[Goanet] Vasco Civic Consumer Forum to act as a facilitator.
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- -- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! -- --- Vasco Civic Consumer Forum launched --- At long last Vasco citizens have got together to convene a Consumer Rights and Civic Action Group. This forum was convened with the active guidance and encouragement of the GOACAN - Goa Civic Consumer Action Network. At its first meeting held on 23rd March at the St. Andrew's High School classroom, Mr. Roland Martins, Co-ordinator of the Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) and the Goa Desc Resource Centre, elaborated on the role and relevance of the Forum. He stressed the need for such a citizen group to ensure the rights of the consumer and the accountability of the authorities responsible for providing the various civic infrastructure facilities. Mr. Martins elaborated on the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1986. He informed that there were various requirements under the Act that needed to be implemented. The Vasco Forum has been appropriately launched during the GOACAN Consumer Rights Awareness Fortnight, which was observed from the 15th to 30th March 06. The Forum, which will function like a self-help group, will aim to discover the consumer and civic facilities and services available in Vasco and their redressal systems. It will look at the grey areas and explore the rights and responsibilities of a citizen as a consumer and a civic individual. It will ascertain the agency responsible for providing each service. Further regarding civic issues, the Forum will undertake the exercise of identifying problems ward wise and map each ward. It will endeavour to set up Garbage Management Committees at ward level as per the Garbage Management Act. At the outset it will undertake the task of getting all Senior Citizens registered with the Social Welfare Dept. It will also obtain the important telephone numbers of the various officials of the civic agencies and copies of their Citizen's Charter. The Forum will encourage the citizens to register their complaints in writing with the departments concerned with a copy to the Forum, and provide guidance and assistance in the follow up and redressal. The Forum aims to act as a facilitator rather than a complaints cell. It will also take a positive constructive stance in interacting with the various authorities and agencies. It will aim to find viable solutions to the various issues through informed interactions with the depts. concerned and seek the implementation of the various provisions of the regulations in the time frames laid down in the Citizen's Charter. The Forum will meet monthly on every fourth Thursday at 6pm at the St. Andrew's High School, Vasco. Citizens are welcome to attend the meetings and actively participate in the endeavors of the Forum in improving the quality of life of the citizens of Vasco and of the neighbourhood. All correspondence can be addressed to the forum at the following address: Mr. Higino Rebelo Convenor Vasco Civic and Consumer Forum Ground Floor, Villa Rebelo near KTC Bus Stand, Mundvel VASCO 403 802 e-mail: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Report adapted from VASCO WATCH Vol.6 No.14 page 1 30 March - 13 April 2006 [EMAIL PROTECTED] - GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK -- promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa - GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Prajal Sakhardande to speak on Goa Revolution Day at Cuncolim
--- Cuncolim Consumer Forum meet on Goa Revolution Day --- The Cuncolim Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF) will have itsmonthly general meeting of consumers on Sunday 18th Juneat 10.30am at the Maria Bambina High School, Cuncolim. On the occasion of Goa Revolution Day, PrajalSakhardande of the History Department of Dhempe College Goa Heritage Action Groupwill speak onthe relevance of this day forcitizens in todays context. Among the other issues to be discussed are Tree plantation, Drive against Bribes, lack of safety procedures at road works by GSUDA contractors, excess billingfor PWD Water, Kerosene complaints and service related problems. Consumers of Cuncolim are invited to attend the meeting andparticipate in the deliberations. Cuncolim Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF) [EMAIL PROTECTED] - GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK--promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa - GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]-- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Navelim subway a focal point for launch of Road Safety campaign
---Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to yourfamily members, relatives, neighbours and friends.Help others be BETTER INFORMED,The time is come for the people of Goato ORGANISE not AGONISE !!-- --- Navelim subway becomes focal point of campaign --- The incomplete and unused Navelim subway -- a major junction used by the student community -- became a focal point for GOACAN to launch its campaign for road safety and Traffic Management, coinciding with the commencement of the academic year. Armed with placards,forum activists highlighted various issues, including completion of all subways undertaken under MPLAD scheme at Navelim, Nuvem and Verna so that school and college students at these accident -prone spots could use them. The activists also highlighted the need for the PWD to set up a road engineering cell to ensure road safety on all national highways and State highways of Goa which have accident spots; identification and provision of bus bays, notified bus stops, zebra crossings and proper sign boards on all village roads. The activists also demanded the early completion of the western bypass by the PWD to ensure decongestion of the roads in Salcete taluka and diversion of heavy vehicles carrying hazardous substance presently passing through the villages. The campaign also urged the government to spend revenue generated from fines of traffic offences on road safety education and strengthening the traffic police cell with necessary and sufficient personnel andequipment such as alcometers, interceptors, night patrolling vehicles etc. Other demands highlighted were sustained campaign against rash andnegligent driving, introduction of road safety patrol in all schools of Goa and a drive against the distribution and sale of fake helmets in the State. The activists also called for comfortable, affordable and safe public transport, compulsory issue of tickets in all buses, end to harassment to students travelling on 50 per cent bus concession and introduction of complaint books at all KTC bus stands . HERALD 07/06/06 page 4 - GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK--promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa - GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]-- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Stray dog bite sends lady into tizzy at GMC
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- -Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to yourfamily members, relatives, neighbours and friends.Help others be BETTER INFORMED,The time is come for the people of Goato ORGANISE not AGONISE !!- - Stray dog bite sends lady into tizzy - Yet another case of a dog bite was reported in the state today. The victim of dog bite was a clerk of Goa Medical College who was going to the Goa Dental College hospital canteen to have her lunch. According to sources in the GMC, the victim who was in an advanced stage of pregnancy was bitten by a stray dog sitting by the roadside near the dental college. The terribly shocked lady, who was in the 36th week of pregnancy, was rushed to the casualty department of the GMC and the doctors decided to deliver the child she was carrying through Caesarean process so that the anti-rabies vaccines, which are injected in the stomach, could be administered to her. The lady found herself alone in her hour of agony, as the incident happened in most unusual circumstances. The shocked family of the GMC staff member rushed to the hospital later in the day. The Caesarean process on the lady clerk of GMC was performed by Dr Anjali Kamat, the head of department of gynaecology, later in the evening and a baby boy was delivered, bringing some joy to otherwise saddened lady and her family. The nearly tragic incident has shattered the GMC staff, who have been facing nuisance from stray dogs for a long time. They have already complained to the authorities about presence of large number of stray dogs in the complex. A senior doctor told The Navhind Times that the GMC authorities cannot act against the dogs in view of court ban on killing them and that the non-government organisations who champion their causes have failed to remove them from the complex, despite being told of the menace. Another staff member of the GMC said that the dogs roam freely in the complex and even in the corridors, at times, after sneaking in through the doors. Sometimes these dogs pose danger to the people visiting the hospital by pouncing on the food items carried by them, especially the children, he added. Another GMC employee bitterly complained against the illegal kiosks outside the GMC complex, which serve as feeding grounds to these stray dogs and cattle. He also said that in view of court ban on killing the stray dogs their numbers have been multi-plying. It is high time that the government acted against these illegal kiosks and removed them, said the employee adding that these kiosks were the main causes of many ills which the people have been facing. A lady colleague of the victim of dog bite said that human life has become irrelevant for those championing the cause of stray dogs as they want to save the dogs more than the human beings. She said that the NGOs had indifferent approach towards the sufferings of the victims and their families. The cases of dog bites have been increasing in the recent past with some deaths also having been reported in the state off-late. -The Navhind Times 1/06/06 page 1- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]--- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Govt should keep control on Cable TV operators
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- -Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to yourfamily members, relatives, neighbours and friends.Help others be BETTER INFORMED,The time is come for the people of Goato ORGANISE not AGONISE !!- -- Govt should keep control on Cable TV operators -- Cable TV has become a way of life in many Goan homes. However, today watching cable has become a costly affair. A reason why this could possibly have happened is because the cable operators function without government control. A cable consumer from Betalbatim disclosed that initially he paid Rs 100 as monthly rent, besides paying the installation amount of Rs 500. Now suddenly, the monthly rent has been raised to Rs 280 which is beyond the reach of a middle class family, said Mr John DCosta from Majorda and blamed the local cable operator for raising the monthly rent to such a high degree, adding that no compensation is being paid by the cable operator when channels are not being broadcast. Another cable consumer from Nuvem disclosed that in his area, the monthly rent went on increasing from Rs 150 to Rs 200 and then to Rs 250. Now the montly rent has been raised to Rs 280 by the same cable operator, this gentleman from Nuvem added. A resident from Benaulim however said that the cable operator from his area charges only Rs 150 and displays all the channels. How come then the rates differ from one cable operator to another, asked a lady from Gonsua coastal belt. Miss Mellita DSousa a BSc degree holder felt that the local member of Parliament (MP), Mr Churchill Alemao should intervene in the matter and raise the issue in the Parliament as the subject falls within his jurisdiction. Another person from Utorda said that it is not only the duty of the MP but also of MLAs to come to the rescue of the cable consumers by bringing the matter to the notice of the government. They can also raise the subject in the Assembly when the session is on and then accordingly the government can take steps to check the activities of these cable operators, he said. According to somebody else, cable operators have taken their cables through private properties without taking the permission of the landlord and some have tied their cables to electricity and telephone poles. Saying that the cable operators have been fleecing the public, a gentleman from Cansaulim said that it has come to his notice that some cable operators have cut connections for delayed payment. He added that this action of disconnecting cables is illegal and that the cable operator can be sued for the same in the court of law. --- The Navhind Times 1/06/06 page 2 --- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]--- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Abbe de Faria - Father of Hypnotism
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- -Goa Heritage Protection Week30th May to 5th June 2006 -- --Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)Email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]-- --- Abbe de Faria - Father of Hypnotism by Nandkumar Kamat Sometime during 16th century, the family of Antu Sinai of the scenic and historic village of Colvale converted to Christianity. They took the name of Faria. A grand house and a chapel existed at Colvale in the Farias ancestral property. With time, both crumbled to dust. In 1754 Cajetan Vitorino de Faria, who had taken the vows of priesthood, after completing his theological education, left the religious duties, married Rosemary, daughter of a landlord in Candolim, and became their son-in law. Strange twists and turns took place in the lives of Cajetan and Rosemary. They separated after the birth of Jose Custodio on May 30, 1756 just a year before the famous battle of Plassy, which gave the British East India Company hold over Bengal. At that time, Hyder Ali was gaining strength in South India. The Marathas were also in full command. Events were happening at lightening speed. Cajetan became a priest again. Rosemary became a nun and entered the convent of Santa Monica. Jose Custodio spent 15 years in Goa in the verdant surroundings of Colvale village. He never saw his mother again. The father and son left for Portugal on the ship Sao Jose on February 22, 1771 for Lisbon, Portugal, where they arrived on November 23. At that time, they would not know what history had reserved for them. For one they were destined never to see their motherland again. They had entered Europe via Lisbon during one of the most turbulent periods in international history - the period of the American war of independence and the epochal French revolution. Father Faria received the support of the King of Portugal for the education of his son in Rome. Jose Custodio aimed to become a priest and completed his doctorate in theology and philosophy from the college Propaganda fide in 1780. The Europeans would know him as Abbe de Faria. He would be the first Goan to receive both bouquets and brickbats from the local press during his active and controversial life in France and even after his death. His magnificent statue - a remarkable piece of sculpture from the master sculptor, Ramchandra Kamat stands on the pedestal near the old secretariat in Panaji. A small plaque commemorates his birthplace at Candolim. However, there are no special programmes to celebrate the 250th birth anniversary of this great son of Goa - Father Jose Custodio alias Abbe de Faria. The French novelist, Alexander der Duma immortalized him in his novel-The Count of Monte Cristo (1844). Those who have seen the film produced in 2002 would remember the character of Padre Faria imprisoned in the castle of If with Edmond Dantes - the protagonist. Duma has given a different background of the imprisoned priest but there is no doubt in anyones mind that the character is based on Abbe de Faria. Until 1792, Abbe de Faria had no introduction to hypnosis (from the Greek word Hypnos for sleep). However, when he became curious about the claims of animal magnetism and Mesmers mesmerism, he devoted himself to its study. This interest continued and transformed his life. Ultimately, he was successful in rejecting Mesmers claims and provided a somewhat scientific and rational basis for hypnosis. His followers called his technique - `Fariaism, but experts later renamed to hypnotism. Before his death under utterly impoverished circumstances in 1819, his first volume explaining the principles of hypnosis was in the press. To counter his critics he had planned four volumes, but he could complete only a single tome. The world took notice of this work but it was only in the 20th century that he was acknowledged as the father of hypnotism. Most of the books on his life and work are in French or Portuguese. Recently a book in English - `Jose Custodio de Faria: Hypnotist, Priest and Revolutionary, by Dr Laurent Carrer translator and practicing hypnotherapist has been published. I am
[Goanet] With 31 Chairpersons Goa office of profit Ordinance is an afterthought
---Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]-- --- Goa office of profit Ordinance, an afterthought --- Though chairpersons of 28 state-owned corporations were exempted from the definition of the office of profit by enacting a legislation last year, the latest ordinance on adding four more posts in semi-government institutions is believed in the political circles to be an afterthought. There is a feeling in the political circles that the latest exemptions were made to avoid embarrassment to some of the prominent figures including Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu and the Urban Development Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao. Mr Deshprabhu is the vice-chairman of Kala Academy, while Mr Alemao is chairman of State Urban Development Authority (SUDA). Goa was perhaps the only state which had passed the Goa Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 2005, defining the offices of profit and therefore there was no much of hue cry, when the office of profit controversy rocked the country. The Ordinance, which will be incorporated in the Act through an amendment in the budget session has made a safe road for the government to appoint more MLAs and ministers to various positions. The Ordinance listed the office of vice-chairman of Kala Academy, the office of chairman, vice-chairman and members of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), and the office of chairman of Goa Tillari Irrigation Development Corporation. With the addition of four more positions the total number of the offices exempted from the definition of office of profit have gone up to 31. The government realised that these offices were not exempted from the definition of office of profit and hence issued an Ordinance, which has been notified in extraordinary gazette yesterday. Secretariat sources said that there was a demand to issue Ordinance specifying the offices of the vice-chairman of Kala Academy and chairman of SUDA, but it was delayed for two months. The government had appointed non-political personalities as the vice-chairman of Kala Academy and this was the tradition. Mr Deshprabhu is the first MLA to occupy the office of the vice-chairman of Kala Academy. While SUDA, which is registered under the Registration of Societys Act has always been headed by a minister or a MLA. The Urban Development Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao is its chairman. Barring these two offices, the other offices are occupied by IAS officers. The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane, who was the chairman of the ESG had resigned and the government had issued an order appointing the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh as its chairman. Besides few MLAs who were appointed to the ESG have also tendered their resignations. In recent past, no elected representative was appointed as the chairman of the Tillari Irrigation Development Corporation and this office was occupied in recent years by the IAS officers. The former chief secretary, Ms Kiran Dhingra was the chairperson of this corporation and after her exit, the development commissioner, Mr J K Dadoo is the chairman. With the exemption of the post of chief of Tillari Irrigation Development Corporation from office of profit definition, the government can now appoint either a MLA or a minister to this position. The Navhind Times 21/05/06 page 1 ===GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTREDocumentation + Education + Solidarity11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]--Working On Issues Of Development Democracy=== _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] ALERT- Panaji: ill prepared for the monsoon
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- ---Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/--- Panaji: ill prepared for the monsoon by Nandkumar Kamat The south-west monsoon would be over Goa within the next three weeks. Global weather forecasts have become very chaotic due to the climate change. The example of the record 950 mm rainfall in Mumbai and the deluge, which followed last year, has taught the Indians a fitting lesson about the consequences of mismanaging the drainage systems. There is however no comparison of Mumbais Mithi river with Panajis Mandovi. Panaji exists and survives solely because of the priceless ecosystem services rendered by the Mandovi estuary. All the land at the foot of Altinho belongs to the original flood plain of Mandovi estuary. Therefore, when it receives heavy discharges it tries to recapture its original flood plain. Combined with the high incoming tides, such a situation leads to flooding. There are engineers who dream of taming the Mandovi estuary. Let them first prove that they would be able to keep the Kadamba bus terminus and the areas around it dry this year. The normal drainage of this area has been destroyed. The concrete drains have become silted with no clear outlets to the estuary. A few unseasonal showers in March provided a curtain raiser for the woes, which may be in store for the citizens of Panaji during the coming rainy season. They should promptly gear themselves for periods of unprecedented flooding in the areas close to the Mandovi waterfront and in Mala- Fontainhas. The work to lay the underground power and the optical fibre cables has interfered with the drainage system. Everywhere in the city, one can see the impact of this excavation. So far, there are no attempts to repair and restore the drainage works affected by these trenching operations. If the major drains near the Mandovi waterfront are not repaired within the next three weeks then it would prove to be a memorable monsoon. Every monsoon pours about two to eight million cubic metres of rainwater over the city area. On a day of heavy rainfall the quantity could exceed half a million cubic metres. A shower of just one centimetre intensity per hour drops about twenty thousand cubic metres of rainwater. But the drainage planners of the city have forgotten the meteorological equations and basics of fluid mechanics and hydrodynamics. The storm water drainage system of the city is grossly inadequate to deal with showers of high intensity. This can be seen on the D B Bandodkar Road, between the Campal Childrens Park and Bal Bhavan there are very few cross drains below the road with extended discharge points on the beach. The cross drains below the new seashore road from Miramar circle to NIO circle have not been maintained. It was a wrong idea of the previous government to dump the mud excavated from the incomplete Mala lake project at the Campal parade grounds. The parade ground as it existed below the road level acted as a buffer during the rains. After bringing the level of the parade ground to match the D B Bandodkar Road, adequate drainage was not provided. The displacement of water from the parade ground now causes the flooding of the D B Bandodkar road. The natural open drain near the indoor stadium has been neglected in planning the drainage of the Campal-Miramar area. This drain is actually an arm of the Santa Inez nullah. But the illegal encroachments have truncated its old course and now it has been reduced to an ill-maintained drain. If all the drainage outlets from Miramar, La Campal Colony, Bal Bhavan and Parade Ground are connected to this creek then there would not be any stagnation of water. This year the newly developed areas between Tonca and Caranzalem would witness flooding. Old creeks and drainage channels which had been existing in this area, as could be verified from the old maps of the Portuguese period, have been destroyed. A few which have escaped destruction have been truncated and reclaimed. This is a
[Goanet] Consumers of Davorlim in South Goa get organised to tackle issues
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- -Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to yourfamily members, relatives, neighbours and friends.Help others be BETTER INFORMED,The time is come for the people of Goato ORGANISE not AGONISE !!- -- Consumers of Davorlim get organised to tackle issues -- The LPG Consumers of Davorlim serviced by Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum will now benefit from assured Home Delivery, Computerised Billing, Mechanical Checks and Safety Camps as per the assurance given by the Company Officials to the Davorlim Civic and Consumer Forum at a meeting chaired by the Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Mr. Ashok N.P. Dessai. The Davorlim Consumer Forum had in a memo highlighted that many of the consumers collect their cylinders through Cash N Carry by waiting with empty cylinders by the road side or outside their house to get a LPG refill from the tempo vehicle when it passes through the village and if each Petroleum Company is represented by a single agent in the village, provision of proper services can be ensured. The DCCF memo also pointed out that since bills were not provided to all consumers the extra charges being taken could not be curbed, while the safety of the consumer when using LPG cylinders could not be ensured if regular safety checks of the tube, regulator and stove were not undertaken by a qualified mechanic of the Company at the residence of the consumer. The memo further pointed out that there were many cases wherein domestic LPG cylinders are diverted and supplied for commercial purposes such as in restaurants welding workshops and even in vehicles as a fuel due to which there is a short supply for the genuine domestic consumers. Mr. Sanjay Karve Executive Sales Officer LPG of HP Gas and Mr. M. VishnuRaj Assistant Manager (Sales) Bharat Gas who were present briefed the meeting of the steps undertaken by the Petroleum Companies to stop the menace of misuse of domestic LPG cylinders. The DCCF delegation consisted of Mrs. Flossy Coutinho, Mr. Conrad DSouza, Mrs. Melinda Powell and Mr. Roland Martins member Goa State Consumer Protection Council. The LPG dealers were represented by Mr. Derek Rocha M/s Goa Gas Service, Margao, Mr. Umesh R. Naik M/s Aurora Electric Co. Mr. Ajeet Majitha M/s Damodar Gas Service, Mr. Blasco Pereira M/s Margao Gas Service and Mr. Santosh U. Vagurmalla M/s Gomantak Trading Co. -- Press Release from Davorlim Civic and Consumer Forum -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] A parents protest results in Govt. action at swimming pool
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- -Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to yourfamily members, relatives, neighbours and friends.Help others be BETTER INFORMED,The time is come for the people of Goato ORGANISE not AGONISE !!- ---Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/--- SAG orders replacement of broken tiles at Fatorda swimming pool The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) has ordered the immediate replacement of broken tiles in its swimming pool at Fatorda after sharp edges of these tiles reportedly injured five minors, the latest one being a 16-year-old Loretto DCosta who had to put three stitches for the same.The incident assumed significance after the mother of the injured boy, Ms Umbelina DCosta addressed a hurriedly-convened press conference and accused the assistant swimming pool manager of being indifferent towards her injured son despite his foot profusely bleeding. He just did not help and the boy had to be moved to the hospital by other fellow swimmers instead, she stated. Ms D Costa informed that the incident occurred at around 9 a.m. on May 10 and that later when she tried to meet the assistant manager, he was reportedly found to be missing. The parent revealed that during her visit to the swimming pool to demand an explanation from the assistant manager, Mr Nitin Gaonkar she met the manager, Mr Gilsen Baptista who was apparently on leave and could offer her no help. I will take up the matter with the authorities, she announced. The swimming pool which also allows diving in the 17-ft end of the swimming pool caters to children of all ages who are trained in batches both during the mornings and afternoons. There are 28 personnel working at the Fatorda pool. When contacted the SAG executive director, Mr V M Prabhudessai away in Pune revealed that he would immediately instruct the stadium manager to have the broken tiles replaced at the earliest. As per Ms DCostas complaint against the assistant manager, the SAG will verify the facts and punish him, if found necessary, Mr Prabhudessai remarked. The SAG executive director further revealed that all SAG swimming pools faced complaints from parents. This is not just about broken tiles (the Fatorda incidence is the first instance) but also about swimming classes. Their interference is sometimes a nuisance, he observed.It is learnt that some chemicals were procured for the tile repair work. The pool would also have to be emptied for the same, it is learnt. The stadium manager, Mr Gurudas Vernekar has stated that the damaged tiles would be repaired shortly and the SAG will bear the medical expenses of Mr DCosta. The repairs could not be undertaken earlier due to two reasons non-availability of the required chemical and secondly due to ongoing swimming classes. The Navhind Times12/05/06 page 2 --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]--- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Dumping Responsibility - Authorities ignore earlier warnings on Garbage
---Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/--- -- Dumping Responsibility - - Authorities ignore earlier warnings --- It is the same old story: much like the residents of Curca and Saligao, the villagers of Ucassaim have opposed dumping of garbage in their village. Though the Serula communidade had given an NOC to the Socorro panchayat to dump garbage at the Ucassaim hilltop, the villagers did not allow the pick-up trucks to unload the garbage. The residents apprehend the garbage will flow down the slope into their village. As the villagers of Curca and Saligao had seen in their cases, those living on the slope of the Ucassaim hill fear they would be badly affected. What has been most unfortunate is that the government authorities did not take lessons from the Curca and Saligao episodes, where people had revolted after the government and civic authorities did not pay attention to their justified objections: for example, water accumulated at the dumping site seeped in the wells and contaminated them; people had to live with the stench of the rotting garbage; and were faced with the threat of waterborne diseases. No doubt, the Socorro panchayat needs a place to dump its garbage, and for this the Serula communidade has given it 2500 square metres of land. At the joint meeting of the sarpanchas of both panchayats, the sarpanch of Socorro panchayat had come out with an offer to construct a compound wall surrounding the dumping site. But the point raised by the villagers of Ucassaim can also not be ignored. They are apprehensive of a situation that the Curca residents found themselves in repeating for them: in Curca, the wall of dumping site had caved in resulting in the overflow and seeping of water and rotten garbage into the village. Certainly no one can find fault with their plea. The dumping problem in Ucassaim is a clear manifestation of the fact that the state government, the political executives and the civic authorities have failed to take lessons from what happened at Curca and other places. It would not be an exaggeration to say that they have virtually decided to abandon their responsibilities to find one or more suitable dumping sites for garbage. Why have the authorities so far not identified a suitable place for dumping the Socorro garbage? The manner in which the government and the civic authorities have been handling the problem of dumping garbage across the state simply strengthens the view that they are insensitive to the basic civic amenities for the people of the state. One wonders how the authorities, who had promised the villagers of Curca not to allow dumping of garbage in the vicinity of the village, should have agreed to the proposal of the Socorro panchayat. The problem of garbage disposal is integral to urbanisation. And the problem of garbage disposal is becoming more acute at a time when the political executives are contemplating to go for faster urbanisation of the state. It is really shocking to note that notwithstanding the passing of an ambitious garbage control law in 1996, Goa and its government are still unable to cope with the waste. The state government at the directive of the High Court had also set up a committee on January 7, 2000. But it appears in want of political will, the state government and the civic authorities are finding it difficult to find a sustainable solution to the problem. Editorial in The Navhind Times 8/05/06 page 10 -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]-- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] ALERT:Porvorim's Highway of fear
---Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/--- Porvorim's Highway of fear by Ayesha Pereira Consider the statistics. Fifty-one deaths in a span of 105 days that is one death in every two days. That is the terror and fear that residents of Porvorim have to live with. The reason the NH 17 bifurcates the village, with residences on one side and schools, market places on the other side of the great divide. And it is the terror blaring horns, speeding vehicles, buses breaking all traffic rules in the desperate rush to reach Panjim on time, motorcyclists and school kids zigzagging their way through the maze of traffic and the tension of avoiding trucks that trundle through Goa on their way to either Mumbai or Karwar, everyday that grips the residents of Porvorim. Says Rose Figueiredo, resident of Defence Colony, Porvorim, I face an immense difficulty even to get to church for daily mass, for one is forced to wait for quite a while until the road is clear enough to cross. This fear was heightened on April 2, 2006 when a truck proceeding from Mapusa to Panjim entered the wrong side of the highway, despite the dividers, dashed against Maruti Zen proceeding to Mapusa killing the driver and the front seat passenger with the backseat passengers being severely injured. It is this lack of discipline on the road that is terrorising the residents of this once peaceful village. Residents lament, that drivers generally consider the road to be their paradise, maneuvering through the traffic according to their own whims and fancies. They are often spotted overtaking even from the left, showing total disregard for the safety of other travellers. Concurs PI Braz Menezes, Porvorim, the rampant issuing of licenses without a complete test of the knowledge and skills of a driver augments the number of accidents. As a result victims of three fatal accidents have been pedestrians. According to residents, cancellation of licenses of those who violate traffic norms is necessary. The biggest challenge though, is the task of changing the mental set of the people to observe traffic rules and regulations and it is this lack of concern that has led to rash and reckless driving. Says Menezes, the key is traffic education, which has already being implemented in some schools and should also be initiated in colleges to acquaint students with a traffic sense. But it is the governments apathy with lack of dividers from Porvorim to Guirim and the complete lack of traffic signals thus putting pedestrians in danger. Agrees Col. C H T Gomes, dividers do help in channelising the flow of traffic and it is imperative that the authorities complete the road dividers, which are absent from O Coqueiro restaurant to Guirim. According to PWD engineers there are no future plans of widening the road from O Coqueiro to Guirim as the land available is not sufficient. Says S L Raikar, assistant engineer incharge of the construction of the bypass road from Porvorim, the proposal has been technically sanctioned by the executive engineers and it still awaits the expenditure and administrative approval by the government. And while the government dillydallies, innocent lives continue to be lost on Porvorims highway of fear. --- HERALD 30/4/06 page 1 --- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]--- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] ALERT:Legal metrology dept books 543 cases against traders in Goa
-Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/- --- Legal metrology dept books 543 cases against traders During the financial year from April 2005 to March 2006, the enforcement officials of the department of legal metrology booked 543 cases against the traders/industrial establishments for the offences committed by them, for contravening the provisions of Standards of Weights and Measures Act 1976, Standards of Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Act 1985 and Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules 1977. The officials seized 2,999 faulty weights and measures, 6 petrol pumps and 1 vehicle tank carrying petroleum products and packaged commodities such as packages of electrical goods, footwears, cement, packages containing bottles of drinking water, bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor, cashew nuts, insect repellent, ice-creams, hardware materials, aluminuim foil, thermal paper (fax roll), milk packages, garments, flooring tiles and electronic goods. The department also collected from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006 Rs 71,54,832 as the verificaation and stamping fees of weights, measures, weighing and measuring instrument and Rs 6,07,650 as compounding fees for the offences committed and six cases have been filed in the different JMFC courts in Goa. The important cases booked against the traders/industrial establishments include 37 cases against the traders during the transaction of sale of packaged commodities such as milk, ice-creams, sweets, footwears, for selling the packaged commodities exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP) printed on the packages. Seventeen cases have been booked against the offenders for smudging /altering/obliterating the maximum retail price printed on the packaged commodities by the manufacturers. Thirty-six cases have been booked against the manufacturers/packers /distributors/retailers of cement, bread, drinking water, Indian-made foreign liquor, chips and wafers, insect repellent, cashew nuts, aluminium foil, thermal paper for filling up the quantity in the packages less than the declared quantity (net content). The remaining cases have been booked against the traders/owners of bar, grocery shop, general stores, exhibition-cum-sale and industrial establisshments for non-declaration on the packages in their possession and for having in possession unstamped/unverified and faulty weights and measures. All traders are hereby warned by the controller, Legal Metrology, that inspite of booking the cases and fining them, it is noticed that they still continue to sell the packaged commodities without mandatory declaration such as name and address of the manufacturer/packer, generic name of the commodity packed, net quantity, month and year of packing, MRP for which strict action will be taken against them and all such packaged commodities will be seized. --- The Navhind Times 22/4/06 page 3 --- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]--- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] The Meerut Fire Mishap:Lessons for Goa
--- * G * O * A * N * E * T *** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * --- USDA certified Goa Sausages and other Goan foods can now be delivered to virtually any part of the world. http://www.goanfoods.com --- -Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to yourfamily members, relatives, neighbours and friends.Help others be BETTER INFORMED,The time is come for the people of Goato ORGANISE not AGONISE !!- ---Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/--- - The Fire Mishaps -- It is pitiful to see and read about the inferno that charred so many lives on April 10 at Victoria Park, in Uttar Pradesh. There were be so many other people injured by the stampede that followed. As a co-incidence, on that very day Mapusa town got a new fire station complex. Of late, in Goa too we have trade fairs inside similar pandals erected for the purpose. This should be an eye-opener to the local authorities to enforce stringent safety measures whenever such pandals are erected. It is often observed that there is one entry point and one exit point for such igloo type of pandals. It must be made mandatory to have sufficient emergency exit points in order to avert tragedies. All electrical installations should be secured from chances of short circuits in order to safeguard precious lives and property. It is observed many a times that electrical wires are just joined and left un-insulated in pandals, not excluding the pandal erected at the Basilica, Old Goa. Similarly, most of our electrical service connections are left open to the vagaries of sun, wind and rain. Just imagine the result and the avoidable loss, if such a thing happens. It would be an useless exercise to set up inquiry committees after the damage is already done. ANTHONY C MONTEIRO, Bastora Letter to the Editor in The Navhind Times 14/4/06 page 12 --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]--- _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] 21st April FRIDAY BALCAO:Protection of Goa's built up natural heritage
--- * G * O * A * N * E * T *** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * --- USDA certified Goa Sausages and other Goan foods can now be delivered to virtually any part of the world. http://www.goanfoods.com --- --Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAORead the Balcao Synopsis on the websitehttp://www.goadesc.org/balcao/-- Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet,We continue with FRIDAY BALCAOon 21st April from 4pm. to 6pm.at Goa Desc Resource CentreNo. 11, Liberty Apartments, Feira Alta, Mapusa Goa.TOPIC:Protection ofGoa's built up natural heritage: putting iton theVillage Panchayat Municipal Councilagenda. SPEAKERS: Open DiscussionWe invite you to express your viewpointby attending the Friday Balcao event but if you cannot attend, then please send yourviews and action plan suggestions by post to FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note: The Friday Balcao sessions for April 2006 will be held on 7th 21st April. best wishes,Roland Martins Don't miss out on the discussion. Information is power,Share it equitably. Lets make things happen in Goa !! ---=== GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTREDocumentation + Education + Solidarity11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]website: www.goadesc.org--Working On Issues Of Development Democracy=== _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] There's a BOMB in your Shopping Bag !
- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - - There's a BOMB in your Shopping Bag ! -- The Garbage Problem does not begin in the dumps It begins in your shopping bag ! Each time you go shopping you are adding to the city's garbage !! View the Photo exhibition by Gasper D'Souza www.gasperdesouza.com at the GOACAN Waste Management Campaign Stall at the GREEN MORMUGAO Plant Exhibition to be held at Parque Infantil/Children's Park, opposite LaPaz Gardens, Vasco on 3rd, 4th and 5th March 2006. Don't miss out, the exhibition is on for 3 days Friday, Saturday Sunday from 9.30am - 8.00pm - GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK -- promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa -- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --
[Goanet] Visit the GOACAN Waste Management Campaign stall in Panjim
-Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to yourfamily members, relatives, neighbours and friends.Help others be BETTER INFORMED,The time is come for the people of Goato ORGANISE not AGONISE !!- --- GOACAN Waste Management Campaign stall in Panjim --- The GOACAN Waste Management Campaign stall has been receiving a steady stream of visitors during the first 2 days of the CCP exhibition at the Panjim Municipal Garden. Highlighting the role of Consumer Power in waste management the GOACAN postersfocus on the needto link environmental protection and sustainable consumption to the citizens involvement in the campaign. Posters on medical waste,how to deal with mercury spills at home, low cost methods like Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, Segregation At Source, how to set upwaste management committees in village Panchayats and Municipal Councils are on display. You can make a difference by visiting the GOACAN stall and taking information back home. Don't miss out, the exhibition is on for 2 more days Saturday Sunday 11 12 February - 10am to 10pm I can, You can, We all can with GOACAN -GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK--promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa--GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]website: www.goacan.org--
[Goanet] 10th Feb FRIDAY BALCAO Looking at the other Goa:experiences of a Photo journalist
--Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAORead the Balcao Synopsis on the websitehttp://www.goadesc.org/balcao/--Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet, We continue with FRIDAY BALCAOon 10thFebruary from 4pm. to 6pm.at Goa Desc Resource CentreNo. 11, Liberty Apartments,Feira Alta, Mapusa Goa.TOPIC: Looking at the other Goa: experiences of a photo journalist SPEAKERS: Gasper D'souza, Calangute We invite you to express your viewpointby attending the Friday Balcao eventbut if you cannot attend, then please send yourviews and action plan suggestions by post toFRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]best wishes,Roland MartinsDon't miss out on the discussion. Information is power,Share it equitably. Lets make things happen in Goa !!===GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTREDocumentation + Education + Solidarity11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]website: www.goadesc.org--Working On Issues Of Development Democracy===
[Goanet] Consumer Forum demands safety measures at Govt. construction site
--Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/- --- Consumer Forum demands safety measures at Govt. construction site --- The Cuncolim Civic and Consumer Forum in a representation to the Police Inspector Mr. Siddhant Shirodkar Cuncolim Police Station has requested police intervention to enforce all mandatory safety procedures at the project site of the Water Resources Department at Sanvorcotto, Cuncolim so as avoid any mishap till senior officers of the concerned Departments take necessary action. On Thursday 2nd February Cuncolim Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF) volunteers were alerted about a mechanized digger stripping the foliage, mud and laterite stones along the river front. Despite beingthe CuncolimFeast day CCCF volunteers rushed to the spot and found it was a project of the Water Resources Department. They also found the personnel of the contractor and the WRD Junior Engineer A.V. Prabhu were on the site. What shocked the CCCF volunteers was that despite it being a Government project the mandatory procedures such as safety barricades along the work site, cautionary boards, information boards with details of Department undertaking the project, contractors details with emergency nos. besides commencement completion of work details were not in place. More so no information board of the authorisationto the projectby the Cuncolim Municipal Council was in place even though it is in their jurisdiction. On receiving intimation from the Forum, PSI Kavlekar visited the project site and after verifying the facts requested the Junior Engineer Prabhu and the Contractor's personnel to stop the work, proceed to the police station, give an undertaking that all the necessary safety procedures will be adhered to and only then the project work be resumed. The CCCF is demanding that the four sides of the river front be barricaded with cautionary sign boards and night lamps on display as localresidents visit the river and sit along the banks for various purposes. CCCF is concerned that children due to curiosity tend to visit a project site when heavy earth moving machinery is in use and could be victims to a mishap. It may be recalled thatthe Consumer Forum is already pursuing a case of criminal negligence case No. 48/04 ofCuncolim Police Station against a PWD Contractor and officials involved at the MPLAD project further ahead in the same river wherein a 4 year old girl Miss Venisha Fernandes, primary school student of Maria Bambina School lost her life on April 13th 2004 due to drowning in the project site pit which was not barricaded and no authorized boards were in place. Copies of the representation to the Cuncolim Police Inspector have been sent to the Mr. Joaquim Alemao Hon. Minister for Urban Development,Mr. Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Hon. Minister for Water Resources., Mr. J.P.Singh Chief Secretary, D.A.Hawaldar, Director, Directorate of Municipal Administration, Chief Engineer, Water Resource Dept., South Goa District Collector, Dy.SP Mr. Tony M. Fernandes SDPO, Margao and Mr. Filonio Vaz, Chairperson, Cuncolim Municipal Councilamong others. CCCF has in the representation also stated that day and night monitoring will be undertaken at this project site bythe Forum volunteers to see that all safety procedures are strictly adhered to and willreport violations and discrepancies which amount to criminal negligence that may be noted at the project site. Press Release from the Cuncolim Civic and Consumer Forum [EMAIL PROTECTED] --GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK--promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa--GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]website:www.goacan.org-
[Goanet] Now PWD Water Power:Two water pipelines burst in Mormugao
--Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/-- - Two water pipelines burst in Mormugao -- Two pipelines, supplying water to Vasco town and surrounding areas, and Chicolna-Bogmalo in Mormugao taluka, burst today causing hardship to people. The 500-mm pipeline, which is connected to Opa water facility and supplies water to Vasco town and surrounding areas, burst at Chicalim at around 1.30 p.m. While the second burst of a sub-pipeline connected to Selaulim water facility took place at Gallin-Bogmalo at around 6 p.m. The Chicalim pipeline started leaking and eventually burst, the assistant engineer, public works department (water), Mr Uday Kumar told The Navhind Times. Mr Kumar informed that the PWD had taken repair works of the pipeline on war footing, which is expected to be completed by Friday evening. Mr Kumar attributed the Chicalim pipeline burst to sudden heavy pressure which was witnessed when the water from the Verna pumping station was released. The Bogmalo pipeline also burst due to heavy pressure of water.Mr Kumar further said the PWD would replace about six-metre-long pipeline. The Opa pipeline burst affected residents of the area and vehicular traffic as water spouted out. The Navhind Times 3/02/06 page 1 --- ---GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK ---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa---GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao,Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]website: www.goacan.org---
[Goanet] PWD WATER WOES:Bogmalo residents protest against irregular water supply
--Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/-- - Bogmalo residents protest against irregular water supply -- Agitated over irregular water supply since last one week, around 250 residents of Bogmalo area today blocked the road leading to Bogmalo beach causing obstruction to traffic.The villagers revealed that they had earlier requested the Minister for PWD besides the assistant engineer, PWD, Vasco, to redress their grievances.The Sancoale zilla panchayat member, Mr Vasant Naik and Chicolna-Bogmalo panchayat sarpanch, Mr Gabriel DCruz were among the agitators. Speaking to The Navhind Times, Mr Naik stated the government have not done anything to provide regular supply of water.The executive magistrate, Mormugao, Ms Sheru Shirodkar intervened in the matter and requested agitators to solve the issue amicably. She called the assistant engineer, PWD, Mr Uday Kumar and had talks with him. She also asked the assistant engineer to provide water at least for 2 hours a day. Mr Uday Kumar said the problem is due to low supply of water from Selaulim. The Vasco needs about 65 MLD of water, however, it gets only 51 to 52 MLD water per day, which is not sufficient to cope up with the need of entire Vasco city. The Chicolna-Bogmalo village panchayat gets water pumped from the master-balancing reservoir, Verna. It requires regular pumping with high pressure of water provided from the Selaulim. The problem of the Chicolna- Bogmalo panchayat villagers can be solved if the 200 mm branch pipeline is replaced by large pipeline connected to the 900 mm pipeline of Selaulim. With the assurance of providing water minimum for 2 hours a day from the assistant engineer, PWD, Mr Kumar, the villagers cleared the road at around 4.15 p.m. The villagers have also threatened to resort to rasta roko, if the problem persists. The Navhind Times 3/02/06 page 2 ---GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK ---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa---GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao,Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]website: www.goacan.org---
[Goanet] O Negative Blood donor required in South Goa
O Negative Blood donor required in South Goa O Negative Blood donor required for 6 bottles of blood as patient - Mr. Agenelo Fernandes has to undergo major operation at Dr. J V. D'Costa's Hospital, Fatorda. Donors may contact Dr. Sujay Das - Mobile 9326100484 Clara Fernandes - Mobile 9850458125 or Sr. Fatima Fernandes at Maria Bambina Convent, Cuncolim on Ph: 2763272 --- message from Cuncolim Civic Consumer Forum --- -- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK -- promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa -- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 9822180182 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --
[Goanet] Goa Dairy to face consumer action on milk price hike
-- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | |Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! -- -- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ - Chuck out packets with old MRP Even as Goa Dairy braced up to charge one rupee more on milk from Thursday without effecting changes in the rates on the milk packets, consumers expressed their disdain over the move, saying it will only end up in confusion and fights with the retailers. GOACAN Convener Roland Martins wondered how Goa Dairy can effect the price hike when the old milk packets will carry the old Maximum Retail Price. There is no stopping Goa Dairy from effecting the rates, but they should do it by first disposing off the packets with old rates and then increase the price, he demanded. Martins and a host of consumer activists tried to contact officials of Goa Dairy on Wednesday, but in vain. However, the consumers were surprised to find one official justifying the decision to sell milk on old MRP packets, on the plea that such things are common in neighbouring Belgaum. Just because Belgaum dairies are doing it, Goa Dairy should not follow suit. Goa Dairy officials ought to remember that people in the State are patronising their milk. This attitude will not be accepted by Goans, Martins added. Martins recalled that a similar move followed by Goa Dairy in the past had attracted strong action from the Legal Metrology officials in the form of confiscation of milk packets . Meanwhile, all eyes are focused on the Legal Metrology officials on the action they are contemplating against Goa Diary for its decision to supply milk in packets containing old MRP rates from Thursday. HERALD 12/01/06 page 3 -- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK -- promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa -- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website:www.goacan.org |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] No serious efforts made to rectify accident zones in Goa
-- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | |Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- No serious efforts made to rectify accident zones -- Every year, Road Safety Week harps on road engineering as an important aspect for reducing fatalities on Goan roads. However road engineering in the state is being given little or no attention and black spots marked for urgent improvements seems to be getting redder with increasing accidents, major and minor, every year. The Traffic Division of the Goa Police prepared a report a year ago listing 70 spots all over Goa requiring immediate attention for improvements in road engineering. A year later only partial improvements have been undertaken at 41 spots and 29 extremely crucial spots remain unattended to. While many of the recommendations include road widening, re-alignment of junctions,traffic islands, sub-ways etc,even simple recommendations of pedestrian crossings, road signages, bus bays, road medians, speed breakers, road widening have been shelved. In Porvorim alone, there are about three to four extremely dangerous spots near Ashwin garage, Teen Building, Teachers Training College-Goa Board junction and Porvorim Petrol Pump. Nearly 150 accidents and fatal accidents have taken place at the said four sites during the last five years. But recommendations for various improvements have fallen on deaf ears. The Panjim-Margao route also has a couple of black spots at Agassaim bazaar,Rumder at Nuvem,Ambaji junction, Bambolim Cross and Nuvem junction. These spots have witnessed nearly 175 accidents and fatal accidents in the last five years. In North Goa, spots like the Bastora junction, Gandhi Chowk in Mapusa and in South Goa Periudok in Curchorem, Gullem in Canacona near Bhumipurush temple and Upper Bazaar in Ponda have been marked for urgent improvements in road engineering. These spots have recorded over 80 accidents. These are only few of the many spots suggested for improvements and are yet to see the light of day. We submitted a report last year and we are not at all satisfied as no improvements have been carried out by the PWD, says Atmaram Deshpande, Superintendent of Police (Traffic). Deshpande also said that the spots which have been partially improved are not achieving the objectives of reducing road accidents as they require improvements in toto. - HERALD 05/01/06 page 3 - -- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK -- promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa -- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 9822180182 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org -- -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] Road Safety Week - Calangute Program on 6th January
-- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | |Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | --- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - - Road Safety Week - Calangute Program on 6th January -- CONSUMER INTERACTION MEETING on issues of ROAD SAFETY and TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT on 6th January (Friday) at 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm at Little Flower High School Hall, Calangute DID YOU KNOW IN 2004 THERE WERE 3,525 accidents in Goa. 306 people were killed. 89 of those killed were pedestrians. 2,564 people were injured. Over the years the number of accidents reported in Goa has been increasing. Besides death, a large number of these accident victims suffer serious injuries and permanent disabilities. Untold suffering is caused not just to the people involved in accidents but to their families as well. What is the role of the Consumer as a stakeholder in this scenario wherein transportation and commuting on a daily basis needs to be comfortable, affordable and safe as a driver, a passenger or as a pedestrian ? What is our view on Road Safety and Traffic management in a tourist destination like Calangute ? In this connection, a consumer interaction meeting to focus on the vital issues of Road Safety and Traffic Management is being organized in Calangute. Officials from the Directorate of Transport, Traffic Police, PWD, Kadamba Transport Corporation, Department of Tourism, Directorate of Consumer Affairs and Directorate of Panchayats will be present for the meeting. Consumers representing Senior Citizens, School Children, Parents, Women and the Disabled will share their grievances and suggestions followed by a response from the officials and a Question Answer session for the audience. Do attend the meeting and share your grievances and suggestions -- This program is being organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Transport by Calangute Residents and Consumer Forum in co-ordination with Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507 Email:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.goacan.org -- -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] 19th Dec Consumer Rights Awareness Campaign
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- Consumer Rights Awareness Campaign at Navelim -- The Consumer Rights Awareness Campaign was launched at the stall of the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs at the Aparant Maand 2005 being held at the Dr. Francisco Luis Gomes Mantap at Navelim in South Goa. The campaign is being conducted in collaboration with the Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN)and has got tremendous response on the first second day of the Handicraft, Art Cultural Expo. GOACAN volunteers from Consumer Forums of Navelim, Assolna,Velim, and Cuncolim have been interacting with the visitors to the stall by explaining to them the salient features of the Consumer Protection Act 1986 as well as the Grievance Redressal options available at the District, State and National level. Consumers from various villages of Salcete Taluka visited the stall and were guided on various problems related to BSNL telephones,PWD Water Supply, LPG cylinder home delivery, bus transport, packaged commodities, weights measures, adulterated petrol diesel, Electronic energy meters postal services. The volunteers also talked to teachers from high schools and lecturers from Higher Secondary Schools of the importance of consumer education to students and necessary guidance that they can provide in relation to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act. GOACAN volunteers will continue the Consumer Rights Awareness interaction at the stall on the last day of the Handicraft, Art Cultural Expo at Navelim on Monday 19th December from 10am to 10pm. -- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK -- promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa -- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] website:www.goacan.org -- -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] GOACAN Workshop in North Goa on Waste Management
