[Goanet] Seeds... bought from Bangalore
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Some seeds I recently purchased from Bangalore. From the Indo-American Seeds, 6 Aithal Complex, Gandhinagar, Bangalore 560009 Ph 080-6535 5466 (and a shop alongside it). See pic http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4389392926/ A friend whom I shared the same with earlier, reported good results (and he, in turn, shared some large, fresh ladyfingers with me). I don't know the quality of Indo-American, but former agri officer Miguel Braganza said they are usually good. The seeds cost between Rs 30 to 90 per packet, and seem to have a good germination rate. Any suggestions of where similar vegetable seeds could be purchased in Goa? From what I understand (could be wrong), the cheaper seeds available at places like the Mapusa market don't have a good germination rate. FN -- Frederick Noronha Columnist :: journalism :: editing :: alt.publishing :: photography :: blogging P +91-832-2409490 M +91-9822122436 A:784 Saligao 403511 Goa India Please add a 'signature' below your email. Makes it easy when someone wants to contact you!
[Goanet] Talking Photo: Please identify
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Talking Photo: Please identify Please identify http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk23/4389556518/ a clue. 1 It has no seeds inside http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk23/4389556662/ clue 2 All of it may weigh less than 100g Clue. 3 Rs.10 each joego...@yahoo.co.uk for Goa NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ For Goan Video Clips http://youtube.com/joeukgoa In Goa, Dial 1 0 8 For Hospital, Police, Fire etc Your Mail works best with the New Yahoo Optimized IE8. Get it NOW! http://downloads.yahoo.com/in/internetexplorer/
Re: [Goanet] Talking Photo: Please identify
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- On 26 February 2010 09:46, JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: --- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Talking Photo: Please identify Please identify http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk23/4389556518/ a clue. 1 It has no seeds inside http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk23/4389556662/ clue 2 All of it may weigh less than 100g Clue. 3 Rs.10 each RESPONSE: Easy peasy, ' Coconut apple' for more info please click on:- http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ecoph10.htm -- DEV BOREM KORUM Gabe Menezes.
[Goanet] Football seeks a toehold in India
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Football seeks a toehold in India By Delnaaz Irani BBC World News, Shillong [image: Football action from a Shillong Lajong game] Shillong LaJong are the pride of football fans in India's north east *On a typical day in Mawkasiang village on the outskirts of Shillong, life is pretty peaceful.* Farmers spend their days working the fields, while their wives tend to household duties in straw huts. But not on match day. This seemingly peaceful village goes from ordinary shades of green to electric red and white, the colours of their home football team Shillong Lajong (which means our own). The villagers in Mawkasiang are so passionate about football they all pool their farmer salaries together and pitch in for a bus to take them to the Nehru stadium in Shillong's city centre to watch the game. We hitch a ride on the bus and it's an exhilarating experience. There are two dozen supporters crammed in, and not enough seats to go around. Many are happy standing or hanging out the side of the bus waving their red and white flags furiously out the window. *Love of football* Among the most vociferous fans on the bus is 24-year old farmer Banstar Nongbri. I love LaJong, says Banstar, a diehard fan who's been following the club since he was a child. [image: Diehard Shillong Lajong fan Banstar Nongbri] Lajong fan Banstar Nongbri has been following the club since he was a child I've never missed a game on home soil, except once, because I didn't have enough money to travel. Shillong LaJong are the pride of India's north east. They are the only team from the region to have ever qualified for the premier league of Indian football. In a region which has suffered economically because of a long and bloody history of violence, militancy and separatism, the people's love for football is a unifying factor. And the success of Shillong's football team is a massive feat celebrated in almost every nook and cranny. *Sea of people* From the countryside to the main centre of town, a few kilometres away, there is