8th March 20009 Press Note
"Casino Hatao,Goa Bachao " chanted by over 500 women rent the air as the Rally organised by Bailancho Saad to mark the International Women's Day marched along the Mandovi river front where the offshore casinos are anchored,Women from all talukas came in to voice their demand of no casinos of any kind in the State. The Rally culminated at Azad Maidan with a public meeting which passed resolutions demanding the repeal of the amendment made to the Goa Gambling Act which permits casinos.The meeting also demanded that all advertisement of casino gambling should be stopped immediately as Gambling is illegal as the Act.If the government fails to act ,then the meeting decided to take necessary action. Ms Tara Kerkar from Savera ,highlighted the bad effects of casinos on the rural women and youth and stated that the goverment had no political will to stop the casinos.The same sentiment was echoed by Ms Bharati Prabudessai of All India Women's Conference who stated that for the past several years women have been opposing the casinos and every government that came to power blamed it on the previous government.Though every govvt had the possibility of repealing the amendment to stop the casinos,none of them did as there is no political will.Ms Suvarna Naroji of Bailancho Saad stated that we should not vote for the government who supports casinos and asked the women to ask prospective candidates their stand when they come for votes. Ms Clotilda Braganza of Christian Women's Organisation, Farida Sheikh from Jamaat e Isam Hind,Kalinindi Mayenkar emphasised that woen and men cutting accross religion should put their strength together to do away with casinos as it will break families,increase violence and breakdown of family and social values. Mr Anand Madganvkar from Aam Aurat Admi Against Gambling explained the nature of gambling activities in the casinos,wherein it is the casino owner who benefits and how the gambler lose money .He stated that the State will lose revenue when family destination tourist will stop coming because of the image of Goa as land of vices. Assert rights,Break Barriers,Condemn Violence and Deamnd a say in Development which was the theme of Women's Day was highlighted though a cultural presentation and varius resolutions were passed. Ms Madhuri Rao leading the group from Saad ,through various songs called on the women to assert their rights as they were hard won and fight injustice.Women from Cansaulim presented a Skit on domestic violence, raising issues of wrong attitudes,mental and physical violence and remedies.Ms Rosy sister of a dowry death victim from Chandor ,narrated how her sister was burnt and stated that the police have not yet arrested the accused despite the FIR.The tribal women from Ambaulim presented a mando on the various issues of development like education,alcohol,jobs and livelihoods.Mr Dadu Mandrekar spoke of the role of Savitri Bai Phule and Jyotiba Phule in breaking barrriers and providing education for women.A group from pernem presented the Deuli dance displaying great skill with a message of spreading light Ms Sabina Martins of Bailancho Saad explained the background and read the resolutions which were passed with a show of hands.Someof the major resolutions were consultation of women and appointment on the committee on Succession Bill,passing of Domestic Workers Bill on lines of Mahaharashtra Act, reservation of seats and sleeping berths in buses plying on outstation routes,maternity leave for students pursuing studies and doing research which should be excluded from the time given to complete a course,facilities and efficient services by instituions such as women police stations,protective homes ,apna ghar and regular meetings called by police and Goa State Commission for Women to follow up cases of crimes against women. Resolutions were also passed condemning violence against women especially those involved in demanding a say in development.Attack on women under the garb of moral policing was condemned and expressed concern over issues of caste class religion,region creeping in while addressing women's issues.Demd to stop alcohol promotion on government premises and repeal of the amendment that permits casinos were reiterated. Sabina Martins for Bailancho Saad