-- | Add your name to the CLEAN GOA INITIATIVE | || | by visiting this link and following the instructions therein | || | http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/033926.html | -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK Post Box 78 Mapusa 403 507 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- 18/11/05 Dear friends, The Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) is organizing its second Workshop on Waste Management for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Consumption. The first workshop was held in Margao on 6th November and had participation predominantly from South Goa. The Workshop seeks to address the management of Medical, Industrial, Maritime, Tourism, Toxic, Plastic Domestic Waste and various low cost solutions which can be implemented at the Municipal Council and Village Panchayat level. The Workshop also seeks to identify suitable practical strategies to be implemented at the grassroots level involving the community, educational institutions on the one hand and the Product Manufacturers, Distributors, Retailers and Consumers on the other. DATE: Sunday 27th November 2005 TIME: 9.30am to 5pm VENUE: DASYA Conference Hall, Near Clergy Home SBI Varsha Colony Road, Porvorim. The Registration fee for the Workshop is Rs.75/- to cover lunch, tea and photocopied materials. We look forward to you actively participating in the workshop. Kindly confirm your participation and inform us of other public spirited citizens who would be interested in attending the same. For more information and registration call Lorna on 9822180182 or email Thanking you and looking forward to an early response, Best wishes, Roland Martins (Co-ordinator) -- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK -- promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa -- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --
[Goanet] Cuncolim Municipal Election Candidates to speak at Public Meeting
-- | Add your name to the CLEAN GOA INITIATIVE | || | by visiting this link and following the instructions therein | || | http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/033926.html | -- --- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ --- - Cuncolim Municipal Election Candidates to speak at Public Meeting The Cuncolim Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF) in collaboration with Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) is organising a public meeting to introduce the Candidates who are contesting the Local Municipal Council Elections and provide them an opportunity to speak on a common platform. The public meeting to be held on Tuesday, 18th October at 4pm at White Hall, Cuncolim will have the participation of candidates contesting from the 9 wards of the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC). The candidates have been invited to speak on their proposed plans for their respective wards and Cuncolim at large as well as their proposed pro-active participation or intervention to shape policy/ legislation for the Municipal Council. The candidates contesting in wards reserved for women have been invited to speak on their proposed plans for the women and children of their ward and Cuncolim at large. The public meeting is organized as part of the on going voter awareness campaign on the Civic and Consumer issues by CCCF. Cuncolim Civic and Consumer Forum Press Release Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- -- | 1st Young Goans International Essay contest 2005 | || | Theme: WHAT CAN I DO FOR GOA | | More details at| | http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/034190.html| --
[Goanet] Velim Consumer Forum launches Road Safety program
- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ --- - Velim Consumer Forum launches Road safety program - The Velim Civic and Consumer Forum launched the second phase of its community based program on Road Safety and Traffic Management by introducing special Complaint Books on Public Transport for students and teachers in the educational institutions of Velim. The complaint books were released by Gurunath Kelekar, Convenor of Movement for the Amity towards Roads in Goa (MARG) on the occasion of the Road Safety and Traffic Management Awareness Program held in the Velim Village Panchayat Hall. It may be recalled that a year ago a fatal accident by a speeding bus killed two innocent pedestrians and injured 22 passengers and a year later another speeding bus rammed into a compound wall just near the Velim Market Square. In her welcome address, Ms. Ramona Almeida, the Convenor of Velim Civic and Consumer Forum reminded the audience of how the two bus accidents in the village have pulled the villagers from the comforts of their homes and brought them out on the streets. She called upon teachers, students, youth and citizens at large to take up Road Safety and Traffic Management with a sense of personal involvement which would bring about a meaningful new beginning to this movement. She urged the people in the village not to travel ticketless, as commuters in a bus are entitled to tickets by law and this will ensure the consumers right to comfortable, affordable and safe public transport. Roland Martins, Co-ordinator of Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) spoke on the Sub-Committee meetings of the South Goa District Consumer Protection Council wherein Consumer Forums are able to interact with the Traffic Police and Directorate of Transport to discuss and understand the workings shortcomings of the system and to plan for involvement of citizens in Road Safety Traffic Management. Keeping the community based approach in mind he emphasized that Consumer Forums will focus on Road Safety and Traffic Management with involvement of the educational Institutions and the PTAs to set up the Road Safety Patrol (RSP), to ensure Traffic Management Plans are drawn up for most villages covering location of bus stops, zebra crossings, bus bays, rumbler strips and proper signage. He also highlighted the need for awareness on the transportation of hazardous substances on the State and National Highways and the safety protocol for the same as well as the functioning of GATES (Goa Accident Trauma Emergency Services), the trauma unit at GMC (Goa Medical College) and the facilities available in the 100 odd ambulances in Goa. Chief Guest of the program Gurunath Kelekar, Convenor (MARG) in his address reminded the people that on the sad day 20th August 2004, 2 pedestrians lost their lives in Velim whilst 27 years ago on the same day in1978, 2 prominent Goan freedom fighters Evagrio George and Mark Fernandes also lost their lives as pedestrians near the Tourist Hostel in Panjim. He appreciated the efforts of the Consumer Forum in not letting the accident be a forgotten issue and continuing the awareness program around it. He cautioned the audience that after the freedom struggle Goans have become just voters and not gone beyond the next step to become conscious citizens. Mr. Gurudas Zuwarkar, former Dy SP-Traffic enigmatically stated that the departments of Transport and Traffic Police have to enforce the law if Goa has to put an end to its roads becoming deaths traps. He also stated that Road Safety and Traffic Management can be best achieved by officials collaborating with the concerned effected citizens in the various villages. He expressed concern about the easy availability of driving licences particularly to the youth and suggested that measures be taken to dissuade parents from allowing minors to drive. He emphasized that drivers of all types of vehicles should not exceed the speed limit of 60kms/h and to keep to the left of the road as the right side of the road belongs to the oncoming traffic. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mr. Tony Fernandes speaking on behalf of the Traffic Cell, South Goa said that the most common cause of accidents on the highway at night were due to stray cattle and impressed upon the gathering that the High Court ruling on stray cattle was not being implemented by the Panchayats and Municipalities due to lack of interest in public safety. He urged the people to persuade the Panchayat members and Municipal Councilors to act on the instructions of the Traffic Police and clear
[Goanet]State of the Sex Trade in Goa - 1
- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - - Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- --- Demolition of Baina cubicles was a mistake, says DIG --- by Shaikh Jamaluddin The sex trade has come to stay. And it is a fact. Even senior police officials admit it. However, the deputy inspector-general of police, Mr Ujjwal Mishra feels that the greatest mistake committed by the state government was demolition of the cubicles at Baina in Vasco. Before the demolition, the sex trade was confined only upto Baina, but now it has spread to other parts of the state. Mr Mishra stated, The ripples of this mistake are being experienced in every nook and corner of the state. You see, there are some known infamous places in Mumbai, Hyderabad and elsewhere. But the governments of these states have not gone for demolition of these structures. The governments are not willing to take action as they are aware of the repercussions and aftereffects of their actions. Mr Mishra felt that the government should have initiated some health and civic measures through non-governmental organisations, or involved other agencies to improve hygiene there. 'Uprooting' the whole area was not the solution and was not advisable also, Mr Mishra observed . A certain sex racket in the state might not have been exposed had the police not arrested and rescued a minor girl from Bangladesh who was brought here on the pretext of providing a job abroad. She was dragged into the racket by three women involved in the flesh trade at Porvorim, Mr Mishra informed. Dwelling upon the sex racket, the DIG said, We went deep into it and arrested a number of people, interrogated many others linked directly or indirectly to the oldest profession, so it was time to pull the shutters on the chapter. But in case if we get some or the other clue we will not hesitate to net them. On college girls turning to the flesh trade in Goa, Mr Mishra stated, I heard rumours making rounds that college girls staying in hostels and as paying guests are also engaged in entertaining sex hungry tourists visiting Goa from different corners of the nation. If these girls are selling their bodies for money we cannot do anything. However, he said, You know the call girls who were released earlier after their arrest from Parra had landed up in the police net once again. You will be astonished to know what they said 'we are doing it for money, are you providing the same to us?' What any one can do in this situation. He said this is a money spinning trade for all those engaged in it. There are thousands of young and middle-aged persons linked either directly or indirectly to the sex entertaining groups. Besides, there are thousands of other people who are thriving exclusively on the earnings of solicitors of call girls. If you see, this is a major social evil which spoils our youth at a very tender age and as a result there are many HIV cases spotted amongst Goans. It is very terrible thing happening in Goa and we see there is no solution in sight, he added. -- The Navhind Times 17/8/05 page 1 -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]ALERT:After Farmers, Fishermen may be forced to suicide
- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - -- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- After Farmers, Fishermen may be forced to suicide -- by Gasper D'Souza Several fishermen ventured out at the start of the fishing season this year in their quest for the 'Holy Grail' of the sea - the solar prawns, ignoring rough weather warnings. But the greed and ignorance mixed with political apathy saw the loss of life and a trawler. The early start of the mechanized fishing season this year may be good for people's palates but it could be doing irreparable harm to our fish resource. The boats docking at the fishing jetties unloaded their prized catch - fish laden with eggs. The size of the fish, including solar prawns has greatly diminished, said Mr Pascaol, a traditional fisherman from Salcette. Earlier, especially after the strict implementation of the ban last year, the prawn count was about 90 per kg. This year it is about 120 to 140 per kg. Is the poor catch worth the risk? The Marine Mercantile Department considers June 10 to August 15 as 'fowl weather period' with insurance available only with additional premiums. The monsoon season also coincides with the peak breeding season for most fish on the West Coast of India. A cursory examination of the prawns offloaded at the Panaji jetty revealed that most of the female prawns were laden with eggs. In October 2000 at a conference of scientists on sustainable fishery management organized by the NIO, it was agreed that a uniform ban is needed from May end to mid August recognizing that the south -west monsoon is the spawning season of pelagic species like Indian Oil sardine and Mackerel along with a majority of demersal fish and shrimps. Further, a two-day National Seminar in October 2004 on Conservation and Sustainable Growth of Fisheries organized by the MES College and attended by several scientists and academics also corroborated the need for a uniform ban throughout the West Coast from May 15 to August 15 along with implementation of nets of a minimum mesh size of 35 mm to prevent catching of baby fish. But even today the ban is not in place and as for mesh size, according to one researcher, some boats even use nets of mesh sizes of 15mm. But the issue is today so highly politicized that few are willing to go on record for fear of the repercussions. Based on scientific observations, in its September 2002 judgment, the High Court had, in its Order stated: During the ban period, namely from 10th June to 15th August, or Narali Poornima, whichever is earlier, the State Government of Goa should strictly implement the above fishing ban against all kinds of mechanized vessels. The Court Order further notes: For a proper conservation of fish on a sustainable basis, there has to be uniform dates with regard to fishing ban in all the States on the Western Coast. In its Order dated March 29 2004, the Central govt had notified June 10 to August 15 as the ban period across the entire West Coast of India. Yet ignoring all reason and court orders, the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka maintain the ban only up to July 31. Using this as an excuse, the Goa government too relaxed the ban to July 31 from the original August 15. It takes a woman nine months to deliver a baby. Giving it just half that time will serve no purpose! says one fisherman. How can the government implement a ban for only a part of the breeding season? The ban has been reduced playing into the hands of a few who do not let off their labour even in the off-season. They can thus go out before all others, says one boat owner. But some scientists observe that although the monsoons coincide with the peak breeding season, different types of fish have different breeding patterns throughout the year. As such, they say a staggered ban is needed. Moreover, compared to the threat from purse seines and traditional 'rampons', the greatest threat is from bottom trawling wherein the marine life-forms over a thousand years old along the seabed is destroyed in a single trawl, explained one scientist who was a part of the MES National Seminar. As such the monsoon ban should be total for bottom trawling and lesser for other forms of fishing. At an international conference on deep sea
[Goanet]Consumer Rights Festival at St.Xavier's College Mapusa
- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - -- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- Consumer Rights Festival at St.Xavier's College Mapusa -- Have you purchased a commodity or any goods or hired any services, or used a commodity or service by virtue of accepting it as a gift? All of us whether professionals, businessmen, students, housewives, etc. are Consumers. However, not many are aware of this. The Consumer Protection Act and the rights provided by the Act are totally unknown to many consumers. The Consumer Welfare Cell at St. Xavier's College, Mapusa, is organising a year long Consumer Rights Festival under the Scheme introduced by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. The scheme is meant to promote involvement of Research Institutions / Universities and colleges in Consumer Protection and Consumer Welfare. The Department of Consumer Affairs, New Delhi, had received more than 151 proposals from various institutions. All these proposals were transferred to the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi for further action. St. Xavier's College, Mapusa was selected by the Evaluation Committee and was awarded a grant of Rs. 1 lakh for organising the festival. The festival will comprise of various activities. A consumer rights awareness drive for the entire staff and all the students of the college will be held from 8 August to 12 September 2005, wherein persons actively involved in the Consumer Rights Movement will be invited to address the students and provide guidance and help in tackling consumer related grievances. College students in turn will be visiting neighbouring schools in order to spread consumer rights awareness among school students. Inter-collegiate poster / elocution / one-act play competitions on consumer issues will be held in September 2005, which are open to all the colleges in Goa. The one-act play competition is open to other organisations and associations as well. Besides this, a state level seminar for teachers and others interested will be held in November 2005. Street plays will be put up for the general public. The topic for poster competition is Consumer Rights - Myth or Reality in India and the topic for elocution Competition Is Is the Indian Consumer a King? The registration and more details may be obtained from the college office or on Tel: 2262356 or at mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Gomantak Times 9/8/05 page 4 --- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]ALERT:Illegal liquor unit busted at Dabal in South Goa
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- - Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - - Illegal liquor unit busted at Bandoli - In a major raid, Quepem police on Wednesday busted a liquor unit, which was illegally being operated at Bandoli in Dabal-Sanvordem. Five persons have been arrested in this connection, with the value of the seized alcohol and liquor filling equipment valued at about Rs 5 lakh, informed Quepem PI Siddhant Shirodkar. According to reports, Quepem police, during its routine check on vehicles in the morning, stopped a vehicle (GA-01-W-5182) carrying liquor and some alcohol, driven by one Patrick Regino Dias of Paroda. The other occupant in the vehicle was the salesman, Antonio Diogo Fernandes, also from Paroda. When the driver and salesman failed to furnish the vehicle documents, police asked the occupants to furnish excise documents for transporting the liquor and alcohol, or any bills to the effect. When they could not furnish these documents as well, police arrested both persons under suspicion (Section 41 CrPC). They were arrested and taken to Quepem police station, where they informed police that they were employed by Paroda Sarpanch Gabriel Fernandes, who is a distributor for liquor and alcohol. Police then summoned the sarpanch, who informed police that he works for one P J Joseph, a native of Kerala and presently residing at Deao-Quepem. Police went to Deao-Quepem and later arrested Joseph along with his assistant, Rohit Joseph Paul. Police also attached three vehicles a Fort Escort, Maruti van and a Maruti 800 as Joseph failed to provide documents of the three vehicles. Besides, police also seized five barrels of alcohol at his residence. Joseph then confessed to police that he has been illegally manufacturing liquor in his property, measuring 50,000 sq metres, at Bandoli in Dabal-Sanvordem. Police went to the property and found an underground room, which housed empty bottles, cartons and bottle caps of branded liquor. Police also seized 620 litres of alcohol from the premises, besides seizing a Matador tempo. In a related move, Curchorem police arrested one Mathew Regino Fernandes (60), who allegedly confessed that he was also employed by the Paroda sarpanch in the illegal filling of liquor. Quepem DySP Tony Fernandes was also present along with Quepem police during the raid. According to sources, excise officials were planning to raid the premises on Monday and had even sent a guard to Bandoli to identify the location of the illegal bottling plant. All the five accused will be produced before the Quepem JMFC for remand, as investigations in the case are in progress. - HERALD 4/08/05 page 3 - === 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 ===
[Goanet]Captain of Ports proposal on free transportation of public vehicles
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- Port authorities give proposal on free transportation of public vehicles -- The Captain of Ports has given a detail proposal to the state government regarding free transport of public vehicles in the ferryboats plying between various points, around the state. The ferry transport has already been made free for the passengers. Capt A P Mascarenhas of the Captain of Ports, today told the pressmen that the state government had decided to probe into such possibility and called for a detailed report about the same. All the necessary information has been provided in our proposal, he added. Mr Mascarenhas also informed that for the year 2004-2005, a revenue amounting to Rs 1.40 crore was generated through the state ferry service, while the operative cost for the ferryboats was Rs 9.54 crore, during the same year. Presently there are 40 public transport ferryboats operational in the state on 21 river routes, the major routes being Ribandar-Chorao, Old Goa- Divar, St Pedro-Divar, Tonca-Sarmanas, Rasai-Durbhat, Rai-Shiroda, Volvoi-Maina/ Surla and Madkai-Cortalim, the last being the longest route. There are also 8 to 9 ferry routes which are privatised. Speaking further, Mr Mascarenhas said that the government is also planning to introduce ferries with faster speed, on all 21 river routes. The present single engine ferryboats will be replaced with the twin-engine ferries, for which various firms have been asked to give the estimates, he mentioned.The same would be put up for approval before the government, he pointed out. It was also informed that no untoward incident had taken place during last year, on the ferry routes. Replying to a question regarding washing away of the tar balls on the Goan shores, Mr Mascarenhas said that it is a normal phenomenon and was witnessed on the Siridao and Miramar beaches, in the past. However, this time around the quantity of tar balls has increased, he added. --- The Navhind Times 5/08/05 page 3 --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Saturday 6th August Legal literacy camp at Merces
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- Legal literacy camp at Merces A legal literacy camp is being organized at Patriachal Hall Our Lady of Merces Church Merces in the Tiswadi taluka on August 6 at 3 p.m. with a view to spread consciousness about the legal rights and duties of the citizens specially tribal/rural population, women/children disabled or handicapped and weaker section of the society. The session will be presided over by K Thaly, IInd additional district and sessions Judge, Panaji Tiswadi taluka legal services committee Panjim and will be addressed by advocate Arun Naik on the subject Benefit of provisions of GDD Mundkars (Protection from Eviction) Act 1975 and by Adovocate Prashant Vengurlekar on the subject 'Motor Accident claims (including collection of documents, launching claims, practices and procedure etc. All the citizens of Tiswadi Taluka in general, advocates, social workers, women, citizens and litigants are requested to attend the camp - HERALD 4/08/05 page 4 - --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Dept.of Civil Supplies confiscates LPG cylinders
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- - Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - -- Civil supplies dept confiscates LPG cylinders from agent --- In what could be deemed as the first round of surprise inspections and raids, the Department of Civil Supplies on Tuesday confiscated LPG cylinders, for unauthorised stacking by an agent in Vasco. According to information furnished, the agent, Goa Gas Service of Bharat Petroleum Company was found in possession of 34 cylinders in excess of the prescribed quantum.Officials disclosed that an agent can store not more than 100 kgs of LPG in their stock rooms. On information received by the department, the said erring agent was found in possession of eight cylinders for commercial purpose and 26 were for domestic use. Further, seven from the commercial lot were filled while 19 from the domestic lot were filled cylinders. According to the Director of Civil Supplies, Ashok Dessai, a cylinder for commercial purpose contains 19 kgs of LPG while a cylinder for domestic purpose contains 14 kgs of LPG thereby indicating very clearly that the Goa Gas Service at Vasco has violated the prescribed norms. Mr Desai speaking to Herald on Wednesday said, The surprise inspection conducted on Tuesday is the beginning of a series of similar such inspections and action will be taken against all erring parties. Mr Dessai also disclosed that the department is contemplating on commencing inspections and raids on the illegal use of domestic cylinders for commercial purpose.He said that the illegal activities, if unchecked, could cause a shortage of domestic LPG cylinders. Tuesdays inspection and confiscations were conducted by Assistant Director of Civil Supplies Siddhi Halarnakar, Ravi Shankar Nipanikar - inspector from the DCS posted at Mormugao, Agnel Soares - Sub-Inspector at the DCS flying squad. Vishnu Ray Senior Officer of Bharat Petroleum Company and Sanjay Karve - Executive Sales Officer of Hindustan Petroleum. HERALD 4/08/05 page 2 --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]How a speeding mini-bus killed a school boy in Vasco
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- - Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - --- Schoolboy killed in Vasco road accident --- In a tragic accident, a nine-year-old schoolboy was knocked down to death today by an overspeeding mini-bus at the entrance of the Kadamba Transport Corporation bus stand in the city. The accident triggered protest from the public who broke the rear glasses of the mini-bus. Vasco police sources informed that the boy Subhash Yeshwant Korgaonkar, a III Standard student of the St. Andrew's Institute, was walking home by side of the road. His house is located at the Goa Shipyard. The overspeeding mini-bus, which was entering the KTC bus stand, knocked down the boy and dragged him for at least 14 metres. The boy was found in the pool of blood, with grievous injuries to his head and thighs. He was rushed to the Cottage Hospital, Chicalim, in an unconsciousness state. Considering the critical condition of the boy, he was referred to the Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim. However, he breathed his last on the way, the sources said. After knocking down the boy, the mini-bus driver, Sumant Sudhir Kulkarni (32), a resident of Zuarinagar Colony, fled from the bus stand leaving behind the mini-bus. However, later in the evening, the Vasco police arrested the driver under sections 279 and 304(A) of the Indian Penal Code. Some people, who witnessed the accident, were infuriated by the ghastly fleeing of the driver. They gathered near the mini-bus and broke its rear glasses. An eyewitness stated that the accident occurred due to negligence of the assistant sub-inspector and the constable attached to the traffic police cell, who were posted near the entrance of the KTC bus stand. One of them was smoking, while the other had gone to drink tea during the peak hour, he informed. The Vasco sub-divisional police officer, Mr Subhash Goltekar along with other policemen rushed to the spot and conducted panchanama, They have taken custody of the bus. The body of the boy was handed over to his parents for final rites, which were held at the Khariwada Hindu crematorium late in the evening. The boy was the only son of Mr Yeshwant Korgaonkar. The boy left behind four-month-old sister. The former revenue minister and state Nationalist Congress Party vice-president, Mr Jose Phillip D'Souza visited the accident site. He along with the agitated crowd impressed upon the sub-divisional magistrate and deputy collector,Mormugao, Ms Meena Goltekar to erect two speed-breakers near the Narayan Auto Works and Hotel Rebello, on the exit and entrance of the KTC bus stand. -- The Navhind Times 4/08/05 page 1 -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]State of Economic Offences in Goa - 1
- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - -- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- --- Sanchayani investors crying for relief -- The Sanchayani Certificate Holders and Field Workers Association, Goa has questioned the seriousness of the administration in settling the claims of the over 40,000 investors. They further claim that the Economic Offences Cell (EOC) at the Panjim Police Headquarters has failed to arrest the principal accused, Suraj Naik, the divisional manager of M/s Sanchayani Savings and Investment (India) Ltd who is the personal assistant of the North Goa BJP MP Sripad Naik. Says Jawaharlal T Shetye, the president of the SCHFWA, Unfortunately, it has been a long and hard battle with the EOC refusing to co-operate with the association, the government turning a deaf ear to our complaints despite representations made to the former chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who assured us that he would look into the matter, but failed to do so. In fact, the EOC has failed to arrest the divisional manager of M/s Sanchayani Savings and Investment (India) Ltd in Goa, Suraj Naik, who is the personal assistant of the North Goa BJP MP Sripad Naik, He said that Suraj kept the company offices in Goa open as late as September 2002 and collected several lakhs of rupees which was used to distribute the salaries of the company's employees when all the company's offices all over India including the head office at Kolkata were shut down by the police much before September 2002. The EOC then headed by PI Fintan D'Souza and PSI Suresh Gaonkar had informed us that Suraj along with other senior field staff had availed advances from the company amounting to several lakhs of rupees but that the EOC was helpless as the amount belonged to the company and no complaint had been filed, Shetye mentioned. SCHFWA with a membership of 699 members had registered its complaint with the EOC on July 7, 2003 along with a representation to the chief minister and chief secretary on the same day urging them to initiate action against the directors under the GPID Act 1999. The Finance department of the government of Goa in its letter dated July 29, 2003 informed the SCHFWA that since the Supreme Court had appointed a special officer N C Banerjee to take charge of the assets of the company, the government could not take any action under the GPID Act 1999 and that the SCHFWA should approach the EOC for taking further necessary action. Accordingly SCHFWA who failed to receive any help from the EOC approached the then chief minister Manohar Parrikar pointing out that there were about 40,000 investors of the Sanchayani company in Goa and that the RBI in its letter dated May 10, 1997 had advised the company not to accept any deposits from the public and to stop forewith the said business and to conform to RBI orders. And that the Goa divisional manager Suraj Naik, who was heading five branches under the Goa division collected deposit money without any authority. The SCHFWA had appealed to the then chief minister to initiate action against Suraj Naik and the Finance department of the government of Goa wrote a letter to the EOC dated May 27, 2004 urging them to initiate action against Suraj Naik under the GPID Act 1999 and intimate them of the action taken, but nothing happened. Another notice was sent to the chief secretary through advocate Mahesh Sonak on March 6, 2004, but there was no response from the government. It was only when the former DGP Amod Kant took charge, that the EOC started co-operating with the SCHFWA and providing us with all the requisite information but unfortunately he too was transferred, Shetye remarked. The special officer appointed by the Supreme Court, N C Banerjee (in a telephonic conversation with the Herald), revealed that his office in Kolkata has received around eight lakh claim papers from the various investors all over the country and no sooner they complete the processing of the forms, he would forward a proposal to the Supreme Court to repay the investors. This entire process should take another five to six months to complete, following which the payments will be made to the investors, Banerjee disclosed. Our only request is that the EOC should follow up with the special officer N C Banerjee and guide the SCHFWA
[Goanet]Goa's Voluntary Testing Centres help to prevent AIDS
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- - Voluntary testing centres helping to prevent AIDS Voluntary confidential counseling and testing centers are now seen as key entry point for a range of interventions in HIV/AIDS prevention. The main objective of VCCTs are to make testing services available to those persons who wish to know their HIV/Status due to some high risk behaviour and to counsel them or who have been referred by consulting doctors. These centers help clients to make decisions related to disclosure, treatment and risk reduction. These centers enable people to cope up with their HIV positive status and plan for the future, says a press note issued by the Goa State AIDS Control Society. These centers provide psychological support to the infected and the affected individuals thus strengthening HIV infected persons and those associated with them. VCCTs also motivate those tested negative to remain so. Increased availability and use of voluntary counseling and testing is an important step in risk reduction and psychological support to infected and affected persons. Three VCCTs have been established in the state, one at GMC, Hospicio and Asilo. One is likely to be started soon at Cottage Hospital, Vasco. The number of persons approaching the VCCT and getting tested is increasing.These centers represent a public private mix since they are located largely in government hospitals and have trained counsellors. The success of voluntary counseling and testing depends on effective counselling and on the availability of cheap testing facilities which give results in the shortest possible time. This makes the rapid test an attractive option where the client can undergo a pre-test counseling, get results and post-test counselling in one session. The in-charges and lab technicians of VCCTs are trained on regular bases by Goa State AIDS Control Society and NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation), adds the press note. - HERALD 7/07/05 page 4 --- === 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 ===
[Goanet]8th July FRIDAY BALCAO:Should Goa have a Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
-- Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO Read the Balcao Synopsis on the website http://www.goadesc.org/balcao/ -- Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet, Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event to be held on 8th July will focus on the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Goa. The recent statement of the Union Finance Minister that Goa should consider having a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has sparked of a debate. Central to the discussion is what are the different kinds of SEZ's and what are the benefits for Goa and Goans. Also of great importance is the social, cultural, environmental and economic impacts of a SEZ. Goa could develop as a major exports hub and possibly create lot of direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local youth. The SEZ would be a specifically delineated duty-free enclave and be deemed to be a foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations, duties and tariffs. The SEZ could improve infrastructure like roads and bridges. Since land is the most important requirement for setting up a SEZ the availability of around 1,000 hectares would be crucial in Goa. What are the guarantees that the jobs generated in a SEZ will go to the local youth ? Will the labour laws be different ? Will the SEZ turn Goa into a predominantly industrial area and thereby lose its charm as a tourist destination ? Will the SEZ attract high spending business tourists and therefore require projects like golf courses, casinos and more five star luxury hotels ? What has been the performance of the existing ten odd industrial estates including that of Verna ? Can the Goa Govt.ensure that they are in a position to supply basic inputs like water and electricity to the SEZ without causing inconvenience to the local residents ? How will the proposed SEZ impact Goa, its population, culture and environment as projects like the proposed Mopa International Airport in the North, the Naval Sea Bird project in the South and proposed Cruise liner Terminal on the West ? The Balcao discussion will cover these questions and also evolve an agenda for action by citizens on the issue. Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa and is open to members of the public. We invite you to express your viewpoint by attending the Friday Balcao event but if you cannot attend, then please send your views and action plan suggestions by post to FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Those of you who would like to receive the regular invitation to Friday Balcao and a one page synopsis of the fortnightly session can subscribe for the same by sending Rs.100/- to cover printing and mailing costs. best wishes, Roland Martins === 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 ===
[Goanet]State of Municipal Councils in Goa - 1
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- Mapusa civic chief voted out Pushing to the background the festering garbage problem at Mapusa and executing the fourth change of the chairperson's post in this five-year term, seven councillors out of 13, today voted out Mr Sandip Falari from the post of chairperson of the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC). Five councillors, including Mr Falari, voted against the motion. One councillor, Mr Prabakar Vernekar was absent as he is away in Mumbai due to personal reasons. Mr Falari had taken over as MMC chairperson on February 1, 2005. Since the next municipal council elections in Goa are scheduled in October 2005, the next and fifth MMC chairperson will have only a three-month term. The motion of no-confidence against Mr Falari was filed on June 22 by seven councillors. They had cited three reasons why the council had lost confidence in him. They accused him of misusing the Municipalities Act, misusing municipal funds and of showing bias towards ruling councillors. Today's meeting that commenced at 11.05 a.m was presided over by the deputy collector of Bardez, Mr Mahesh Khorjuvenkar. Before the vote through a show of hands, he allowed members from both sides to briefly express their views. Speaking for the motion and against the chairperson, Mr Armindo Braganza and former chairperson, Mr Michael Carrasco, cited examples to prove how Mr Falari had erred. They said he had failed to constitute the standing committee within seven days of being elected as chairperson and that he had resorted to irregularities in spending council funds. Accusing the chairperson of bias in desilting works, Mr Carrasco said Mr Falari had allowed municipal labourers to work much longer in the wards of ruling councilors and neglected the wards of opposition councillors. He also blamed the chairperson for failing to address the garbage problem of Mapusa, saying Mr Falari had sought to solve it alone instead of taking the full council into confidence. Mr Carrasco also accused the Chairperson of a long list of injustices. In his defence, Mr Falari claimed he had distributed municipal funds and resources equitably to all 13 wards. He said he had no support from the state government because he took over on February 1 and the government fell on February 2, pushing the Mapusa MLA, Mr Francisco D'Souza to the opposition. During the ensuing three and half months of President's Rule, he had no support from the government but had done his best for the town, he said. Among other things, he cited the utilisation of Rs 21-lakh in unused funds, to which the council had added a matching amount and distributed equally to all 13 wards. He also claimed to have obtained grant of Rs 26-lakh from the department of science and technology and distributed equally. Mr Sudhir Kandolkar and Ms Shubangi Vaigankar also spoke against the motion.The date to elect a new chairperson is yet to be set. But sources indicated that Mr Armindo Braganza is most likely to file his nomination for the post. The Navhind Times 30/06/05 page 1 --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Goa Rajya Sabha member to be elected on July 14
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- --- Goa Rajya Sabha member to be elected on July 14 --- The polls to elect a member to the council of states (Rajya Sabha) by the elected members of the Goa legislative assembly has been fixed for July 14. As per the schedule, the nomination papers will be accepted by the secretary legislature, Mr S A Narvekar, who has been designated as the returning officer for the polls or by Mr J N Braganza, under-secretary legislature and assistant returning officer in the chamber of the secretary, legislative secretariat, Porvorim. The nominations can be delivered by the candidate or his proposer in the office of the returning officer between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on any day (other than public holiday) but not later than July 4, 2005. Nominations forms can be obtained from the office of the secretary legislature. The nomination papers will be scrutinised at 11 a.m. on July 5, in the chamber of the secretary, legislature secretariat. The withdrawal of candidature will be permitted till 3 p.m. on July 7. The election, if necessary, will be held on July 14 between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the committee room 'A' VIP block, Goa assembly complex, Porvorim. -- The Navhind Times 28/06/05 page 5 -- === 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 ===
[Goanet]Two-wheeler firm pulled up for manufacturing defects
- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - -- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- Two-wheeler firm pulled up for manufacturing defects - The Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum (North Goa), Porvorim, has directed a two-wheeler manufacturer to refund to the complainant a sum of Rs 23,877 towards cost of vehicle. The company has also been directed to re-imburse the complainant for the expenses incurred. They include, Rs 1, 530 as cost of vehicle registration with RTO authorities, Rs 436 as cost of one year insurance of the vehicle, Rs 110 as cost of incidental expenses incurred for vehicle registration (xerox, notary attestation, etc), Rs 400 as cost of taxi expenses met due to two incidents when the vehicle ran out of fuel due to faulty fuel gauge, Rs 500 as cost of two days remuneration lost due to forced absence from service due to vehicle problem, Rs 12,500 as cost of hired taxi conveyance from January 14, 1999 upto March 12, 1999, Rs 300 as expenses towards paperwork for seeking legal justice, Rs 250 as cost of communication with dealer on telephone and personal visits to enquire about status of vehicle repairs from time to time and Rs 500 as cost of inconvenience caused to the complainant due to non-availability of own vehicle despite paying for it. The complainant, Mrinalini Sahastrabhojane from Porvorim, had bought a scooter from the dealer in Panjim on December 4, 1998, and its warranty period was one year. On December 24, 1998, the said dealer issued a letter to the complainant informing that the company wants to incorporate some change in main prop stand and for that purpose the scooter should be handed over them on January 14, 1999. While handing over the vehicle to the dealer on January 14, 1999, the complainant also pointed out that the vehicle's fuel gauge indicator was malfunctioning and speedometer reading dial has stopped and hence needed to be checked. The dealer informed the complainant that the crank casing has been cracked and hence needed replacement. On January 26 1999, the dealer sent a letter to the complainant informing that they had asked the manufacturer to dispatch the relevant part. Since the vehicle was not repaired even after lapse of 30 days, the complainant finally served a notice on February 24, 1999, to the manufacturers requesting them to take back the vehicle. On March 12, 1999, the dealer issued a letter to the complainant requesting her to take the vehicle, as it was repaired and ready for collection. However, the complainant declined to collect the vehicle stating that she had lost the confidence in the vehicle which had developed the problems within the warranty period. Since the complainant's claim for the refund of the cost of the vehicle and incidental expenses was not settled as per her last letter dated June 16, 1999, she approached the Consumer Forum. The dealer admitted before the Consumer Forum that there was a defect in the crank casing. They further admitted that the improvement done in the design of prop stand were to avoid complaints from the customers. The manufacturer of the vehicle in defence stated that the delay in the repair of the vehicle from January 14, 1999 to March 12, 1999, was due to non-availability of crank casing in stock and the same required to be manufactured in their factory at Ghaziabad. However, the manufacturer in defence argued that the complainant while purchasing the vehicle has verified and inspected the same and after being satisfied, had purchased the same. They further stated that the maximum the complainant could had sought for an additional period of warranty to the extent of period for which the vehicle remained for repairs. On going through the facts of the case, the Consumer Forum observed that the consumer should not suffer for the neglect of the manufacturer in manufacturing the vehicle. Further, when the manufacturer introduces his vehicle in the market it should have all the facilities utmost to the satisfaction of the consumer and it is the duty and responsibility of manufacturer to take maximum care of the consumer. The Consumer Forum therefore ruled that the manufacturer was solely responsible for the manufacturing defects developed in the vehicle during the warranty period
[Goanet]Road accidents kill near Dabolim Airport and in Vasco
- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - -- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- - Vascos vicious circle continues to kill by Neena Dayal Accidents in the last 2 months in Vasco April - May 11 - minor 10 - serious 05 - fatal 07 - deaths -- Accidents in the last 2 months in Mormugao April - May 01 - minor 02 - serious 01 - fatal 01 - dead --- The statistics speak for themselves and unless someone wakes up in the Vasco administration the statistics will keep on increasing. While road accidents are frequent and on the rise in Goa because of the lack of control by drivers and no police patrolling, there is one spot in Goa near Dabolim Airport which has been witnessing an increasing number of fatalities during the last one year. Yes, Dabolim Airport is the first impression of Goa for many who arrive daily in the hope of having a great holiday and some quality time here. The cross roads in front of the airport form one of the most important traffic junctions of Goa. Yet the glaring reality of the traffic confusion at this intersection, resulting in accidents on a daily basis has not stirred any administrative action so far. Many-a-lives have been lost, but no concrete plan to regulate the traffic on this junction, which also is a part of the ambitious four lane highway project, has emerged. According to Namrata Kashyap, town planner and successful landscape architect, the reason for the increasing number of fatalities is that this graded intersection (near Dabolim circle) is presently being manned by a US-based system of traffic regulation called the Stop-Sign system. This arrangement is evidently wrong according to the book on Traffic Engineering and Transport Planning by L R Kadiyali, which is considered a bible among all town planners and transport engineers. It clearly says that Stop signs should not be used on roadways or expressways, for speed control or at signalized intersections. (Chapter 13 Traffic signs. Section 13.8 Mandatory signs). Investigations by Herald showed that many of these signs put up at Dabolim Circle are extremely confusing to the driver. This reporter spoke to Sandip Surlekar, deputy Town Planner, Vasco, who could not decipher the exact connotation of the signs (a red bordered triangular sign with six red dots on white background) placed at this important junction. What is causing this confusion is that Indians have been instinctively following primarily British system of traffic- roundabouts or traffic-islands for traffic regulation at intersections for a long time now. And it is this confusion of a new system that is defectively implemented which is causing considerable confusion among poorly literate transport drivers and drivers of private vehicles. An examination of the spot showed that many signs were improperly placed, not easily understood and of a different signage which was causing confusion among drives. Agrees Mr Afonso, assistant director transport, Vasco, signs should be placed much ahead of the junction. New fellows are always speeding, clearly revealing complete apathy and disinterest on the part of administration to deal with the problem. Says SP Traffic Mr. Deshpande, There is a dearth of qualified Transport Planners in Goa. The road under question has been constructed by Border Road Organization (BRO), under the guidance of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). There are no doubts about their quality of construction. But they build such important intersections with local guidance and according to the local requirements, as they are ill-equipped in local information. They are used to building the roads in inhabitable terrains for military and civilian purposes. Further investigations by this reporter with the Pune NHAI, which is responsible for overseeing highways and signs on highways proved that the nodal authority responsible for overseeing such constructions was completely ignorant of these incidents and rise in frequency of accidents Adds Deshpande, we have forwarded letters emphasizing the need for immediate action to the Collectors office and Chief Engineer PWD, highlighting the gruesome accidents due to traffic regulation problem and various punctures existing
[Goanet]Tobacco is top killer in Goa according to NOTE survey
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY - 31st May 2005 --- Tobacco is top killer in Goa, reveals survey -- Every year, 40 to 50 per cent deaths in the State are caused by tobacco related diseases, reveals a survey conducted by the National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE). According to NOTE, approximately 27.4 per cent men over the age of 18 use smoke as well as chew tobacco; 22.8 per cent are smokers and 13.2 per cent use smokeless tobacco products. Around 13.6 per cent of women in Goa found to be using tobacco; 6.4 per cent smoke cigarettes and 10.4 per cent use other tobacco products. However, the survey has also revealed a positive aspect. Research officer of NOTE Dr Umesh Naik said that the overall smoking instance among people of all age groups has come down by five per cent over the last ten years. Dr Shekhar Salkar, general secretary of NOTE attributed this decline in tobacco use to the 'No Tobacco' campaign launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO). According to Dr Salkar, another reason for the decline in smoking is the ban on the advertisement of tobacco products in Goa and the Goa Prohibition of Smoking and Spitting Act of 1999. However, other tobacco habits such as chewing of tobacco has remained unchanged, said Dr Umesh Naik, adding that although the sale of gutka is banned, the product is sold clandestinely and the chewing tobacco habit is observed among the younger age group. According to Dr Salkar the reason for persistence of chewing habits is that gutka and other type of products are available at a much lower rate as compared to cigarettes. Another finding of NOTE according to Dr Salkar is that education levels have had an impact on smoking habits in the case of women in the State. He informed that the instances of smoking among females educated up to primary level are approximately 55-60 per cent. In the case of women educated up to standard eighth, the instances of smoking is about 10 per cent and in the case of females educated up to HSSC the instance of smoking levels is as low as 0.4 per cent informed Dr Salkar. -- HERALD 31/05/05 page 1 -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Goas ready with plan for world-class airport
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- --- Goa's ready with plan for world-class airport --- PRANAB DHAL SAMANTA - IN 9 YEARS: Check-in under 3 minutes, immigration in one, runway for A-380 --- The prospect of brand new greenfield airports at Bangalore and Hyderabad in three years has prompted states like Punjab and Maharashtra to push for similar ventures but leading the pack is Goa which has drawn up the contours of a state-of-the-art airport at Mopa by 2014. The plan, which has been prepared with the help of experts from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), identifies Airbus 380the largest passenger plane as the model aircraft for the airport's master planning. This would mean that the runway width would be more than any of the existing airports in the country. Currently, the existing Goa airport is one of the few AAI sites registering a profit. Close to 2 million passengers fly in to the place every year and officials point out that there is a beeline of charter operators for permission but the limited number of slots is a huge constraint. At present, there is parking place for just six aircraft at any given time. Experts have found the location of Mopa suitable for the kind of large-scale project Goa wishes to launch. The report, which is now under the consideration of the Civil Aviation Ministry, states that Mopa will provide service to Sangli, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri and Kolhapur apart from Goa. It will be a convenient access point for Mumbai and places like Belgaum and Dharwad in Karnataka. Though the projection is that Goa will get around 6.5 million passengers over the next two decades, the plan proposes to design an airport for 10 million passengers so as to avoid congestion in the future. The suggested time line marks 2014 as the completion for the first phase with a single runway but proposes rapid exit taxiways to reduce runway occupancy. While a detailed study of various aspects of the airport will be carried out over the next few years, the initial plan states that the airport will ensure fixed aero bridges to cater to all aircraft. Significantly, the airport terminal at Mopa will be designed on the basis of international check-in process time which is about two-and-a-half minutes, then one minute for immigration clearance and 15 seconds for security. That means sufficient space for counters and access gates will have to be set aside to meet this benchmark. The plan proposes to have nearly 20,000 sq metres allocated for parking 40 different types of aircraft. Unlike any other airport in the country, a separate helicopter area has been suggested to ensure that their movements don't interrupt with regular air traffic. Hangars for four choppers have been recommended. Besides this, the Mopa airport will have an exclusive business area of 15,000 sq. metres. This would be given out to duty free shops, malls and such facilities. In fact, the suggestion is to develop an airport city with a hotel, business centre, golf course, accommodation for employees and an elaborate road network. Civil Aviation officials pointed out that contours for this airport have been prepared by the ICAO, Goa Government and AAI. Once this is approved by the ministry, a detailed study to look into different elements of the project will have to be commissioned and a funding pattern be agreed upon. The greenfield airport policy works on the principle that 74 per cent stake will be held by a private consortium which will build and operate the facility. The state will provide the land, air navigation services and other related concessions. It will have 26 per cent stake with Centre holding 13 per cent through the AAI. INDIAN EXPRESS 28/05/05 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 ===
[Goanet]GUJ Debate:Goa Political Party leaders say voters are basically dishonest
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- Leaders emphasise on need to overhaul electoral system Leaders of the political parties participating at the seminar 'Assembly by-elections: boon or bane' organised by the Goa Union of Journalists came out with the observation that the voters are basically dishonest and lacked ethics while electing the candidates. The leaders also emphasised on the need for changing the mindset of the society as well as overhauling the electoral system to do away with the ill-practice adopted by some of the sitting MLAs, of resigning from the House and facing fresh by-elections for their own profit. The president of the state unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Dr Wilfred de Sousa, speaking on the occasion said that no Act, even the Anti-Defection Act is perfect and it is the voters who make the Acts work perfectly, further appealing to the voters to elect good people who would enact good laws. The Poinguinim by-election conducted last year was the beginning of a new series of events, Dr de Sousa said, pointing out that when hunger for power becomes the root of by-elections, the people, the constituencies as well as the state suffer. He also suggested that the parliamentarians should put their heads together to come out with a solution for the trend of misusing the by-elections. The spokesperson of the Congress party, Mr Shantaram Naik, alleged that the sitting Poinguinim MLA, Mr Isidore Fernandes was lured by the Bharatiya Janata Party, last year, by offering him huge amount of money, which led to the by-election at Poinguinim, setting a wrong precedence. Such cases need to be inquired into by the authorities, he demanded. He also lamented that the voters have to face the forces who do not respect the process of democratic elections and who want to say good-bye to the polling exercise. Mr Naik however limited his observations to a certain point as his party was fielding four candidates for the June 2 by-polls, who had recently defected to Congress by resigning from the membership of the House. The working president of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, Dr Kashinath Jalmi suggested that certain amendments should be made to the Constitution wherein the voters are provided with an option to reject one, more than one or all candidates at the polls, who would then face a ban to contest elections for the next decade. Another amendment which would prevent the elected independent candidate from being a minister or the chairperson of a corporation, for quite some time from his election, should be adopted by the Parliament, he stated. Dr Jalmi further said that a new democratic system can be evolved by wiping out the provision for territorial representatives, dissolving all constituencies. The voters should be allowed to vote for the political parties, instead of the candidates, based on the party manifestoes, and then the parties could be given the representation in the House based on the percentage of votes gained by them, he remarked. The vice-president of the United Goan Democratic Party (UGDP), Mr Radharao Gracias, speaking on the occasion said that in Goa, there is no equality amongst the voters as envisaged by the Constitution and every candidate asks for votes on the grounds of the caste and the community. The good laws are pre-requisite for good government, he stressed, alleging that the voters are basically dishonest and the entire society needs to be changed. No representative of the BJP was present for the interactive session held at Surendrababu Timblo Hall, Panaji today. The editor of the Konkani daily Sunaprant, Mr Sandesh Prabhudessai, who moderated the event said that a new trend of by-elections has replaced the existing practice of defections, in Goa. Mr Prabhudessai also reviewed various governments that were formed in Goa during the past two decades, pushing the state into an abyss of instability. The GUJ president, Mr Ashely do Rosario delivered the introductory speech, while the Union's general secretary, Mr Umesh Mahambrey welcomed. Later, the members of the audience interacted with the leaders of the political parties. The Navhind Times 29/05/05 page 5
[Goanet]ALERT:Panjim dog died of suspected rabies
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- ALERT: Panjim dog died of suspected rabies -- CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF PANAJI Panaji-Goa PUBLIC NOTICE The Corporation of the City of Panaji informs the public that the dog seized by the Panjim Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) opp.Skylark Apts. Panjim on 23rd May, 2005 died thereafter of suspected rabies. Those who had come in contact with said dog are requested to contact Ms. Patricia Pinto, Hon. Councillor, on Mobile No. 9822122235. Panjim, Goa 27th May 2005 Sd/- (N.Suryanarayana) Commissioner Advert. in Herald 29/05/05 page 3 --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]ALERT:Tax on drugs and medicines is 4% under the Goa VAT Act.
--- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! --- -- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- - Tax on drugs and medicines is 4% under the Goa VAT Act. - Commercial Taxes Advertisement OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMERCIAL TAXES GOVERNMENT OF GOA, PANAJI ATTENTION CONSUMERS !! ATTENTION DEALERS !! It is brought to the notice of the public that on consumer goods, Value Added Tax (VAT) is not payable over and above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) marked on the packaged commodities. The MRP marked on the packaged commodities is inclusive of all taxes and as such no VAT can be charged by a dealer over and above MRP, as MRP includes VAT. However in respect of drugs and medicines where the packages are marked with MRP with local tax extra, VAT is chargeable on MRP. The rate of tax on drugs and medicines is 4% under the Goa Value Added Tax Act. The goods which were purchased on payment of sales tax by the dealer during the year 2004-2005 and which were in stock as on 31/3/05 for these goods the dealer is eligible to claim input tax credit in respect of sales tax already paid. Hence the dealer while selling these goods after 1/4/2005 should charge VAT only on the net price excluding sales tax, paid. As the sales tax paid is being set off for the these goods under VAT regime. Issued by: The Commissioner of Commercial Taxes Government of Goa -- HERALD 27/4/05 page 11 - --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Doordarshan and All-India Radio (AIR) told to shun social cause, make money
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- DD, AIR told to shun social cause, make money - Doordarshan and All-India Radio (AIR) have been told to cut down on social causes and make money. A parliamentary panel has advised national broadcaster Prasar Bharati to reduce air time to programmes with social messages on Doordarshan and AIR because they bring no revenue. This was in response to submissions by Doordarshan and AIR that they were obligated to devote thousands of hours to programmes no private channel would touch. AIR complained that its 215 stations were bogged down by the weight of completely unprofitable programmes. In a year, these included over 3,000 hours for Republic Day, 2,000 hours for Independence Day, 3,000 hours for Lok Sabha proceedings, 5,600 for parliamentary broadcast, more than 2,000 hours for environment campaigns, 4,000 hours dedicated to consumer protection and some 2,300 hours for petroleum conservation. Programmes for industrial workers take up over 4,000 hours. Those for eradication of untouchability eat up 3,800 hours, and programmes on economic policies, over 6,000 hours. Nobody will come forward to fund because we are doing programmes for industrial workers and eradication of untouchability AIR Director General Brajeshwar Singh says. Responding to the hourly break-up for social broadcast, an official of a private radio broadcaster exclaims: For us, it would be suicidal! The panel was told that the revenue earned by Doordarshan was mainly through commercial activities such as sport events and latest Hindi feature films. The panel concluded that the number of hours allotted to government and social broadcasting be limited, so that Prasar Bharati can maintain a meaningful balance between social obligations and financial consideration. In fact, the panel has favoured a redefining of Prasar Bharati's role and possible restructuring, so that it plays a role in informing, educating and entertaining the public without ignoring the financial and social obligations. It has also recommended that AIR seek approval for restricting the number of hours for social broadcasting. AIR should encourage corporate entities and multinationals to spend a part of their social welfare budget on sponsoring such programmes it said. Prasar Bharati points out that private channels, with no obligations to burden them, are earning huge amounts of revenue on the strength of television sets made available by the government across the country. Its CEO K S Sharma suggests a universal obligation fund to be paid by private channels from their revenue, since they are gaining from the '90 million sets being made available through the public broadcaster. Gomantak Times - 25/4/05 page 5 --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]NBFC's Internet scams bleed investors in Goa
- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - -- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- Salient Online sinks with several crores -- Barely months after the State was rocked by several financial companies closing shops and leaving thousands of investors in the lurch, Goa woke up on Friday to the horrendous news that Salient Online Solutions Pvt Ltd, the Chennai-based company had suddenly closed operations in Goa. Today, when investors went to the companys office at Unitech City Centre, Panjim they were in for the shock of their lives. The companys offices were closed, the website was not functioning and there was no news of its chief executive officer, M Rajesh Sunder. However, according to DIG Muktesh Chander, the CEO who is from Chennai is absconding and we feel that he has fled the state. We have sent a police team, to Chennai to arrest him. According to people associated with the company, Rajesh Sunder had duped his employees of an approximate Rs 70 to Rs 90 crores. For the 500 individuals who had gathered outside the closed office of the firm at Panjim and the tens of thousands of Goans who had invested in the company the future appears extremely bleak as they will not be able to get their money back. The fury of the crowd was so great that the office, which was closed, was broken into by the angry mob which damaged the five computers and scattered files in search of the cash that was to be repaid to them. The police, who reached the scene at around 1 pm found an amount of Rs 3,000 lying on the floor and the office in a mess with files and papers lying all about the place. A police team of five constables headed by PSI A Vaigankar was assigned to guard the premises. The police were acting on a compliant filed by Ashley Afonso, of Quepem, who filed a case of cheating against the company and the directors Ravi Shankar and Shyam Sunder who many claim is the brother of the CEO Rajesh Sunder. The police have sealed the office premises and have so far managed to recover some receipt books, a rubber stamp, membership forms, phone bills and other documents that would prove a clue to the magnanimity of the scam, according to PI (Crime) C L Patil. In a bid to recover the money, the police as part of their investigation will be seizing the accused property and vehicles. What has shocked the people is the fact that Salient Online Solutions Pvt Ltd was a registered company with the Registrar of Companies and was filing its income tax, sales tax and other returns, besides the CEO of the firm is also known to have a Personal Account Number (PAN). What triggered off the police to investigate this company was an advertisement that appeared in the media which commended Salient Online as a business outsourcing firm and which generated tremendous goodwill among the investors. According to the DIG, there was some suspicion about this firm and we suspected that something fishy was going on and we decided to check the antecedents of it because we felt that it was too good to be true as money was being made quickly. According to people who worked with the company, the modus operandi was simple. Salient Online, which started operations in June 2004, invited anyone with a computer to fill in data of fifty names and numbers per day. The investors had to log onto a website www.salientonline.net and put these entries into that site. The investors were asked to deposit a certain amount of money and were promised one third of that amount by the end of the month. As it was easy money, more and more investors kept pumping money into the site, either in their own name, names of their family members or in fictitious names. The investors had to invest Rs 3000 for an account. After which a message would appear on the screen informing the investor that he had completed the quota for the day. For every investment of Rs 3000, Salient Online would return Rs 2000 after a month after deducting Rs 100 TDS. Says Sidesh Pednekar, Siolim. I saw my friend invest Rs 1.2 lakh and recover Rs 70,000 and that interested me and I decided to invest Rs 30,000 on May 3. I have lost a lot of money. The rush was so much that many investors, in Goa, purchased extra computers and converted homes into offices in the desperate bid to make fast money. Says Wernen DCosta
[Goanet]All road digging activities must end by May 15 says North Goa Collector
-- | 3rd Annual Konkan Fruit Fest, Goa - May 6-8, 2005| || | Today's Events include Fruit Carving - Decor - Watermelon eating | |Fancy Dress.Check out http://konkanfruit.swiki.net | -- -- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- All road digging activities must end by May 15: North Collector The North Goa Collector Nikhil Kumar on Tuesday who chaired a meeting on pre-monsoonal preparedness, has issued strict instructions that all road digging activity should end by May 15 and that all departments would have to gear up to face any monsoon-related emergency. Control rooms will be set up not only at the district level but also at taluka level, it was decided. Forest department has been asked to expedite its licensing process for pruning of trees which are posing a danger to pedestrians and motorists The collector has also asked the authorities that road digging should end by May 15 and that the debris should be cleared by May 21. Civic bodies have also been asked to undertake desilting of nullahs. Electricity Department has been asked to put in place special teams to attend to breakdowns in monsoons. Besides, every department has been instructed to appoint a nodal officer at taluka and district level in case of any emergency. Fire Services have been on the receiving end since the squall that hit Goa last week. They not only have been attending to calls of uprooting of trees but firemen have had to lift and remove the tree debris. In view of this, Kumar who has recently taken over as the district collector has asked the PWD to provide 5-7 persons to assist the fire services. Even the telecom authorities have been requested to ensure that the phone lines of nodal officers are repaired. -- HERALD 27/4/05 page 3 - --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- --- * G * O * A * N * E * T *** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * --- Make your mother in Goa happy on Mothers' Day. http://www.goa-world.com/goa/expressions/mothersday/ Limited Mother's Happiness packages. First come, first serve. ---
[Goanet]PWD water used in contaminated ice-candy
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- --- Contaminated ice-candy affects six --- Around six persons including five children attending 'Balwadis' have been admitted to hospital for jaundice after consuming a local ice-fruit commonly known as 'pepsy'. Residents of Ameywada-Khandola are facing a tense situation after the outbreak of jaundice was first detected by doctors at a PHC at Betki, where the children were admitted after complaining of stomach pain over the past few days. Accordingly, samples of the ice-fruit were sent for an analysis and it was revealed that the ice-fruit contained 'Coliform' a harmful substance known for causing jaundice. The matter was reported to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and on April 30 FDA officials raided two establishments manufacturing ice-fruits, Vishal Ice Fruit and Bombay Ice Fruit and stopped their production process. Incidentally, both these establishments did not possess licences from the FDA. Locals have alleged that the ice-fruit manufacturers were using water received from the PWD reservoir situated at Ameywada- Khandola, which is in a terrible condition. This tank was last cleaned in 2003 and being on the ground level it faces a threat of rain water seepage. Water pipelines to the tank are also in close proximity of toilets and garbage sites. Some of these pipelines have also developed leaks. Sources at the PHC in Betki informed that five children and an adult are being treated for jaundice, with a few even admitted to Goa Medical College Hospital, Bambolim, as their condition was critical. Meanwhile, locals claim that the number of jaundice cases in Ameywada-Khandola maybe even higher as many are being treated either in private hospitals or with local ayurvedic treatment. The locals have requested the authorities to take serious note of this outbreak and take action accordingly, after past experiences of outbreak of the disease in the major cities. . HERALD 4/05/05 page 1 --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- --- * G * O * A * N * E * T *** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * --- Make your mother in Goa happy on Mothers' Day. http://www.goa-world.com/goa/expressions/mothersday/ Limited Mother's Happiness packages. First come, first serve. ---
[Goanet]CORRUPTION IN GOA:Mamlatdar caught accepting bribe
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- Ponda mamlatdar caught red-handed while accepting bribe - The anti-corruption cell of the vigilance department today caught red-handed the Ponda mamlatdar, Mr Prashant Anand Mandrekar while accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a prawn farm owner.The superintendent of police of the vigilance department, Mr Bosco George informed the reporters late today evening that Mr Thomas Menezes, the managing director of Oceanic Aqua-Culture Private Ltd, Madkai, lodged a complaint with the vigilance department today morning alleging that Mr Mandrekar had been demanding money to settle a case related to ownership of a farm owned by him (Mr Menezes). Acting upon Mr Menezes's complaint, sleuths of the anti-graft cell of the department laid a trap and caught Mr Mandrekar red-handed while accepting Rs 10,000. Giving details about the Ponda mamlatdar's entrapment, Mr George informed that the prawn farm owner hailed from Madkai. A neighbour of Mr Menezes found fault with the legality of the farm. The neighbour complained to the Ponda mamlatdar and alleged that the farm was illegal. In the meantime, the legality matter of the farm reached court of law. During the course of court proceedings, an inquiry was instituted by the mamlatdar. All the required documents were placed before the court, and it was realised that the mamlatdar did not have the right to conduct an inquiry into the matter. In spite of this he kept the matter pending. During this period, the farm owner made a profit of Rs 12 lakh. Seeing this, the mamlatdar demanded Rs 1 lakh from Mr Menezes to settle the case. Mr Menezes told the Ponda mamlatdar that he did not have Rs 1 lakh to give him as bribe. So, Mr Mandrekar climbed down to Rs 50,000, then to Rs 30,000 and finally settled for Rs 20,000. Yesterday, the farm owner and the Ponda mamlatdar settled the deal - Mr Menezes would pay Mr Mandrekar Rs 10,000 as part of the first installment and the remaining amount would be paid in the next installment. However, the shrewd farm owner wisely recorded the whole conversation that took place between him and the Ponda mamlatdar. Mr Menezes telephoned the vigilance department and informed it about the case and submitted a cassette of the conversation. Today morning, the mamlatdar accepted the money and put it into his shirt pocket. In a jiff, vigilance department sleuths caught him red-handed. They found Rs 7,000 on his person and from a drawer of his desk. The SP revealed that Mr Mandrekar almost fainted on being caught red-handed. Mr George informed that everything was video-taped and along with two government servants, who stood as panchas, a panchanama conducted. The entrapment was conducted under the supervision of Mr George; the deputy superintendent of police, Mr Omprakash Kurtarkar; police inspector, Mr Gundu Naik and others. - The Navhind Times 29/04/05 page 1 - --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Goa Governor calls for control on iron ore dust pollution in villages
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- - Governor inaugurates dust suppression system The Governor, Mr S C Jamir today inaugurated the dust suppression system at berth no 5A and 6A of the South West Port Ltd, Mormugao harbour. Among those present included the chief secretary, Ms Kiran Dhingra, the chairman Mormugao Port Trust, Mr C Venkatachalam, the chairman of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, Mr L U Joshi and the joint managing director of South West Port Ltd, Capt Sharma. Speaking at the inaugural function, Mr Jamir said the pollution has become a global problem and can be controlled in global dimensions. He further stated that pollution threatens the life of people and it can be stopped by undertaking various measures. He urged industrialists to install automation devices such as dust suppression system to control iron ore dust pollution in villages where mining operations are in progress. The Governor said India is on the threshold of industrialisation and striving to become one of the big powers of the world and that it must do everything possible to become a leading industrialised country. Our country, he said, had to learn from the failures and unresolved problems of industrialised countries in matters of pollution.We will have to take all measures to strike a balance between industrialisation and control of pollution, he said. The Governor complimented the Mormugao Port Trust, the South West Port and the Goa State Pollution Control Board for making efforts in installing the device at Vasco which he said will enable citizens of Vasco to have clean air. He hoped that Vasco will be free of coal dust pollution before ensuing monsoon season. Stating that we cannot deprive human beings of providing basic amenities such as power supply in the name of environment, the Governor said there is need to strike an optimum balance between the development activity and environmental conservation to have a sustainable development. No doubt, flora and fauna are important, but the welfare of the masses is more important, the Governor said. The Governor said Goa is abundantly bestowed with natural beauty and wealth. The land is rich in minerals, the waters abundant with marine life, the forests teeming with rich biodiversity, the rivers wide and deep enough for navigation. There is a huge potential to further expand the already flourishing tourist industry in the whole of Goa, whether it be holiday tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism or even medical tourism, the Governor said adding the people of the state are highly sensitised to the importance of environmental conservation and preservation of cultural heritage. Mr Jamir stressed upon necessary steps to control dust pollution in rural areas. The MPT chairman, Mr C Venkatachalam said that with the operationalisation of mechanised handling plant at berth no 5A and 6A of South West Port Ltd, at the end of May, the berth no 10 of MPT will be utilized as crew shipping. Mr U L Joshi and Capt Sharma also spoke on the occasion. A slide show of dust suppression system was presented to the dignitaries. Mr Jamir also visited the dust control monitoring system at Mormugao Port Trust fire station. The programme was concluded with the singing of national anthem. The Navhind Times 27/4/05 page 5 === 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 ===
[Goanet]Garbage disposal causes friction between Calangute and Saligao
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- Garbage disposal raises a stink in Calangute -- The prolonged failure of state governments to satisfactorily address the garbage disposal problem in Goa is now reflecting in the busy tourism belt of Calangute. Recently, a section of villagers from Saligao prevented garbage trucks from passing through Saligao on their way to the Calangute hill where the Calangute panchayat has been dumping its garbage since 1994. The problem reached a flashpoint on April 17 when a group of Saligao villagers, led by Saligao panch member, Mr Roland D'souza, waylaid one of the garbage trucks and allegedly assaulted the truck driver and helpers. Following another similar altercation, yesterday evening, Calangute police registered offences against Mr D'souza and others for unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, assault and for threatening. The Calangute police inspector, Mr Nolasco Raposo said these are cognisable offences and investigations are in progress. Yesterday evening's fracas almost turned ugly as angry crowds from both villages gathered at the disputed site at Saligao. It took the police top brass to calm things down. The Bardez sub-divisional magistrate, Mr Rajendra Satardekar negotiated a settlement between Calangute sarpanch, Mr Joseph Sequeira and the Saligao panch, Mr D'souza along with their two associates at the Calangute police station. So why the sudden blockade now? Mr Sequeira alleged that Mr D'souza wants to divert the Saligao public's attention from the recent issue of the construction near the Salmona spring, which he supports and the Saligao public is opposing. When approached for his comment, Mr D'souza denied the above allegation. He said that the garbage is not transported properly resulting in some of it falling on the roadside in Saligao causing a foul smell in the area.He denied he and his group had beat up the garbage truck driver and added that he has no problem with the garbage trucks passing through Saligao provided that all conditions stipulated in the High Court order are met. The High Court order was issued in July 2003 when the Saligao Civic and Consumer Cell and an NGO filed a writ petition regarding garbage disposal in the state. But the Calangute Sarpanch said that the village panchayats of Calangute and Saligao were both respondents in that petition and that Mr Dsouza should not take the law in his own hands. Talking to The Navhind Times, the Calangute Sarpanch Mr Joseph Sequeira expressed surprise and indignation over the events. If we are not given the right to pass through Saligao, why should we allow them to take up employment in Calangute? he asked, pointing to the number of Saligao persons running restaurants, taxis, laundries and other businesses in Calangute. We are dumping our garbage in our village, not theirs. There is a growing feeling among Calangutkars that we should not allow them to enter Calangute, said Mr Sequeira. Interestingly, Mr Sequeira today lodged a police complaint against one Saligao restaurateur, who runs a Chinese eatery along the CHOGM road for dumping his garbage near the Calangute church last night. He regularly throws his garbage in the drain (vall) on the Boa Viagem road. We were patrolling our streets last night and almost caught him. People like these from the neighbouring villages are dumping their garbage in Calangute because they know we collect and dispose it, he alleged. The Calangute panchayat will now employ private security staff to man all the main garbage collection points in Calangute to check which vehicles dump their garbage there in the nights. Two security persons will also be placed at the present dumping site on the Calangute hill, which Mr Sequeira said the panchayat has been using since 1994. - The Navhind Times 24/04/05 - --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Drive against modified vehicles to continue for two weeks
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- - Drive against modified vehicles begins today The drive to check and challan vehicles bearing fancy, improper number plates and modified two-wheelers and four wheelers in Goa by the Goa traffic police will begin from tomorrow. The superintendent of police (traffic), Panaji, Mr Atmaram V Deshpande in a press release issued on April 6 has stated that many vehicles in Goa are found moving with fancy number plates or improper number plates and added that such vehicles whenever used for committing any offence or involved in hit-and-run cases, the other motorists involved or any eye witnesses available, find it difficult to note the number of such modified vehicles. The press note further stated that such fancy number plates or improper number plates are in violation of motor vehicles rules and are liable for penalty. Similarly, vehicles are modified by the owners using dog horns, focus lights, silencers besides huge or miniature number plates are rendered unsafe and totally different from the description given on registration certificate. The press note has quoted the SP (traffic) as saying that such modifications are in violation of registration condition and liable for penalty as per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. The drive to curb such menace will continue for two weeks commencing from April 11, during the course of which the vehicles will also be seized and forwarded to the transport department for cancellation of registration and penal action. The SP (traffic) has urged all the vehicle owners to co-operate and correct the number plates and remove unauthorised modifications. -- The Navhind Times 11/04/05 page 3 -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Goa Police now has Public Grievances Officers
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- DGP appoints public grievances officers The Director General of Police, Mr Umesh Kumar Katna has designated public grievances officers in North and South Goa besides one at police headquarters, Panaji. Mr Sharad Agarwal (SP, North) will take care of aggrieved citizens in North Goa, Mr D P Verma (SP South) in South Goa and Mr A K Gawas (SP) at police headquarters, Panaji. In a press note issued here stated that any member of the public who had approached any police station or unit of the Goa police department, and is aggrieved by the response or affected by the action or inaction in delivering of services, has been asked to approach these officers on every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The members of general public are also urged to use complaint boxes installed at the police headquarters, offices of SP, North (Porvorim), SP, South (Margao), sub-divisional police officers at Panaji, Porvorim, Mapusa, Bicholim, Ponda, Margao, Vasco and Quepem. Mr Agarwal will attend to public grievances at Porvorim between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on every Tuesday. Public may even contact the SP on phone number 2416100. Mr D P Verma will attend to public grievances on every Tuesday between 10 a.m and 1 p.m. The SP can be contacted on phone number 2732218. Mr A K Gawas will attend to public grievances in Panaji at the Goa Police Headquarters between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Tuesday. He may even be contacted on phone number 2428124. -- The Navhind Times 31/03/05 page 3 -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Problems faced by BSNL Subscribers of Nadora and Revora
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- Problems faced by BSNL Telephone Subscribers of Nadora and part of Revora The Telephone Subscribers of Nadora and part of Revora, that were earlier under the Colvale Telephone Exchange, are now under the Nadora Telephone Exchange since its inaugurations in July 04. Since day one of the functioning of the Nadora Telephone Exchange we are facing numerous problems. Verbal and sometimes written complaints to the linesman at Nadora, the JTO at Colvale and the authorities in Mapuca have not been of any use. We are disturbed umpteen times a day with the ringing of the telephone, announcing yet another wrong call or at times it is a cross connection. We receive inflated bills because the calls may go to a wrong number or get cut off in the middle of a conversation,or the line is very noisy etc. Very often calls made to us are diverted to wrong numbers. We also find the line dead or without dial tone more often than not. Those having internet facilities have even more headaches, because very often we are unable to access the net or it is too slow to down load matter etc. We were given to understand that the new exchange was opened to give us better service since we are quite far from the Colvale Telephone Exchange; but reality is quite different, in fact it is a nightmare with the phones ringing even at midnight. We are now at the end of our patience and hope the powers that be take notice of our problems. Maria Lobo Convenor Revora Nadora Consumer Cell. --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Garbage disposal raises a storm in villages in Goa
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- Garbage disposal raises a storm in villages -- Residents of Uguem have strongly objected to the selection of Uguem as the site for the garbage of nearby village panchayats. At a recent gram sabha meeting, Uguem sarpanch Anil Zangale informed residents that Uguem village had been chosen as one of the sites for dumping garbage under the rural garbage disposal scheme by the government. The gram sabha members strongly objected to the scheme and urged the sarpanch to immediately bring to the notice of authorities of the objections being raised by villagers. They brought it to the notice of the sarpanch that the Uguem village generates little waste as most of the garbage presently being collected by individual household is disposed off systematically in their own compounds or yards. Villagers at the gramsabha pointed out that presently there exists no vacant place in Uguem village away from the residential places that could be used as dumping ground for garbage Later, a resolution strongly opposing the garbage disposal scheme in the village was passed unanimously. Speaking to Herald, Uguem Sarpanch Anil Zangale informed that the panchayat has already forwarded the copy of the resolution to the authorities concerned Zangale, however, informed that the report from the concerned authorities over the opposition being raised by the villagers is still awaited.. -- HERALD 12/03/05 page 4 -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]4th March FRIDAY BALCAO to focus on Indian Patent Act of 1970
-- Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO Read the Balcao Synopsis on the website http://www.goadesc.org/balcao/ -- Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet, Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event to be held on 4th March will focus on the Amendment to the Indian Patent Act of 1970 and its implications. The UPA government has given effect to the Third Amendment to the Patents Act through the promulgation of an ordinance effective from 1st January 2005. The Amendment is ostensibly intended to introduce a full-fledged product patent regime to make our patent legislation compatible with TRIPs. The ultimate undoing of the Patents Act 1970 is thus sought to be accomplished in a non-transparent manner without any deliberations in the Parliament. Patents and medicine are inextricably inter-linked. Patents act as a monopoly. Drug companies possess separate monopolies over many life-saving and other drugs, including those that treat HIV-AIDS. As monopolists, these companies have no compunctions about fixing high prices for essential drugs. High prices create a clear divide between the rich who can afford the medicine and the poor who cannot. On the other hand, India's thriving pharmaceutical industry has shown that the price fixed by the monopolists has nothing to do with the cost of production. Indian generic manufacturers export generic medicines to over 200 countries. Indian generic pharmaceutical companies by bringing down prices of medicines have greatly facilitated access to anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment. What impact will the Amendment have on people in India living with HIV other ailments like cancer cardiovascular diseases ? How does the amendment deprive the citizens of their fundamental rights to oppose wrongful grants of patents ? Should not such a complex legislation of far reaching importance have been a subject matter of a thorough, public examination by an Independent Commission ? How will consumers get affected by this Amendment ? The Balcao discussion will cover these questions and and also evolve an agenda for action by citizens on the issue. Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa and is open to members of the public. Those citizens who would like to receive the regular invitation to Friday Balcao and a one page synopsis of the fortnightly session can subscribe for the same by sending Rs.100/- to cover printing and mailing costs. Interested citizens wanting more information on Friday Balcao can phone on 2252660 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] best wishes, Roland Martins === 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 ===
[Goanet]FRIDAY BALCAO:A rationalist perspective of life
-- Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO Read the Balcao Synopsis on the website http://www.goadesc.org/balcao/ -- Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet, We continue with FRIDAY BALCAO on 25th February from 4pm. to 6pm. at Goa Desc Resource Centre No. 11, Liberty Apartments, Feira Alta, Mapusa Goa Ph. 2252660 TOPIC: A rationalist perspective of life SPEAKER: Mr. Somu Rao, President, The Goa Science Forum We invite you to express your viewpoint by attending the Friday Balcao event but if you cannot attend, then please send your views and action plan suggestions by post to FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] best wishes, Roland Martins - Don't miss out on the discussion. Get the BALCAO Synopsis monthly for Rs.100/- Information is power, Share it equitably. Lets make things happen in Goa !! -- The FRIDAY BALCAO BOOKLET is available for RS.70/- only Buy your personal copy and gift one to your relatives, neighbours and friends. The information handbook that is a must in every Goan home. -- === 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 ===
[Goanet]Increase in Rape of minors in Goa - Crime Against Innocents
that the culprits often take advantage of the child's age factor as they are unable to narrate such experiences coherently. It is the duty of us all parents, relations, neighbours, community, school authorities, civil society organisations and police to stem the rising gory tide of minor rapes. Above all, parents must always remain vigilant and must take the factors of vulnerability, innocence and insecurity of the minor children into account when they plan and carry out their professional and daily activities; and so should other members of society. --- Editorial in The Navhind Times 6/10/04 page 8 --- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org ---
[Goanet]Parrikar pledges website on IFFI to counter flak from NGO's
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- - Parrikar pledges website on IFFI - Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday said that all information on the International Film Festival India (IFFI), to be held in December, would be made available on a website.He said this during a press briefing, in which the chief minister flayed a Panjim based NGO for making a hue and cry that no information was being released by the government on the IFFI. The chief minister said that even though the group has been informed about the proposed website which would be launched by next week, the group still had plans to organise a meet in the city on Sunday, prior to the launch, so as to take credit for rallying behind the issue after the website was commissioned. The Chief Minister reiterated that at any given time he was ready to furnish any information on IFFI. The chief minister also flayed NGOs in general saying, They should explain their conduct first and be transparent and submit their accounts. HERALD 14/3/04 page 3 === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]India Express COLA GATE Hard realities about soft drinks
COLA GATE Hard realities about soft drinks Even with zero pesticides and super-clean water, colas can prove a health menace ANURADHA VASHISHT Much heat was generated after the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) published its report on finding pesticides in soft drinks bottles. Media stoked the fire. The government report subsequently vindicated the cola giants. But was pesticides in soft drinks ever the issue? CSE has not even scratched the surface of the problem. Pesticide traces have been found in our fruits, our vegetables, our crops, our soils, our water sources, and even in the milk of lactating mothers. What makes it such an important issue? Especially when the consumption of the basic necessities of lifefood and wateris many times more than of colas? And why should soft drinks manufacturers be taken to task, when the culprit is clearly our government, its faulty policies and the lackadaisical approach of bureaucrats? For didnt the pesticide traces come into the bottles through underground water, contaminated by mindless use of chemicals in farming? Even if soft drink majors purify the water before they use it for their products, who will purify the water billions of unsuspecting Indians drink? Yet there is a second issue too. Who cares whether these soft drinks carry pesticides, muck or mercury? Pesticides or no pesticides, these drinks are still lethally corroding the nations health fabric. Studies over the years have shown the huge amount of soda and refined sugar in these drinks hinder calcium and phosphorus absorption, thus lowering their levels in the body. Besides maintaining the strength and hardness of bones and teeth, calcium reacts with sodium and potassium to promote normal action of the heart muscle like a steady and rhythmic beat. It also helps in the clotting of blood, and plays a significant role in many other crucial body functions. Similarly, phosphorus, while maintaining blood neutrality, reacts with other nutrients carbohydrates, proteins and fats and provides heat energy and other necessary material for the bodys proper growth and maintenance. Both calcium and phosphorus are absolutely essential for regulation and coordination of body functions. However, even a heavy amount of calcium supplements in our diet will be useless if we consume carbonated drinks. They will not allow the body to absorb this vital ingredient. Further, carbonated drinks are the single biggest source of refined sugars. Cola is a highly concentrated sugar solution. It leads to increased water excretion, causing diarrhoeic potassium loss. In fact, every soft drink consumer, sooner or later, is a potential diabetic. Over five years ago, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a non-profit organisation in the United States, presented 40 scientific studies in a 70-page petition that talked about the detrimental effects of caffeine in soft drinks. A key ingredient in soft drinks, caffeine causes increased excretion of calcium in urine, leading to conditions like decreased bone density, osteoporosis, rickets, menstrual disorders, foetal growth retardation and miscarriages . Caffeine can also cause nervousness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia and rapid heart beat. Its consumption makes children restless and fidgety. They also develop headaches. Several additives used in soft drinks, like yellow dye and natural red colouring cochineal and carmine cause occasional allergic reactions. In the 1970s, the American Family Physician journal placed cola and chocolate among the ten food items that caused the most allergies, and recorded symptoms like headache, migraine, asthma, gastro-intestinal disorders, hay fever and eczema indicate a cola allergy. And then we have obesity, the bane of a modern lifestyle. Studies in the US have linked obesity to high intake of sugar through carbonated drinks. Most important, such drinks have negative nutrition value. They can alter the stomachs pH , which upsets digestion and absorption of nutrients from healthy foods. According to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) surveys, in the US children start drinking soda pop at a remarkably young age. One fifth of one and two year olds consume soft drinks. It is scary to think what soft drinks consumption can do to the organs and health of toddlers and young children. Arent we denying them the right to health either by our ignorance or in our eagerness to ape Western lifestyles? (The author is deputy editor, Life Positive) 10/9/03 Indian Express ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others #
[Goanet]ROAD SAFETY:In Goa driving schools fail to follow the syllabus
Director of Transport, Mapusa was We find that trainees have no confidence while appearing for the driving test and we are very strict about clearing applications of such weak candidates. Mr Bhosle disclosed that he too terminated the licence of one driving school in Mapusa for not complying with the requirements prescribed in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules and for not imparting proper training to its trainees. In Margao, the authorities disclosed that out of the 25 driving schools less than 50 per cent take interest in teaching their students well. As such we are compelled to fail students who lack confidence, says an RTA inspector at the Margao office.Another officer, agreeing that driving schools needed to tune up, said on a disenchanted note Driving schools have become mere factories producing mass scale drivers.Statistics say that as many as 35-50 students secure motor driving licenses daily in the State. Though the authorities claim that the number of accidents have reduced, the comparative figures of the last two years indicate a marginal decrease in accidents in 2003. Nevertheless cases booked under Motor Vehicle Rules and Act have increased from 95,583 in 2002 to 1,69,991 in 2003. These are cases booked for driving indiscipline, overtaking, breaking of rules some of the very basic lessons that driving schools fail to imbibe in their students. Last year, 90 riders and 12 drivers lost their lives, 234 serious accidents occurred and 222 lives were lost.The need is now felt that driving schools should make their students sensitive to the need for observing road discipline, according to officials. And there is also an increasing demand that the road transport authorities should ensure that driving schools produce good drivers by following the syllabus. This will ensure production of a skilled driver, safe driving and make roads safe in the true sense of the term. HERALD 7/01/04 page 1 --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]FIGHT BACK:Harassed female student gets bus permit suspended
Goanet next meets in Goa: January 7, 4 pm (meeting point: Kala Academy canteen). Goanet founder Herman Carneiro will be there. See you there! -- --- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ --- - Bus permit cancelled after harassment issue - The Mapusa office of the transport department has suspended the permit of a passenger vehicle and the driving license of the driver for one month. According to the Assistant Director of Transport, North Goa, Mr A Bhosle, there was a complaint from a female student travelling by bus bearing number GA-01-T-5432 from Panaji to Mapusa on September 6, 2003. The conductor of the bus reportedly demanded full fare from her and further used physical force in preventing the passenger from leaving the bus at Mapusa bus stand. The Mapusa office of transport department carried further inquiries and found that the concerned conductor was an unlicensed person employed by the owner to collect the fares. The department took a serious note of the incident involving use of physical force against the passenger and suspended the permit of the vehicle GA-01-T-5432 and the driving license of the driver for a period of one month. -- The Navhind Times 1/1/04 page 6 -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Calangute, Colva Village Panchayats urged to hold waste disposal programmes
Goanet next meets in Goa: January 7, 4 pm (meeting point: Kala Academy canteen). Goanet founder Herman Carneiro will be there. See you there! -- --- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ --- - Calangute, Colva VPs urged to hold waste disposal programmes - The Directorate of Panchayats has requested the Sarpanchas of Calangute and Colva panchayats to conduct awareness programmes regarding the segregation of waste and vermicomposting. The programmes will primarily target the producers of garbage in their jurisdictions - hotels, housing co-operative societies, pathological laborotaries, maternity homes and other such establishments besides also involving the public. According to sources in the Directorate of Panchayats, these two Panchayats, both hubs of tourism, have been beset with the problem of garbage disposal for a long time. The programmes are to be conducted in February and March 2004 and besides organising essay and poster competitions, the panchayats have also been requested to invite resource persons from the Department of Science and Technology, the Corporation of the City of Panaji and non-governmental organisations who are members of the committee for garbage disposal formed under the Municipal Solid Waste Management Act. These persons will interact with the producers of garbage to evolve ways for the better management of their waste. This directive of the Directorate of Panchayats originates in a ruling of the High Court to a petition before it regarding the disposal of waste by the Calangute panchayat. Sources said that considering Calangute to be a semi-urban area, the High Court had issued directives to the Directorate of Municipal Administration and the Directorate of Panchayats had agreed to catalyse such programmes. In the forthcoming programmes, special emphasis will be given to the disposal of hazardous bio-medical waste. The sources said though the production of medical waste is low in comparison, even if five percent of it mixes with general waste, the full waste becomes hazardous. - The Navhind Times 30/12/03 page 3 - --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Does the Goa Govt. offer just lip service to the Goan consumer ?
Goanet next meets in Goa: January 7, 4 pm (meeting point: Kala Academy canteen). Goanet founder Herman Carneiro will be there. See you there! -- --- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ --- --- It's just lip service to the consumer --- by Bindya Chari On December 30 the government of Goa is celebrating yet another National Consumer Day. But is it just another bid to pay lip service to the cause of consumers rights in the State? For some time now, Goa has been dilly-dallying with appointments of presidents to Consumer Dispute Redressal Forums of North and South Goa. About a year ago, the president of the Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum resigned and till today the post lay vacant. Sources suggest the government has not found a suitable person to fill the post. This post was advertised in a local newspaper some six months ago, and interviews were held. However, for reasons best known to government, the interviewing process was scrapped. Unquestionably, the working of the forum has suffered in the absence of a president. Its remaining two members have been trying to offer some relief to the consumer, but without avail. Working has suffered greatly, so much so that no orders have been passed during the last three months at the South Goa Consumers Forum, sources inform. Satistics updated uptil August 3, show that of the 83 cases registered at the forum, only four had been disposed off.In 2002 only 39 cases were resolved of the total 124 it enlisted. Sources at the South Goa Forum also argue that work is also suffering because of lack of staff. The forum doesn't have a full-fledged steno, the appointee being a trainee. Working condition of the North Goa forum is nothing to be proud of either. This forum too is functioning without a president for a quite some time now. It seems government is contend with the forum functioning sans a president, even if that meant giving a go by to consumer rights. Sources in the North Goa Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, on the condition of anonymity, told the Herald that they have been greatly overburdened since the time president has resigned. It's over six months that the president has resigned,that two members are handling the load of cases they are receiving. The work load is so much that sometimes they have to take files home, it is learnt. --- HERALD 30/12/03 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Dr Wilfred de Souza backs Goa garbage plants at Balli, Colvale
--- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ --- Willy backs garbage plants at Balli, Colvale Nationalist Congress Partys (NCP) Goa unit chief, Dr Wilfred de Souza today said he was of the firm opinion that the garbage treatment plants proposed by the House Committee at Balli and Colvale would serve the interest of the State. Dr de Souza accused the Tivim MLA, Sadanand Shet Tanavade, of spreading canards and misguiding the people of Colvale-Camurlim that he (Dr de Souza) was responsible for finalising the location of the plant at Colvale-Camurlim. Dr de Souza said the people of Colvale were being mis-led by Mr Tanavade perhaps to score petty political points, little realising that he was in fact committing a breach of privilege of the Goa Legislative Assembly. While acknowledging that the idea of having these treatment plants was initiated by him through a private members resolution in February last, Dr de Souza said: What I had suggested was that land for the project be acquired in Bainguinim, which had been earmarked for the purpose in 1994, Dr de Souza said, adding that the House instead appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Urban Development Minister, Digamber Kamat which studied the whole problem and produced a report.Dr de Souza said this committee had in its report given all the recommendations including the sites Colvale-Camurlim and Balli for the scientific, solid-waste treatment plants in North and South Goa. The plants have to be located in some constituency or the other, Dr de Souza said, adding that Mr Kamat himself had made an impassionate appeal to all the MLAs to recognise this and not to pose hurdles. When pointed out that residents of Colvale-Camurlim were opposing the project, Dr de Souza claimed that it was perhaps because they are ill-informed and are being misguided by the local MLA.The project details must be explained to them. The impression being created is that it is going to be a garbage dump because all that Goa has had till date are dumps at Curca, Sonsddo and Mapusa, he said. Meanwhile, NCPs joint secretary, Nilkanth Halarnkar, who was also present at the press conference addressed by Dr de Souza, said he would continue to back the Colvale residents opposing the project. When asked for his reaction, Mr Halarnkar said, the residents of Colvale were being dumped with several projects that have not benefited them much. First Binani Zinc, then the Power Grid Corporation was located there. People have only lost their land and are getting no much benefit from these projects, he said. He said, now more pollution is being sought to dumped on to Colvale through the garbage project. - HERALD 13/12/03 page 3 - --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]MARG activists 50-hour satyagraha to mourn road accident tragedies in Goa
--- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- MARG begin activists 50-hour satyagraha -- Activists of MARG led by its convenor and freedom fighter, Gurunath Kelekar on Saturday morning began on a 50-hour satyagraha infront of the freedom fighters office at Lohia Maidan here to mourn the recent road tragedies. Earlier in the day, Parish Priest of Grace Church, Fr Joao Pedro Fernandes unveiled the weeping eye plate, which will be installed at the Verna bypass, the scene of many a fatal accidents. In his brief address, Fr Fernandes said the use of cell phones during journey coupled with the menace of stray cattle has contributed to the increasing number of accidents. The roads have become unsafe, he said and called for supplementing government efforts to curb the high accident rate. According to him, around 5600 people have been killed on Goan roads since 1965, adding that the vehicular population has reached the four-lakh mark between 1991 till date. Speaking to Herald, Gurunath Kelekar said the objective behind the satyagraha is not to target or oppose any one, but to highlight the agonies of the kith and kin of accident victims and to associate with their sufferings. He said MARG today morning sent a telegram to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar intimating him of the satyagraha undertaken by the activists. The telegram stated that the activists are agonised over the news of the death of Nicolau D'Costa from Canacona, who along with his wife and two children had perished in a road accident at the Verna bypass. Kelekar said we must admit that we cannot skip responsibility for the accidents taking place in Goa. The weight lies squarely on the shoulders of the citizens and the government, he added. The satyagraha will end on Monday afternoon, wherein the MARG will announce its future course of action. -- HERALD 19/10/03 page 4 -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]GOA BAYWATCH:Two Bangalore youth drown off Baga beach
- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- --- Two Bangalore youth drown off Baga beach -- Goas famed coastline continued to claim victims for the second day in a row, when one youth from Bangalore drowned in the sea off Baga beach on Wednesday afternoon, while his friend expired on the way to hospital. According to police, a nine-member group of youth arrived in Goa on Tuesday on a sight-seeing trip and were staying in a hotel at Miramar. On Wednesday morning, the group decided to visit the beaches in North Goa. After spending some time at the Calangute beach, the group then proceeded to Baga. Five members of the group decided to venture into the sea for a swim at about 1.30 pm and a short while later, two of them returned to the shores to click photographs. Moments later, three youth Ayaraj (25), Ravi J R (26) and Navin Kumar (25) were hit by a large wave and were pulled into the sea. The two friends who were on the shore immediately raised an alarm. Local fishermen and the lifeguard on duty rushed to their rescue and managed to pull out Navin, who was rushed to the Candolim Primary Health Centre (PHC) for treatment. About 20 minutes later, Ayaraj was spotted in the sea and was brought to the shore. He however breathed his last on the way to the Candolim PHC hospital. The body of Ravi was fished out from the sea later at about 4 pm. The two bodies were later taken to the Goa Medical College Hospital at Bambolim for an autopsy. Police has established contacts with the families of the deceased. Earlier on Tuesday, a teacher and three students from Tamil Nadu drowned off the Colva beach, while a youth from Hubli drowned off the Calangute beach. According to sources, nearly 60 people have drowned in the sea, off the Goan beaches and most of the victims have been tourists. HERALD 9/10/03 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]CONSUMER ALERT:A filthy jetty at Betim
Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- A Filthy Jetty It seems that the Betim jetty has been taken over by stray cattle. At any given point of time there are at least 10-12 cows sitting there. The place is full of cowdung, plastic bottles, paper and other garbage. The approach to the ferry is a downward slope which is green with moss and splattered with cowdung. Ideal conditions for people to slip and get injured. The Panaji side of the jetty is not much better. Apart from being a sickening sight the carelessness of the authorities in taking care of the jetty presents a sorry picture to a lot of the locals and also to domestic and international tourists who use the ferry. A massive clean-up jobs is required urgently. VENITA D'SOUZA, Panaji in a letter to the Editor - The Navhind Times 9/10/03 page 10 - --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]CONSUMER ALERT:Luggage Box needed in Kadamba buses
Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- Luggage Box It is a usual practice for fisherfolk to travel from Agassaim and surrounding areas to Panjim and back in order to sell their fish to the customers. However, these women find it difficult to travel in the Kadamba buses with their fish baskets which remain rather big in size. As the private buses have been stopped on this route, all buses plying at present belong to the Kadamba Transport Corporation. However there is no box for these buses for keeping the fish baskets and hence the fisherfolk take these baskets inside the bus which disturb the commuters travelling in the bus. Frequent tussles between the commuters and the fisherfolk are a regular feature on this route. In the interest of fisherfolk, it would be advisable for the KTC to provide necessary boxes outside the bus so that not only the fish baskets but even the luggage of commuters can be kept safely without any disturbance to the commuters travelling in the bus. Such a valuable step will indeed be appreciated by the fisherfolk as well as the general public. Pravin Sardessai,Durbhat in a letter to the Editor --- HERALD 8/10/03 page 6 --- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]GOA BAYWATCH:Five, including three students drown in Colva Calangute
- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- Five, including three students drown in state In a day of drownings, five persons, including three students met their watery graves at Colva and Calangute beach respectively. A teacher and three minor students of a higher secondary school in Tamil Nadu who went for a swim at Colva beach were drowned today early morning while one student was rescued by local fishermen who were on the shore when the tragedy struck. Police said that all the five who were swept away by the strong under currents were removed by local fishermen immediately and shifted to Margao hospicio hospital. However, four of them were declared dead after admission while one of them survived . The deceased were identified as K Biju (24), B Pravin (13), Dilip Kumar (15) and S Nikesh (14). Shrikant (13) has been referred to Margao Hospicio hospital, who has been stated to be out of danger. Police said that a group of 101 which includes 90 students and 11 teachers including principal Ms Uma Mahaswari from Bhariti Vidhya Mandir higher secondary school, Tamil Nadu had come to Goa on study tour on October 5 by train. They were staying in hotel at Colva which is close to the beach and were supposed to leave this evening by Netravali Express . Today morning, a group of 25 students including a teacher decided to play on the beach and later went for a swim and the tragedy struck when four students were swept away by under currents.The teacher, K Biju, who tried to rescue them also drowned. In another case, Imtiaz Ahmed, a 31-year old medical representative from Hubli drowned in the sea at Calangute beach around 4 p.m. today, Calangute police said. Mr Ahmed had arrived in Goa yesterday to attend a conference in Margao. Today he came to Calangute beach with a group of 20 colleagues and went for a swim in the sea, when he was pulled in by strong currents. The Calangute police said the lifeguards and beach policemen rushed to his aid and succeeded in pulling him out. But when he was taken to the Primary Health Centre at Candolim, doctors pronounced him brought-in-dead, police said. His body has been sent to the Goa Medical College, Bambolim, for the post mortem which is scheduled for tomorrow. The Calangute police sub-inspector, Mr Rajesh Kumar is investigating. -- The Navhind Times 8/10/03 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Legal Metrology Dept books cases in overcharging on milk sachets faulty weights
-- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - --- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- -- Metrology dept books 26 cases in surprise raids -- The Inspectors of the Department of Legal Metrology, last month conducted surprise raids at the business establishments at Panjim, Vasco, Ponda, Margao and Mapusa and booked 26 cases, seized 76 faulty weights and measures, 43 milk sachets and 675 bottles of whiskey. The inspections were conducted under the Standards of Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Act 1985 and Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules 1977. The cases booked are against two jewellery shops, seven bar and restaurants, three hardware shops, one chicken stall, one kerosene retailer, 12 milk retailers and one liquor manufacturing industry (IMFL). The liquor industry was found to be filling less content than declared quantity in the bottles and therefore were booked by seizing 675 bottles of whiskey. The cases booked against the milk retailers are for overcharging as Rs 8 to Rs. 8.50, instead of Rs 7.50 on the sale of milk sachets of 500 ml, to the consumers. The kerosene retailer was booked as he was found to be delivering kerosene short by 900 ml on every five litres, and was charging Rs 15 per litre, to the consumers. The chicken vendor was booked as he was found to be delivering 200g short on each delivery of chicken, by inserting extra weight in the pan meant for weighing chicken. Since June 2003 till August 2003 the Department of Legal Metrology has booked 68 cases on milk retailers and seized 1291 packets of milk under panchanama. Nagesh M Naik, Controller Legal Metrology extended full co-operation to every consumer who ever complaint verbally, through telephone, or in writing against the milk vendors for overcharging on the sale of milk sachets, maintaining secrecy of the complainants' name. - HERALD 23/9/03 - --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]CRIME IN GOA:Wife stabs hubby to death at Aquem
--- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ --- - Wife stabs hubby to death at Aquem - One Olga Rodrigues (40) of Aquem-Alto has been arrested on charges of murdering her husband Anthony Alex Menino Rodrigues (45) with a kitchen knife during lunch time today.Police said the incident occurred on account of a domestic dispute between the husband and wife. This afternoon at around 1.30 noon, the deceased Alex sat with the tiffin to have his food, when the wife picked up a fight with him over some family matters and allegedly stabbed Alex on the naval, which proved fatal. The incident occurred at Alexs Aquem residence, which is reported to be the ancestral house of the Rodrigues family. Sources said Olga the sister of a prominent politician in Salcete was not in the habit of cooking food at home and had also instructed their children, including the 19-year-old daughter and the two sons aged 10 and 8 years, not to eat anything with their father Alex. When tempers rose high this afternoon over some arguments, the wife picked up a knife and reportedly stabbed her husband. Police said Olga, armed with the same knife, then rushed to their Malbhat residence on foot, around a kilometre-long distance from Aquem, and picked up a fight with her mother-in-law Anarita Rodrigues (68) and brother-in-law Socoro Rodrigues. Socoro Rodrigues who is a middle-aged man and owns a shop told the police that he and his mother were seated on the dining table, when they heard abusive shouts of Olga. In his complaint to the police, Soccoro stated that his sister-in-law Olga came to his residence in an infuriated state and on reaching the main door, pulled out a knife and attacked his mother Anarita. The aged Anarita is reported to have immediately tried to shut the door and as such, the knife that was aimed at Anarita reportedly struck the door and fell down. Olga then allegedly managed to catch the left hand of Anarita and bit it, said DySP Umesh Gaoncar while disclosing the complaint filed by Socoro with the police. In this connection, Olga has been arrested under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the first offence, that of allegedly murdering her husband. The police has also registered another offence against Olga for the second incident under Section 307 of to murder her mother-in-law, stated Gaoncar. Alex who was rushed to Hospicio was declared dead on admission.Police said the knife used by Olga in the incident has been attached and further investigations are in progress. -- HERALD 21/9/03 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Golf Course to resurface this time in ONGC compound at Canaguinim Betul in South Goa
- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- GOA DESC TOURISM WATCH for World Tourism Day on 27th September News You Can Use - - State plans three-day meet to woo top-notch tourists - In a bid to up the quality of tourists, both local as well as foreign, Goa will host a three-day Goa Tourism Meet from October 6. Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Nitin Kunkolienkar, told a press conference here that Goa could be as attractive an international destination as some far east ones in Malaysia and Thailand. Developing backwaters and possibly setting up golf courses, he said, could be the thrust areas to up Goa's infrastructure and consequently the quality of tourists that visit the State. Goa hosts some 1.5 million tourists annually, and, almost three-lakh of these are international tourists. But, the hospitality industry has for years now been lamenting the 'economy class' tourists that have been flocking to this essentially beach-tourism destination. According to Kunkolienkar, the foreign exchange earnings to the national kitty from Goa's tourism alone is estimated to be in the region of Rs 800-crore. The per-capita spending of the international tourist was around 700 US $ per visit, which he said, is far below the international average, and therefore the need to upgrade Goa as a destination on all fronts, including infrastructure. Mr Kunkolienkar also said that the 'golden triangle' tourism model which links Goa to Hampi and Badami in Karnataka besides other important tourist sports in Maharashtra is being proposed to be speeded up. The GCCI would be taking the lead in drawing up the contours of Goa's tourism infrastructure development, Mr Kunkolienkar said and announced the setting up of a full-fledged secretariat of the Chamber for the purpose. We have identified tourism as the sector of Goa's future economy and therefore the thrust, Mr Kunkolienkar said.The GCCI chief also said that negotiations were on to tie up with ONGC to set up a golf course on their Safety Institute property in South Goa. They have set up such a golf course in Assam, Mr Kunkolienkar said, adding that ONGC officials appear keen.Meanwhile, preparations are underway for holding the 3-day Goa-centric event involving tour operators, international writers, travel agencies and other stake holders. An exhibition showcasing Goa and its natural beauty is also planned as part of the three-day meet, according to Goa Tourism Development Corporation managing director, Pramod Shetye. The show is being organised by the GCCI in league with Government of India and the Goa government. The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa and The Federation of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), are also pitching in. Mr Shetye said brand-positioning Goa in the global market, improving road and rail connectivity, developing new markets in tune with trends in international tourism to project Goa internationally are among the topics to be discussed at the show. Union Minister for Tourism Jagmohan, who incidentally also did a stint as Goa's lieutenant Governor during its Union Territory days, will inaugurate the show. Civil Aviation Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Minister of State for Finance Shripad Naik and Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar are among those who will grace the event. Meanwhile, Mr Shetye indicated that the tourist season this year is expected to be a shade better with as many as 700 chartered flights scheduled to touch down as against 490 last year. - HERALD 21/9/03 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Civic and consumer Forum launched in Assolna
Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- -- Ward-wise survey of LPG consumers in Assolna soon -- The newly-formed Assolna Civic and Consumer Forum has decided to immediately conduct a ward-wise survey to ascertain the services available to LPG consumers and to mobilise more consumers. The Forum was launched at an awareness meet held on August 31 at Regina Martyrum high school, in collaboration with the Goa Desc Resource Centre, Mapusa.The Co-ordinator of GOACAN, Goa civic and consumer action network, Roland Martins spoke on the rights of the consumer under the Consumer Protection Act and the benefits of the Goa Panchayati Raj Act to the citizens. He elaborated on the problems related to delivery of LPG cylinders, BSNL faulty phones, PWD irregular water supply, deficiency in electricity services, overcharging on Goa Diary milk packets and other problems. The role of the health centre in the context of the present problems relating to Malaria and Jaundice was also discussed. Members were explained about the benefit of using the complaint books maintained at various departments. Earlier, Elwino D'Silva welcomed and gave a brief idea about the need for civic and consumer forum in Assolna. -- HERALD 17/9/03 -- --- GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK --- an initiative of GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE to promote civic and consumer rights in Goa --- GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goacan.org --- ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Vagator pharmacy sold drugs to Spaniard: seizure by Goa Customs
- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- -- GOA DESC TOURISM WATCH for World Tourism Day on 27th September News You Can Use - -- Customs raid nets 'ketamine' haul -- by Mayabhushan Nagvenkar A whopping 17.5 litres of 'ketamine' (valued at several crore of rupees in the European market) were seized in a raid conducted by an anti-smuggling unit of Customs in Panjim on Wednesday. The Customs officials nabbed a Spaniard Martinez Liano, who was in the process of dispatching the consignment, disguised in rose-water bottles to his native country Spain. The Spaniard has been booked under anti-smuggling laws. Incidentally, a 23-year-old Spaniard, believed to be his wife was found dead, and ketamine overdose is suspected to be the cause. Her body is currently in the Goa Medical College morgue, but a local doctor is reported to have certified the death by natural causes. GMC source said, an autopsy examination will be conducted if a request to that effect would be made, from the local law enforcing authorities. Sources in the Customs anti-smuggling unit informed, that the intelligence was relayed to them by Vasco-based Customs Superintendent Girish Lotlikar. The further stated, that acting on the intelligence inputs, a trap was laid and the Spaniard was nabbed. He was reportedly caught in the process of dispatching the consignment of ketamine disguised in rosewater bottles through a Panjim-based courier service. A trap was duly laid and yielded results, when Martinez stepped in with his consignment on Wednesday. On interrogation, the Spaniard revealed that 3.5 litres of the drug, which is used as a post operative painkiller, was stashed at his residence, which was later seized by Customs sleuths. Officials also claim, that Martinez had bought the drug across the counter from a pharmacy in Vagator. The drug, which is hardly a drug favoured by medical practitioners, is liberally stocked by pharmacies along the coast and is also easily in 10 ml vials available across the counter, even without prescriptions. Interestingly, Ketamine is not a part of the list of prohibitive drugs and is widely used by foreigners and locals on the rave party scene as a cheap stimulating drug. It may be recalled, that three Britishers were arrested and sentenced to imprisonment after they were found in possession of ketamine, which is a banned drug in Europe. British investigators had confirmed to an Indian national daily, that large consignments of ketamine was being smuggled from Goa into Europe using the same rose-water trick. --- HERALD 19/9/03 -- === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]9 HEALTH UPDATE:Goa Jaundice cases mount to 345 as 5 more reported in24 hours
--- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ -- Jaundice cases mount to 345 as 5 more reported in 24 hours One person suffering from jaundice was reported serious in Goa Medical College hospital even as the total number of affected persons rose to 345 on Tuesday. Altogether, five new cases were reported in the last 24 hours from different parts of the State, officials said. Two each were from GMC and private hospitals in Panjim respectively while one was admitted in Vasco.Of the two admitted to GMC hospital, P Nevrekar was stated to be serious when he was shifted from a private clinic in Mapusa to Bambolim. The Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar visited GMC hospital on Tuesday and after visiting a patient or two spoke to the doctors about the attention and treatment being given to the jaundice patients. As Hepatitis E virus cases continue to be reported from different parts of the State, though on the decline now, doctors of GMC (Medicine) and DHS were kept busy through the Ganesh holidays. Meanwhile, a review meeting was held by the chief minister on Tuesday during which additional instructions were issued to the municipal authorities on maintaining hygiene standards. HERALD 3/9/03 page 3 --- === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]GOACAN Newsletter June-August issue uploaded
Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet, We've uploaded the June-August 2003 Newsletter PDF file, and this can be accessed from www.goacan.org Happy reading Roland Martins === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]3 HEALTH UPDATE Goa Govt. Department canteens show the way.
-- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ - -- Govt canteens: enter at your own risk -- It is said 'never look into a restaurant kitchen, you won't want to eat'. Thanks to the State government's 'Good Governance', in the capital city, this has now changed to 'Never look into a government canteen kitchen, you won't want the risk of getting jaundice'. During a survey of canteens of seven government offices in Panjim today, the underlying theme drawn was 'Eat and drink there at your own risk.'Uncovered food, dark and dingy kitchens, unclean platforms, filthy flooring, cobwebbed and charcoaled ceilings, oilcoated cups and glasses, hasty washing of dishes and dispensing of food with unclean hands was witnessed at each of the seven canteens visited by Herald today. The canteens appeared as clear nodes for spreading the jaundice and posing high risk to the health of government employees and all those who visit these canteens for the low priced chau, udok and jevonn. Herald's team first stopped at the Directorate of Accounts where a glance into the canteen kitchen seemed evident that whoever visits the place was quite immuned to poor standards of hygiene there. This canteen is being run by one Naik for nearly 23 years, the team was told. The place had been popular among the staff of the department but now one sees more non-staffers there. The reason being that it's rice plate costs only Rs 13 and a cup of tea Rs 2 and 2.50. However, rusty containers were stacked with rava, a couple of containers with cooked food were uncovered and cooks in a stuffy kitchen were bathed in sweat. Interestingly, the news of the media presence at the canteen was communicated to the Director Nobert Moraes who immediately rushed to the site and was seen personally inspecting the kitchen and issuing instructions.Mr Moraes said, We have taken steps to keep the kitchen clean, and accepted that much more needed to be done in the wake of the jaundice epidemic. The next stop was to the Secretariat canteen which is managed by a consumer credit group of the Secretariat. While the representatives were away, those who managed the cash counter refused to speak and immediately shoved two plates of uncovered patties and samosas into a glass closet. About ten uncovered rice plates priced at Rs 10 each and placed not very high above a wet and mud stained flooring were awaiting customers. The media team was however immediately escorted out by the canteen staff. While the team stood out, a stinking canine entered with flies hovering all over its body and parked itself right in the doorway. It may be pointed out that a week ago a gutter right in front of the canteen was clogged with sewerage discharge. The canteen staff denied being responsible for the same. The team then moved to Education Department which is being run by Sayyed Mohiddin, a canteen contractor. They sell the cheapest rice plate from among the seven canteens visited today. It is priced at Rs 8 and tea at Rs 1. Here the kitchen wore a dark and dingy look, dishes uncovered and kitchen platform oily and unclean.They have been operating for the last four months and stated that besides staff from the department a couple of outsiders also visited the place. It was nearly lunch time so the team moved on to the Forest Department canteen at the old GMC Complex where Bharati has been running the same for the last two years. On arrival, rice grains were still boiling in huge containers and raw fish awaited a dip in boiling coconut curry. Bharati was cooking for a total of 7-8 staff members from the Forest Department. A water kettle lay on the unclean floor and close to it was a cat rummaging through a dustbin while a helper grated coconut. When the cat was driven out it jumped over the balcony railing where the Herald team was aghast to find sewerage discharge into the backyard.According to Bharati the old Resident Medical Officer's canteen just below the Forest Department was responsible for it. But the contractor at the old RMO canteen blamed the Forest Department canteen for the mess.The old RMO canteen, apparently one of the dirtiest of the seven canteens visited today seemed to have had a large crowd. It's rice plate is priced at Rs 10 which was cheaper by Rs 5 than that charged by the Forest Department canteen. However the walls of the old RMO canteen and kitchen were black as ever. Even a black dog seated close to the kitchen was camouflaged. A waiter clad in a lungi and vest was serving food around. A couple of young girls from the nursing college were seen waiting for their meals. Glasses were being washed in a bucket of
[Goanet]ACTION ALERT:Mapusa KTC bus stand brimming with filth
-- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- -- Mapusa KTC bus stand brimming with filth -- by Joaquim Fernandes Every morning, Mr Nirmal Mhapsenkar (name changed) from Carraswado, Mapusa, rises from bed, bathes and then performs his ritual pooja with fastidious neatness. On his way to work at Panaji, Mr Mhapsenkar stops at the Mapusa Kadamba transport corporation bus stand to catch the shuttle service. Here, Mr Mhapsenkar's sense of cleanliness is grossly outraged. A horrible stink emanates from the environs of the KTC bus now brimming with filth. Mr Nirmal Mhapsenkar is not alone in his distaste of the Mapusa KTC bus-stand. There are many of us who have been patronising the shuttle service since day one. The shed has been put up at a dirty place. Later, the Sulabh toilet was built nearby. Behind is a gutter which is always choked. People also defecate near the gutter and the stench is horrible. What a way to start one's day? he asks. These days, he says, the noxious odour is diluted by the rains. We wrote to the KTC authorities to shift and were delighted when they moved us to near the RTO office. It was good relief. But suddenly, they moved us right back. It was like teasing us, says Mr Mhapsenkar. This happened about two years back and Mr Mhapsenkar and his fellow commuters have been suffering in silence since then. A visit to the Mapusa KTC bus-stand confirms Nirmal's predicament. The stink near the shed apart, the KTC grounds are littered with thrash in various stages of decay. The KTC stand is also full of large potholes which have now turned into big brown puddles. Near the vehicle-entrance, a large horde of cattle are ruminating luxuriously and dung cakes are generously spattered all around. Like the buses, the cattle now seem to be a permanent feature of the Mapusa KTC stand. Pointing to the litter-spattered north-eastern corner of the stand, one bus-driver says that migrants defecate there at dawn. They also sleep under the buses. Once I nearly drove over a man, he says. There are more kiosks on the northern side. Strewn all around are de-juiced limbu halves, used drinking straws, wicker baskets and more thrash. Behind the kiosks, men are urinating on the ground. The bus-stand building is tolerably neat. A plaque on the building informs that it was inaugurated on June 26, 1989 by then-chief minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane. It's a small irony that the bus-stand inaugurated by a man who dreamt of making Goa into another Singapore is now going to seed. There are enough Do not spit notices everywhere. But right below one such notice near the entrance to a hotel (and all around), is a thick, brown, calcified, long-time-layer of spat-out pan juice. Could it be that prolonged exposure to such squalor makes people believe it is the norm? A walk along the eastern periphery showed only one lady holding her nose. Also, it is business as usual for the vendors seated near the covered-gutter at the gate connecting the market to the bus stand. At the entrance, huddled in cool comfort between a pile of refuse and a trampled-upon dung heap, one young man is selling velvety blossoms of maroon dahlias. Ten rupees four, he says. This then is a slide from the early-morning world of Mr Nirmal Mhapsenkar. Before leaving home, I now douse my kerchief with perfume. I hold the kerchief to my nose to ward off the stink while I wait for the bus. I never used perfume before, he says. Behind his shuttle-service shed is a large BSNL hoarding whose pretty-young -smiling model clutches her head and proclaims, Speak out! All Mr Nirmal Mhapsenkar manages is a sad remark. So many people use the KTC service, they should maintain some hygiene. When contacted KTC managing director, Mr Arun Dessai, agreed that a terrible smell emanates near the shuttle service shed. He expressed sadness that despite the Sulabh toilet being so close, men were freely urinating outside. While admitting to receiving the shuttle-service commuters' complaint, Mr Dessai said shifting the shed to a new location was a problem. He promised to give it a thought. The KTC is largely a social service. Now there is a ruling that the government departments on KTC bus-stands like RTO or PWD need not pay rent to us. Still we are trying to tide over the problems
[Goanet]1 HEALTH UPDATE Goa Jaundice outbreak Govt. declares red alert inPanjim
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ - -- Jaundice outbreak Stop drinking water from city restaurants, Govt advises Citizens -- As the situation arising out of the outbreak of viral Hepatitis (jaundice) has turned alarming, the government has advised citizens not to drink water from any of the restaurants in Panjim and not to eat uncovered food from any eatery in the State. Talking to a group of reporters after taking a review of the situation, the Health Minister, Dr Suresh Amonkar said that the latest spurt of viral Hepatitis is due to the drinking of contaminated water in some of the city's chai restaurants after the potable water supply was infected with sewage. The number of people afflicted with the Hepatitis virus is growing by the day and more than 200 are suspected to have fallen victims to the water-borne disease. GMC hospital continued to get cases of jaundice while private practitioners had much more. The ratio is 3:7 respectively. Enquiries with local doctors indicated that several persons who had consumed water in the affected restaurants, have tested positive for the viral Hepatitis. There is already a panic and several persons have been visiting pathological clinics. It was revealed today that the outbreak now is no longer restricted to Panjim alone. Viral Hepatitis cases have been reported in Pernem and Bicholim taluka as well.In fact, a person from Pernem, Pradip Moraskar was admitted today to GMC in a serious condition,sources said. Apparently trying to play down the number of people suffering from jaundice, the health minister said so far the number is only 123. This includes the figure from the GMC as well as from the private hospitals/clinics.When it was brought to his notice that there must be cases which have not come to the DHS, Dr Amonkar agreeing to this, said that the number anyway will not cross 200. For the inaction/delayed action on the part of the authorities in handling the situation, the health minister blamed it on the non-intimation by the private hospitals/clinics of the disease. We came to know when patients started getting admitted in GMC, Dr Amonkar informed adding that had the private hospitals/private practitioners informed us earlier, as they had got patients earlier, action would have been taken days ago. He said the government may declare red alert in the city and added that the DHS is taking adequate measures keeping the situation under control. Dr Amonkar said jaundice being a notified disease, DHS should have been intimated by private hospitals and private practitioners. As only a few have reported, the epidimeological cell is visiting them to get the figures. There was however no confirmation whether all the private hospitals/clinics had been visited by the DHS officials as the number of patients here was only 6 today. He said the government authorities hadn't anticipated the outbreak of jaundice after the contamination of drinking water was detected nearly a month ago. Replying to queries, he didn't rule out the possibility of the existing water pipes remaining free from the virus. Meanwhile, acting following the near-epidemic situation, the government has directed FDA to take action on the gaddas selling food in the open.The DHS and FDA continued with their inspection drive, inspecting five restaurants on Wednesday. On Tuesday, they had inspected 13. Though the government said it was a joint inspection, the figures of the restaurants inspected today did not tally. --- HERALD 21/08/03 --- === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]107 fall victim to jaundice,Goa Health Minister says its Hepatitis E
- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ - - 107 fall victim to jaundice - In a belated action, the State government is undertaking damage-control measures as more than 100 persons have fallen victim to viral Hepatitis (jaundice) in the last few days. While the main cause of this sudden spurt of viral Hepatitis cases is not known, officials of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) strongly link it to the sewerage water entering into the potable water pipeline in the heart of Panjim more than two weeks ago. As the incubation period of jaundice is between 15 days and two months, it is feared that the present number of victims may be just the tip of the iceberg. Officials however say that it is localised only to Panjim. Officials said that most of the victims were customers of the restaurants which received contaminated water. The restaurants' potable water supply which was polluted due to the contamination with the sewerage pipeline, is considered to be the main cause of spreading the viral hepatitis. After the contamination was detected near Azad Maidan, the PWD on the advice of its public health engineering wing, had stopped water supply to the entire area and the restaurants are being supplied water by tankers. At least five eateries were affected by the contamination. The victims who spoke to the doctors said that they drank water in these restaurants. The official figure of patients afflicted by the viral Hepatitis is 107. Of these, 35 are taking treatment from the Goa Medical College Hospital while the rest are being treated by private hospitals. Among the first few victims was the director of Information and Publicity, Mr Rajesh Singh who was later treated at GMC. DHS officials fear that the staff members of the respective restaurants too may add up to the list of patients in the coming days as they drink potable water and not boiled water. Some private pathological labs have confirmed that the victims are of Hepatitis E. However, for formal confirmation, serum samples have been dispatched to National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. Though more than two weeks have passed since contamination of water was detected in Panjim, the authorities did practically nothing to advise the public not to drink water in the restaurants which had received contaminated water or to take other measures, until a spurt in jaundice case was reported. Whether water sampling of the affected restaurants was done then is also not known. As water contamination came through the government-supplied water pipeline, it was the responsibility of the government to caution the citizens, said an agitated relative of a patient. Health Minister, Dr Suresh Amonkar who held a high-level meeting at the Secretariat to review what could be called a near-epidemic situation in Panjim, said the cases appear to be of Hepatitis E. It has been spread through the sewerage water, he stated. We are taking all necessary measures, he claimed. Tests conducted have revealed the presence of e-coli in the water in one of the restaurants, he disclosed. Incidentally, one restaurant was sealed some days ago after its water was also found contaminated with sewage water (due to its internal faulty system) However, it was allowed to be re-opened by the authorities concerned who found that its management had taken necessary measures. Dr Amonkar told Herald that around ten restaurants were today inspected jointly by officials of Health department and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). DHS does not have the exact number of persons afflicted by jaundice virus. This is attributed by the officials to the non-intimation by private hospitals to the DHS. Hardly 35 per cent of the patients go to the GMC. The rest have taken treatment in private hospitals, an official stated. Dr Rajendra Tamba, State's epidemiologist, obtained the number of the patients by personally visiting some private hospitals in the city. According to the DHS, viral hepatitis is caused by contaminated water and food and it causes symptoms such as fever, bodyache, loss of appetite, morbidity, yellow eyes and urine. The virus is destroyed only by boiling water. The virus doesn't get killed by chlorination of water. The public is advised to contact the nearest health centre or the State Epidemiologist, Directorate of Health Services, Campal personally or on Ph 2225538 or e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - HERALD 19/8/03 - === GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660
[Goanet]Police-Public meet at Margao on Sunday
Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- Police-public meet at Margao The Margao Legal Aid Cell of V M Salgaocar College of law will organise a police-public programme on August 17 at the Grace Church hall at 10.15 am. Superintendent of police, South I D Shukla, SDPO Umesh Gaonkar, Margao PI P Shirwaikar, PI Traffic, D Angle and other officials of the Goa police will be in attendance. The beat police officials will also be present. The public have been informed to contact the Legal Aid cell incharge, Sharon Albuquerque in advance for any special specific issues/queries they intend to raise at the programme, whose objective is to educate the public on various issues as well to improve and have cordial relations between the public and police officials. Problems related to traffic will also be discussed by the Goa police cell. The organisers have said similar programmes will be held more frequently in the near future to note the outcome of the same -- HERALD 15/8/03 - === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]GOA:High Court directs Municipalities to act on constructions in openspaces.
-- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- HC urges municipalities to act on constructions in open spaces The Panjim Bench of the Bombay High Court has directed all the Municipal councils and Corporation of City of Panjim to take action on complaints received regarding construction in open spaces in one month and dispose off the entire matter within three months. The double bench comprising Justice F I Rebello and Justice P V Hardas has observed that the complaints filed will have to be disposed off within a time frame so that the citizens do not have to approach the High Court on account of inaction on the part of the municipal authorities. In the light of this, the Court found it essential that directions are issued so that the planning laws, regulations, bye-laws, rules and regulations are strictly adhered to within the jurisdiction of various municipal councils/corporation of Panjim city. The issue of the inaction on the part of the Authorities had come to a head when the Down Mangor Valley Residents Welfare Association went to court stating that some property which had been handed over to the Municipality of Vasco as open space to be made into a garden had been taken over by squatters and that the Mormugao Municipal Council had taken no action. The Court has directed that all the Chief Officers of the Municipal Councils/Commissioner of the CCP are to issue within 10 days, a public notice in the local leading newspapers pertaining to the directions earlier given by the Court.As per the earlier judgement, open spaces maintained as part of a development project or pursuant to a building licence, have to be kept open as per the development permission or building licence as a condition for development or construction in terms of relevant Act, Rules and Bye-Laws or other executive directions The Court directed that a separate register is to be maintained in respect of all the complaints filed, including the date of the complaint and the receipt thereof. This register is to be verified by the Chief officer/ Commissioner every month. The court has also directed that action is to be taken with reference to the complaints received within one month of receipt, and after following the procedure, the entire matter is to be disposed off by the Council/ Corporation within three months thereafter. The Appellate Authorities/ Revisional Authorities have been directed to dispose of the proceedings at the earliest and at any rate not later than nine months from the date of filing of the proceedings before them. The court has also directed that interim orders are not to be granted without hearing the Municipal Council/corporation and the interim orders will be granted only after hearing these bodies in the proceedings which are filed either before the first or second appellate authority, unless there are compelling reasons, in which event, the reasons have to be recorded to disclose the urgency. Within the planning areas, under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, the Authorities have been constituted which are charged with duties to oversee orderly development within their area and to take steps to remove the illegal constructions, observed the court. The court directed the member Secretary of the Planning Authority to maintain a separate register as directed in so far as Municipal Councils are concerned and to dispose of the complaints in the same manner. The Court had held that the same directions in so far as disposal of appeals and grant of interim reliefs will also be applicable to the Appellate Authorities under the Town and Country Planning Act. The double bench has also directed that a copy of the order is to be forwarded to the Village Panchayat of Sanvordem to take steps in respect of the illegal constructions in the open spaces in area under question. A compliance report in respect of the same has to be submitted to the court within three months. - HERALD 14/8/03 - === 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
[Goanet]World-wide Goans set to celebrate World Goa Day
Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- -- World-wide Goans set to celebrate World Goa Day -- by Joaquim Fernandes Suffused in a mix of love and nostalgia, Goans across the globe are gearing up to celebrate World Goa Day on August 20. The date marks the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution by both houses of Parliament in 1992. While talk of the event in Goa seems muted, a virtual fever is building up in cyberspace among the Goan communities now thriving in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Spain, Kenya, Tanzania and some countries of the Middle East. Writing in the official website of World Goa Day, Mr Rene Barreto, convenor of the event, says, on Goa day this year, thousands of Goans will once again remind themselves of the need to work to preserve our culture, music, history, language, cuisine, and art for our children, the non-Goan community, and for posterity. The theme of Giving back to Goa is a good way to inspire our Goan community to do more for Goa and Goans worldwide, writes the London-based Mr Barreto. Let Goa day be a beacon of light and inspiration throughout the year and for the rest of our lives. Let us make this our motto: Proud to be a Goan, and live up to that motto. Messages of support and solidarity have been crowding Mr Barreto's email inbox. An email by Mr Keith Vaz, British Member of Parliament states: As someone of Goan descent I send my very best wishes for a most successful World Goa Day. This is obviously a crucial step forward in recognising the unique contribution of the Goan community to the life not just of India but also other countries where they have chosen to make their homes. Goa is known the world over for its civility, hospitality and diversity. It is one of the most glorious places on earth. I send my very best wishes for a successful day. Hoping to enthuse more among the Goan diaspora, Mr Barreto has posted some of these messages onto the popular mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mr Oscar Furtado, of G.O.A, Toronto, sees this as an opportunity to celebrate the values the Goan community possesses and also to share these values with the various communities around the world. Writes Mr Cristopher Nunes, President, Goan Association of New Jersey, Inc. As this year's theme for World Goa day is 'Giving something back' to society, I am proud to say that the association and individual members continue to donate funds to projects in Goa and help other less fortunate Goans. Mr Oscar C Lobo, from Melbourne, Australia urges Goans everywhere to shun the caste system and Mr John Paul Kihara of the Goan Community of Mombasa, Kenya, warmly invites all Goans and non-Goans to their special Goan festival in September. There is even a congratulatory message from a Briton, Mr Paul Hancock. There are some dissonant notes too. Writing in Roman script Konkani, one Mr Simon Mendonca laments that though Goans proudly proclaim their Goan-ness, they are ashamed to talk in Konkani. The bouquets and brickbats apart, Mr Rene Barreto affirms that on August 20, Goans world-wide join in solidarity to celebrate our Goan-ness. In Goa, World Goa Day is planned for August 24. Among other things, the celebrations will include a stage production by Professor Isabel Santa Rita Vas. Elsewhere in the world, Goan organisations have planned activities for the entire months of August, September or October 2003. Details are listed on www.goaday.com. There are games, picnics, dinners and dances, cultural shows and cooking demos, even Masses and healing services planned by Goan communities in places like Toronto, Montreal, Calgary (Canada), New Jersey, California, Houston (USA), London (UK) and Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya. The list of celebrations is big, the activities diverse and the places, far-flung. The common denominator is Goa. Music naturally becomes part of the celebrations. Mr Basilio Magno, a Goan from Spain, had composed a special song, Proud to be a Goan, for the first World Goa Day in 2000. This year, the song has been re-arranged by Mr Emiliano da Cruz and sung by Lulu, one of Goa's top singers. --- The Navhind Times 12/8/03 --- === 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
[Goanet]3 Goa IDC officers suspended for corruption in road works.
--- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- - 3 IDC officers suspended for corruption Three top officers of Goa Industrial Development Corporation have been placed under suspension for corruption regarding execution of road works in Madkai and Kundaim industrial estates. Sources in the Secretariat said that action was initiated after it was discovered that the road work which was shown as having been executed was prima facie not taken up at all. The order suspending General Manager (engineering), H L Kulkarni, Deputy General Manager (engineering), K A Shirodkar and Area Manager, P Y Gaonkar pending an inquiry, was issued by the managing director Mr Sandeep Jacques.Disciplinary action has been proposed for having intentionally caused monetary loss to the corporation. Sources said that the work of repairing roads and filling pot-holes of internal roads in the industrial estates at the cost of around Rs 3 lakh had been shown to have been completed between June 11-13. The bills of the contractors were also paid after one of the top officers certified that the work had been completed.The fraud came to light when the managing director was visiting the Madkai industrial estate last week. Taking suo moto cognizance, he enquired into the matter and prima facie found that the road work was virtually not executed besides finding discrepancies in the works register. The three officials have claimed that the work was executed but was washed away in the heavy rains (though hardly any traces of the work done could be seen), the sources informed.On verifying the records of the case, it was also revealed that no work of bitumen could have been possible as it had rained very heavily on June 12 and 13. An administrative inquiry has been initiated against the three officials. For the last many months, the chairman alongwith the managing director of IDC have been trying to bring in efficiency and clean-up the system. HERALD 8/8/03 --- === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Citizens in Goa without photo identity cards may not be allowed tovote.
-- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED, The time is come for the people of Goa to ORGANISE not AGONISE !! - Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- --- Citizens without EPIC may not be allowed to vote during next elections -- Citizens who have not obtained their electoral photo identity cards (EPIC) may not be allowed to vote in the next elections. Sources in the office of the mamlatdar of Bardez, Mapusa, said that it is the policy of the Election Commission (EC), to make EPIC compulsory for future elections. It takes only 15 minutes to get the card, said one EPIC official, showing concern that only 60 per cent voters in Bardez taluka had taken their cards despite the long campaign of the authorities. The Bardez taluka covers six electoral constituencies. The voters have not yet realised the card's importance, officials pointed out to the inscription on the rear of card which reads, This card may be used as an identity card under different government schemes. The authorities in Bardez (as well as other talukas), have launched a campaign to attain maximum coverage of voters under EPIC. A permanent station has been set up at the Government Complex at Mapusa which is open between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on all working days. Besides, three teams of EPIC officials with EPIC machines daily cover various panchayats and polling booths in Bardez to make it easier for voters to obtain their cards. Sources also said that officials are now going door-to-door to check whether voters have taken their cards and to verify their card numbers as per the electoral records available at the Mamlatdar's office. The campaign will continue till September 30, 2003, sources said --- The Navhind Times 8/8/03 --- === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Magical Remedies now offered in Goa.
Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- Magical Remedies --- It is common to see advertisements in various newspapers by a number of itinerants posing as Vaids or doctors, providing medicines to stop alcoholism. Since this problem in Goa is quite common given the availability of cheap liquor and what a number of Goans call our special culture, the advertisers say the patients need not be told about the administration of their 'nuskas'. This automatically leads unsuspecting women and children who are the usual victims of the consequences of adult alcoholism to purchase these magical remedies for which there are no prescriptions, tests or responsibility if anything goes wrong. Many do not know that modern medicine does have a similar cure, subject to a number of limitations, cautions and prohibitions. The formulation is not expensive and is available on the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner. The main trouble is in convincing a patient of alcoholism that he or she needs help. Family members, social service and religious organisations and our medical fraternity can play a great role in saving people from becoming victims to quacks and cheats. Francis Furtado,Khandola in Response --- HERALD 4/8/03 page 6 -- === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Goa poll panel drive for voter ID cards to end by 30th September
Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- Goa poll panel launches drive for voter ID cards The state election authorities have launched a vigorous drive to attain the target of issuing elector's photo identity cards to atleast 85 per cent of 9.36 lakh voters, who have been enlisted on the electoral rolls of the state. The state chief electoral officer, Mr B S Bhalla told reporters that the drive comes in wake of a directive from the Election Commission of India that production of elector's photo identity card would he compulsory for all future elections and that efforts were being made to issue cards to cover as many as possible from about 3.6 lakh voters who have not been issued cards so far. Addressing a press conference this evening, Mr Bhalla told that the percentage of voters having EPICs in Goa was only about 61 per cent at the moment (out of total 9,36,085 voters) and that as per EC directive a special campaign was being conducted to achieve at least 85 per cent coverage by September, 30 2003. Mr Bhalla further said the campaign has already been launched in all the assembly constituencies of the state through the collectors, deputy collectors, and mamlatdars. The EPICs were being issued on the spot, he said adding that the campaign has picked up momentum and in June a total number of 14,677 cards were issued as compared to 1,711 in May. He also said that various steps have been to achieve the target. A complete day-to-day action plan for the campaign right till September 30, 2003, has been drawn up for each assembly constituency. The plan lists out the day, time and location of the photography and issue of the card for each constituency till September 30, 2003. Besides, he said, a house-to-house awareness campaign to cover residual voters has been launched to inform the voters about the need for having the EPICs and the schedule of the campaign. To attain the target directions have been issued by the chief secretary to all departments to give all assistance to election officers in the special campaign. Government employees have been asked to obtain EPICs for themselves and their family members and the campaign was being publicised by each electoral registration officer, assistant electoral registration officer in their jurisdiction through different methods like loudspeakers, members of local bodies, pamphlets, etc, said Mr Bhalla. The chief electoral officer has appealed the electors to contact the offices of collector, deputy collector or mamlatdar to find out the dates and locations when the campaign would be conducted nearest to their residence. Besides, the authorities have made arrangement to issue EPICs at any location (as per the schedule) within the constituency for obtaining the card and it is not necessary for a voter to know their part number and their serial number in the electoral roll, for obtaining a card, he said. Mr Bhalla further said that the process of obtaining the photo identity card would take only about 30 minutes and the voters should obtain card during the special campaign.He also said that in case the scheduled dates of the campaign were not suitable for the voters they could obtain the card on-the-spot from the two permanent EPIC centres operational at Panaji and Margao, on any day, including holidays, till September 30, 2003. The Navhind Times 22/7/03 === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Rockland Leasing Investors in Goa take note:Delhi High Court ordersclosure
Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- HC orders closing of Rockland Leasing -- The state government has informed the people who have invested in M/s Rockland Leasing Ltd that the High Court, Delhi, with whom the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had filed a writ petition against the Rockland Leasing, has passed an order to wind up the company and have disposed of all the connected companies' petitions and applications accordingly. The officers who have been directed or authorised to look into the affairs of the Rockland will work out their own procedures and modalities to carry out their task. They will, no doubt, sympathetically look into any grievance made to them by any depositor, who is, of course, free to lodge his or her claim with the official liquidator, it is ordered. The Economic Cell in the police department, Panaji, has already forwarded a list of investors whose names are available with them, to the chairman, Company Law Board, New Delhi. All the investors in Goa who had invested with Rockland Leasing have been asked to approach the official liquidator to get back their assets etc. - The Navhind Times 31/07/03 - === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]One in five judges has kin practising in same High Court:BCI
- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 - One in five judges has kin practising in same High Court:BCI Nearly a fifth of India's senior judges have relatives practising in courts over which they preside, a practice frowned upon by the Bar Council of India (BCI) as a possible source of corruption.Data received at the council, a statutory body of nearly a million lawyers enrolled nationwide, indicate that the practice is wider spread than might have been suspected. As the BCI vice chairman, Mr Adish Aggarwala put it: It's not a case or two here and there. It's almost rampant. India's 21 High Courts have about 500 judges in position, the rest of the sanctioned 647 posts being vacant. Reports from Bar groups and members show that more than 100 judges in 16 High Courts have relatives some as many as four or five enrolled or practising in the same court. They include judges' sons, daughters, parents, siblings, nephews, nieces, uncles, cousins, in-laws and so on. Bar groups in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa and parts of Madhya Pradesh have yet to reply, Mr Aggarwala said. The practice is a definite 'don't' under the BCI rules of standards of professional conduct and etiquette. The BCI rule: An advocate shall not enter appearance, act, plead or practise in any way before a court, tribunal or authority mentioned in Section 30 of the Act, if the sole or any member thereof is related to the advocate as father, grandfather, son, grand-son, uncle, brother, nephew, first cousin, husband, wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law. The ball was set rolling a few months ago with the BCI asking Bar associations and state Bar councils to send particulars on members practising in High Courts presided over by relatives. A few weeks ago, Bar leaders held a news conference and disclosed names of 32 judges of Delhi, Mumbai and Rajasthan High Courts who between them have 44 relatives practising law in their courts.They explained that such bench-bar kinships were viewed as a possible source of corruption. The law fraternity is anguished and disturbed at corruption in the indian judiciary and allegations of unfair means adopted by some of the near relations of the judges practising in the same court, they said in a statement. They sought the Chief Justice of India, Mr Justice V N Khare's intervention to transfer all those judges whose relations are practising in the same courts to check such unfair practice. Alternatively, the Bar leaders said the state Bar councils have to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the relations of the judges who are practising in the same courts.They made it clear that lawyers in such a situation were forbidden to practise in the entire court not just before a specific bench. Asked what the BCI will do with the information, Mr Aggarwala said it was forwarded to the government which had received inquiries from MPs and was also being transmitted to Mr Justice Khare for action.The Bar spokesman recalled similar efforts made in 1993-94 during the tenure of former chief justice, Mr Justice M N Venkatachaliah. At a BCI workshop at Kollam, Kerala a year and a half ago, India's then chief justice, Mr Justice Sam Piroj Bharucha indicated that as many as twenty per cent of judges were corrupt. More than 80 per cent of the judges in this country, across the board, are honest and incorruptible, he said. It is that smaller percentage that brings the entire judiciary into disrepute. To make it known that the judiciary does not tolerate corruption in its ranks, it is requisite that corrupt judges should be investigated and dismissed from service. -- The Navhind Times 23/7/03 page 7 -- === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone
[Goanet]Co-operative BANK SCAMS in Goa:Third misappropriation case registered.
--- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- - Third misappropriation case registered against Khalap, 13 others --- The Crime Branch of the state police has registered third misappropriation and cheating case against the former chairman of Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank (Bank of Goa), Mr Ramakant Khalap and 13 others in connection with the release of Rs 3.5-crore loan to City Men's Estate Pvt Ltd, a partnership firm, without allegedly following proper procedure for its project Vasanta Farms. The complaint has been lodged with the police by the Managing Director of the bank, alleging that the loans were released by the earlier board of directors without verifying the documents and thereby led the bank into financial crunch. The case has been registered under section 420 and 408 of the IPC. The partners of Vasanta Farms Anna, Joseph, Shoba, Sajjan, Satish J, Karimotton of the City Men's Estate Pvt Ltd have been made alleged accused in the case. The police sources indicated that all these partners would be brought to Goa for recording their statements. Senior police officials said that complainant had said that the loan was sanctioned for the building project 'Vasanta Farms' in Bangalore but till date the building project had not come. The police are in process of collecting more details about the case. The loans were sanctioned during the tenure of board of directors between 1998 to April 1, 1999. The names of the former board of directors listed in the FIR are: chairman, R D Khalap, directors: Prabhakar Narulkar, Dharma Chodankar, Milind Kerkar, Motilal Bandekar, Manohar Sawant, assistant general manager, A P Punege and others. A senior official said that the inquiries were being made as to how the bank had extended credit facilities to the people residing outside Goa, when the clearance from the RBI for extending loans under the Multi-State Co-operative Act was not obtained. The police has recovered a letter written by the bank to the RBI, seeking permission to sanction loans outside Goa in view the bank getting a status of the multi-state co-operative institutions. The police inspector (crime), Mr Lavu Mamledar is investigating into the case under the supervision of the deputy superintendent of police, Mr Omprakash Kudchadkar. --- The Navhind Times 23/7/03 page 3 --- === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]GOA:High Court admits plea on CM Parrikarsinsinuations against judges
Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- --- HC admits plea on Parrikar's insinuations against judges -- Congress spokesperson, Jeetendra Deshprabhu has approached the High Court praying that it institute suo moto contempt proceedings against the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for allegedly making a statement that judges were corrupt, and that it should direct Parrikar to disclose the name of the corrupt judge. When the matter came up before the double Bench comprising Justice F I Rebello and Justice P V Hardas, the Bench heard the petitioner and then fixed the matter for Wednesday to hear the Advocate General on the matter. The Bench also questioned why the newspapers had not been joined as parties as the remark was published in the newspapers.Mr Deshprabhu who is the Pernem MLA, has taken note of a newspaper report in the Herald dated June 30, 2003 which carried the headline Judges too can be corrupt: CM referring to a statement made by the Chief Minister at a public forum where the Taleigao parade issue was raised. The petitioner has also made a reference to a newspaper report of a press conference held on July 3, 2003 by Parrikar, where he has stated that he had a complaint against a judge that he had taken a bribe of Rs 5000 from a multi-national company to pass a favourable bail order. He however did not disclose the name of the judge concerned at the press conference, nor the nature of the evidence in his possession. Deshprabhu has submitted that the general allegation made that judges are liable to be corrupt has the effect of lowering the authority of the courts, and that the faith of the people in the judiciary would be undermined. He has also submitted that this statement constitutes criminal contempt as defined under the Contempt of Court Act. In this regard, he has urged the court to initiate suo moto contempt proceedings against Parrikar. Deshprabhu has also stated in his petition that if Parrikar indeed has evidence against the said judge, then he should have followed the procedure for reporting the matter and taken appropriate measures in that regard instead of issuing a public statement, especially in the light of his being the Chief Minister. The effect of an allegation of corruption against a judge, without naming him is likely to result in casting a cloud over practically every judge of the judiciary of the State, claimed the petitioner. He has therefore approached the Court praying that the court take notice of the petition and institute suo moto contempt proceedings against Parrikar for committing criminal contempt as defined under the Contempt of Court Act. He has also prayed that the court direct Parrikar to disclose the name of the judge against whom the allegation of corruption is made. HERALD 29/7/03 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]GOA HEALTH NEWS:CT scan machine breaks down before commissioning
--- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- - CT scan machine breaks down before commissioning - Even before it could be installed, the CT scan machine at Hospicio Hospital in Margao went out of order. This equipment worth Rs 1 crore purchased from a Mumbai-based firm has broken down further delaying the commissioning of this much awaited facility at the district hospital. Hospital sources disclosed that two technicians are working over time to repair the machine, which ceased to function before installation. It is learnt that the machine was not getting the main supply and hence it could not work properly. This technical snag has postponed the formal inauguration of this facility. The demand for CT scan machine was long pending as patients were referred to Goa Medical College, Bambolim, for scanning. After a long time, the state health authorities purchased this machine. The Hospicio Hospital authorities who were all set to install the machine had fixed the date of inauguration last week. But these unavoidable circumstances have forced the authorities to sit with their fingers crossed. Confirming the technical snag, Hospicio Hospital's medical superintendent, Dr Sanjeev Dalvi, today said that the machine would be inaugurated soon after it is repaired. The hospital has kept three different rooms for this facility. These rooms are fully air conditioned and renovated to suit the requirements of the machine. Though initially, there were plans to construct a separate structure, the hospital authorities later renovated the rooms adjacent to the blood bank just at the entrance of the hospital. There were high expectations from this machine as in absence of this facility, the South Goa people have to visit the Goa Medical College, Bambolim for a scan. Hospital figures revealed that at least 3 patients are referred to GMC every day. The number is on the rise during monsoons because of road accidents. Further delay in installation has been contributing to the inconvenience suffered by the people. --- The Navhind Times 23/7/03 page 3 -- === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Preserving Goas greenery needs a massive campaign.
- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 - Preserving Goa's Greenery The monsoon is once again laying a green carpet over Goa. We have to strive hard to preserve this greenery for posterity as the unscrupulous builder always waits like a hawk in the wings to replace this greenery with a concrete jungle. The once green hills of Goa have been cut down to build concrete jungles which are eyesores. The builders should not overlook the incidents of landslides occurring in different parts of Goa. The green hills are fast turning into ugly patches of brown thanks to our malicious politicians and builders. The hillocks of Dona Paula, Betim and Nerul are classic examples of this. Beautiful old houses of immense heritage value are being demolished to make way for ugly, atrocious monstrosities jutting out like pyramids of hell. Time Goa's environment and heritage is under threat from vested interests who want to profit from 'development'. I think we will have to start massive campaigns to save Goa and its environment and heritage. We have to fight to save the Mhadei river, to save the Aguada plateau, our trees, heritage buildings and forts. Goa has been declared as the best state in India by the poll conducted by India Today. Let us strive to live up to this status. PRAJAL SAKHARDANDE, Caranzalem in a letter to the Editor --- The Navhind Times 19/7/03 page 9 --- === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
[Goanet]Awareness on garbage segregation for residents
--- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service circulated by Goa Civic Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)[EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph:2252660 --- --- Awareness on garbage segregation --- Residents of Curca village will be taught to segregate garbage at source, according to Agnelo Cardozo, who is secretary of the garbage committee under the Curca-Bambolim village panchayat. Informing this to Herald on Monday evening, Mr Cardozo said the programme would help residents to avoid mixing litter in a heap of plastic and other waste into dustbins, for stray animals to rummage. This would help us to maintain cleanliness throughout the village, Mr Cardozo opined, adding that they will be soon submitting the proposal to the village panchayat.According to the Raj Panchayat, every village panchayat has to work hand-in-hand with the committee they appoint. The five-member garbage committee of the Curca- Bambolim panchayat was set-up six months back. Mr Cardozo informed that the matter becomes worse during the monsoons, as it sends laterite soil, alongwith garbage particles from its dumping site, which gushes down into the wells and thereby spoils the water. The garbage dumping site is situated on top of the hill and as a result, rain gushes down so heavily that muddy water gets into our wells, he said urging more help from the villagers in this regard. The committee will meet the panchayat members soon to discuss the issue, he added. HERALD 23/7/03 page 4 - === 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 === ## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##