feet-stomping, fist-thumping merriment. The busload of fans chant team anthems and familiar footy rhymes over and over again, pausing briefly only to catch their breath. The ruckus alarms those in the villages and markets we pass by, but even they give their silent nod of approval. [image: Shillong's football team supportes in the Nehru Stadium] The Shillong support is made up of young and old fans When we get to the city, a sea of people stretch out on either side of the long, narrow walkway leading up to the gates of Nehru Stadium. There are so many supporters, young and old, that it feels like almost the entire township of Shillong has turned out for the game. And inside the stadium, it's a colourful carnival. Almost every stand in the 25,000-capacity stadium is packed. In some stands, fans have come well prepared, accompanied with percussion instruments and are banging away at a drum kit. Other supporters cheer their team on, with all their vocal might. *Company backing* It is this sort of support that has seen this small club secure some big sponsors. It [qualifying for the Indian Premier League] has opened a window of opportunity for a great number of companies to really endorse an entity in the North Eastern region, says Larsing Sawyamhe, general secretary of Shillong LaJong football club. I think that is what really made companies like Nokia, who are our principal sponsors, Kingfisher, McDowells and of course Adidas, who are our merchandising sponsor, come in and support the club. Even so, the number of sponsors in football fades in comparison to cricket. [image: Larsing Sawyamhe, general secretary of Shillong LaJong football club] Larsing Sawyamhe says Shillong LaJong has attracted many sponsors According to sports writer Ayaz Menon, football in India is valued at around $65m (£101m), as opposed to cricket, which is well over a billion dollar business. In terms of just viewership, television or even live, Indian football doesn't have too much of a viewership, says Mr Menon. Unfortunately it is languishing. Nobody is watching the I-League on television, I mean, there are measly numbers. While a heck of a lot more people are watching the English Premier League and other tournaments of that calibre and standard. And one doesn't have to look too far to see what Mr Menon is talking about. *Manchester United support* In a dimly lit café recently opened by English Premier League Club, Manchester United, in Mumbai, hundreds of fans are crammed in to watch a match. Covered head to toe in red team colours, their passion for the game is abundant. Each win is eagerly cheered and every miss equally jeered. This Indian
Re: [Goanet] OPINION: Back to Square One
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Back to square one reminds me of 'snakes and ladders', only here the snakes are in the government and the vested interests hold the ladders that can extend upwards to heaven. I am informed that the 'snakes' have been driven by the need to purchase money counting machines for their homes. :-)) Take to the streets, indeed.!! Who? I do hope that in the bargain all the streets get hot-mixed and smooth to be easy on the feet of those who take to the streets.. When the GBA gave a call, people felt in its genuineness. They came in hoards. Because they thought that the stink of the politics since 1961 would be removed and Goa would get a breath of fresh air. Hardly did they know that the stink would penetrate the supply of fresh air and bring the whole exercise BACK TO SQUARE ONE. This time it was not A Political Stink but sadly the APOLITICAL STINK. Venita dear, Here is a piece of advice. First, in all your sincerity, you need to engage in the exercise of getting the APOLITICAL stink out from the GBA that you are giving your life and larynx for. As long as GBA remains APOLITICAL, the stink will increase, just like the cancer with the cancer cells neutralising the immune cells/system. If you have not noticed, look around. You will see Political Madness has taken over. Requalify your GBA into the PPS movement where you maintain your political balance by remaining solidly political but clearly non-partisan. It is the Dirty, stinking politics that runs your life on daily basis which is bringing you back to square one in the game of snakes and ladders. If the Goan masses have to have faith and trust in the SAVE GOA movements anymore, GBA et al notwithstanding, you need to make them aware that they need to be PPS in the first place inorder to reap the benefits of good governance for themselves instead of handing these over to the SNAKES and LADDERS on the silver platter. btw, I