in the best manner possible and get the crowd back to the stadiums. We were delighted that the ISL was the fourth-best attended league in its first year itself. It speaks well for how well the league has been packaged and marketed, besides, of course, the quality of the competition. Was it a conscious decision to sign more Goan players? Goan players are the best in the country. Out of 160 players, we have almost 30 who are Goans, and all of them are outstanding. We had chosen some of our players like Narayan (Das), Debabrata (Roy) and Pronay (Halder), so we were left with limited choices. I wish there were more Goan players in the domestic draft. We have signed Goan players based on talent and I am sure the connection with our fans will be tremendous.[toi] Business State barge owners under tremendous pressure Panaji: The barge owners in the State are under tremendous pressure with banks now having commenced the process of declaring barge owners as wilful defaulters and taking the appropriate measures to recover their loans. They are expected to attach their houses and other physical property to recover their dues. This action by banks have commenced from June 26th. Atul Jadhav, President of the Goa Barge Owners Association revealed this during the course of his conversation with the Herald. He said the barge owners had expressed their fears during the course of their interactions with him. The association, he said, had given a letter to the CM requesting him to help them. Jadhav also revealed that a couple of banks like IDBI, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and L & T finance company had not unveiled their special scheme meant for defaulters from the barge industry in the State. The total NPA is approximately Rs 275 crore, which is posing a heavy burden on the local banks in the State. Cooperative banks had declined to participate in the scheme. Hopes have been rekindled lately with the Chief Minister, Laxmikant Parsekar stating that restricted mining would resume in October. He was speaking at the 107th AGM of the GCCI. When Jadhav was asked if adequate number of barges were available to ensure that business could commence in October, he said, “Yes there are barges available. Barge owners have 60 large barges of 2000 tonnes each, 35 small barges of 700 to 1000 tonnes plus the exporters who have 50 barges of 2000 tonnes each”. He said the number was good enough for the amount of raw material that would be mined in the near future. Jadhav hoped the Central government would seriously think about the problem given and he hoped the state government would do the same. [H] Fresh AAI guidelines for charters slot allocation Vasco: The department of operations of Airport Authority of India (AAI) has given fresh guidelines for approval of slots allocation for charter operators flying tourist to Goa Dabolim Airport. Airport director K Srinivasa Rao said the application for the slot allotment will be received by AAI from the charter tourist’s operators from August 1 to 20 for the forthcoming season at the operational director corporate head office Delhi. The applicant should submit relevant permit from director general of civil aviation, approved by the Ministry of Tourism and clearance from bureau of civil aviation security along with the application. The tourist charter operators should pay security deposit along with the application through RTGS/DD/PO only and payable to AAI. As per the slabs, the tourist charter operators have to pay Rs 1 lakh as security deposit for up to 25 flights, Rs 2 lakh security deposits for 26 to 50 flights and Rs 5 lakh security deposit upto 51 flights and above. The airport director has further disclosed that the applications shall be processed between August 21 to 31 and no tourist charter operator or airlines will be permitted to file any change in slots or new slots request during this period. “The slots allocation approval will be issued from September 1 to 7 by operation director corporate headquarters Delhi based on confirmation of receipt of security deposit at Goa airport”, stated Rao and have further opined that after approval of slots if any changes are requested by tourist charter operator within 15 days, they may apply for the same along with slot changing fee of Rs 10,000 per flight and incase the slot change request is made after 15 days, tourist charter operator may apply for the same along with slot changing fee of Rs 25,000 per flight. “After the approval of slots, if any tourist charter operator wishes to cancel the approved slots within 15 days, no cancellation fee will be levied”, told Rao. He however disclosed that if any tourist charter operator cancels the slot after the 15 days of the approval of slots or does not utilize any slots during the season, a penalty of Rs 25,000 per flight will be levied and the same will be deducted from the security deposits. He further disclosed that the cancelled slots, if any, during the season would be allocated on first come first serve basis only. “The security deposit remitted by the tourist charter operator will be adjusted against the airport charges as per their actual flight operations and balance, if any, after adjustment would be refunded within 30 days of the final operations of the flight”, stated Rao and have further informed that security deposit receipts and refund shall be done by Goa airport and details of payment shall be forwarded to the corporate headquarters Delhi.[NT] MMC defers meeting on exhibition sales; market vendors annoyed Margao: The deferred Margao Municipal Council (MMC) meeting has irked market traders as they were hoping to oppose MMC’s decision to seek an approval for allowing exhibitions-cum-sales in Margao. After MMC had listed the proposal of a sports club asking for permissions to hold an exhibition every month, the vendors stopped all work at the MMC building and demanded that no permission be given for such exhibitions as it went against their business. They also said MMC was answerable to them as the vendors operated in municipal markets. At this agitation, MMC assured to discuss the matter at the August 7 meeting, which was postponed due to lack of quorum. MMC’s Arthur D’Silva stated that the proposal had come to them, and thus, the matter would be placed before the council for a decision. The 14 councillors who were absent for the August 7 meeting participated in a municipal football tournament the next day. Margao’s Civic Society criticized them for their misplaced priorities as the exhibition matter was just one of 44 topics to be discussed.[H]