have gone on record to tell the RP-2011 'Hearings Committee' at the PDA building, Mala Panjim, thus:- QUOTE If the powers that be [ meaning the TCP Minister] hands you gentlemen a grocery bag and tells you to shop for him groceries from the market, you will willingly do it. You gentlemen have reduced yourselves to the status of ERRAND BOYS nad GALS instead of qualified and profession TOWN and COUNTRY Planners. UNQUOTE Incidentally the chairman of the committee was my good friend Mr. Morad Ahmed, the present Chief Town Planner. In short, I shall make a prophecy, just like Nostradumus has made a plenty. Goa will be SAVED only if PPS prevails. Think about it. Cheers to PPS floriano goasuraj 9890470896 www.goasu-raj.org -- GOA does not only need HONEST persons to contest elections. Goa does not only need HONEST voters to elect honest persons. GOA urgently needs an 'HONEST SYSTEM of GOVERNANCE'. Wherein, even a dishonest person is forced to be honest or to QUIT. Such HONEST SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE is knocking at GOA's portals. GOA SU-RAJ IS THE 'PRECIOUS GIFT' to GOA GOANS by committed GOANS. A 'GIFT HORSE' that must not be looked in the mouth. PPS=PEOPLE for POLITICAL SANITY Display the 'PPS' sticker on your vehicle today, to reject political madness tomorrow. [Note: PPS stickers are available at CHAMPS Sports Shops - Mapusa-Panjim-Margao] - Original Message - From: Venita Coelho venitacoe...@gmail.com To: goa...@goanet.org Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 8:47 AM Subject: [Goanet] OPINION: Back to Square One Back to Square One By Venita Coelho Well, here we are back to square one. Fighting one more time to get a Regional Plan that we are happy with. What a long journey it has been – all to end up in the same place all over again. Three years ago Goa spilled out onto the roads to protest a Regional Plan that was disastrous. So vociferous were the protests and so many were the protestors that the Government actually cancelled the RP2012 and promised that it would include the peoples sentiments in the next plan. While the next plan ended up making no one entirely happy, there was a window for villages respond to the plans and to fill in a questionnaire asking for the development they wished for their own villages. It was months of hard work for both the GBA and various villages. I got laryngitis twice after explaining day after day just exactly how to tackle the RP2012. GBA members ended up exhausted and mentally drained. With no official training from the government, village regional committees and concerned citizens struggled with the task set them. Deadlines were extended time and again, but finally it was done. We heaved a sigh of
Re: [Goanet] FW: Good Day Friend !
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- On 25 February 2010 22:14, Ruby Goes rubyg...@bigpond.com wrote: Goanetters, Did any of you get this lovely surprise letter from Williams Moise? Sadly, I am not in Trade and Commerce and will miss out on this golden opportunity! Cheers, rubygoes Good Day Friend ! I got your contact from a professional database atgoanet.org , when I was searching through the internet for a reliable, honest and trustworthy person to entrust this with. I was simply inspired and motivated to pick your details from the many names in the list of the directory. I am Williams Moise,. I want to start investing in a profitable business in your country, but i don't have much experience on investment projects that is why i am contacting you to seek advice from you, so if you can assist me invest together in a profitable business in your country, contact me very urgent through my private E-mail above for further discussion. Best Regards, Williams COMMENT: Irresponsible of you to post this on Goanet; there are any number of gullible people who might be tempted to take up this 'scam' offer and probably loose their shirt if not kashti. Readers bewarned this is a variation of the Nigerian 419 scam - don't part with any cash, first and foremost do not even think about responding! Full read @ :- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance-fee_fraud -- DEV BOREM KORUM Gabe Menezes.
[Goanet] Goa news for February 27, 2010
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Goa News from Google News and Goanet.org Visit http://www.goanet.org/newslinks.php for the full stories. *** Top Maharashtra Goa postal official in Rs2 crore bribery case - Daily News Analysis aharashtragoa-official-held-with-rs-2-crore-bribe/110689-3.htmlusg=AFQjCNGUkH67ZgCOq5hZ3AeMfQgXx5e_kwTop Maharashtra-Goa official held with Rs 2 crore bribe http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=Rsa=Turl=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_top-maharashtra-and-goa-postal-official-in-rs2-crore-bribery-case_1352740usg=AFQjCNGZobgZiQA4TDo7fQn3cKU85q4a4g *** Mysterious SMS sends Goa politicians into tizzy - Press Trust of India wearing-in-sms-sends-goa-politics-into-tizzy_100326803.htmlusg=AFQjCNGB36XGs69__IhO4zWlc5aOn4waxwMysterious 'swearing-in' SMS sends Goa politics into tizzy http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=Rsa=Turl=http://www.ptinews.com/news/539402_Mysterious-SMS-sends-Goa-politicians-into-tizzyusg=AFQjCNEeWZnoJwbTQcVyXjePPhsj16PHaA *** Kazakhstan girl under police scanner in Goa - Daily News Analysis olice-hunt-for-Israeli-drug-dealers-Kazakh-girlfriend/articleshow/5614185.cmsusg=AFQjCNH6iPubr_m7K9KeEt8ZomjbBBJ65QGoa police hunt for Israeli drug dealer's Kazakh girlfriend http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=Rsa=Turl=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_kazakhstan-girl-under-police-scanner-in-goa_1352406usg=AFQjCNHYER13cY9t4pIEpxN3ALFzVd-htw *** Growth oriented budget; Rs.200 crore for Goa welcome: Kamat - Sify 00-cr-for-development-of-Goa-beachesusg=AFQjCNHaAD8AnX6IxAAZCkp2xiiRMfOwogRs 200 cr for development of Goa beaches http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=Rsa=Turl=http://sify.com/news/Growth-oriented-budget-Rs-200-crore-for-Goa-welcome-Kamat-news-National-kc0rObiajjg.htmlusg=AFQjCNEQwrdRWfbnR5Fr8ru4TVOQ9gxN-A *** Lisa Ray is holidaying in Goa - Daily News Analysis ay stop at Mumbai where she met her close bunch of friends and business associates, Lisa has packed her bags and is holidaying in Goa. ...a class= http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=Rsa=Turl=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_lisa-ray-is-holidaying-in-goa_1352906usg=AFQjCNED9bdh3MKujE99BUGrt7gybDf6QQ *** Budget's Goa jubilee package evokes mixed reaction - SINDH TODAY 1 union budget for preserving the natural ...a class= http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=Rsa=Turl=http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/110269.htmusg=AFQjCNGWCdD4T2Oeit66vzXr1PC9avYMWQ *** GOA To Offer Merchandising Division - All Access Music Group l Access Music GroupGREG OLIVER AGENCY (GOA) announced the launch of a merchandising division and a new partnership with WESTONE LABS. As we are looking to expand our business ...a class= http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=Rsa=Turl=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/71418/goa-to-offer-merchandising-division?ref=sitemapusg=AFQjCNFF1ZTXnfph-a4IQZfjpM0rT80dYQ *** The Russian lesson: How it all went wrong for Goa - Times of India mes of IndiaFor the first time in its history, Goa is experiencing clashes and increasing tensions between its tourists and its people. An analysis to find why this is ...a class= http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=Rsa=Turl=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/The-Russian-lesson-How-it-all-went-wrong-for-Goa/articleshow/5617850.cmsusg=AFQjCNGlfid-cWLGXDeprxIxlVOcRJoF1Q *** Most drugs from Mumbai to Goa brought by rich in expensive cars - Times of India mes of IndiaMeanwhile, during interrogations, Dudu has revealed to the police the different ways in which drugs land up in Goa, sources said. ...a class= http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=Rsa=Turl=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Most-drugs-from-Mumbai-to-Goa-brought-by-rich-in-expensive-cars/articleshow/5622083.cmsusg=AFQjCNFClpg_uFWHd3hJKAGMhlDjGyzxOw *** Goa police hand-in-glove with organised sex mafia: Official - Times of India mes of IndiaPANAJI: A senior Goa police official on Thursday admitted that the state is emerging as a den for the organized sex mafia in collusion with the local police ...a class= http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=Rsa=Turl=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goa-police-hand-in-glove-with-organised-sex-mafia-Official/articleshow/5615630.cmsusg=AFQjCNFGBGn06As4sKspNOXWfqUpSJSavg Compiled by Goanet News Service http://www.goanet.org/newslinks.php
[Goanet] Art escape and WAVE presents 2 days SUPPER FILM SCREENING on SAT/SUN 27th 28th feb at the ART ESCAPE, RESTO-LOUNGE.
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Hello Again! Greeting from Art Escape - Goa. Art Escape and WAVE presents: 2 days of 'SUPPER FILM SCREENING' on: SAT/SUN 27th 28th Feb'10 at the Art Escape ~ Resto-Lounge. COME ENJOY! SAT-SUN EVENING SPECIAL BARBEQUE ADDED TO THE MENU (veg/non-veg) DONT MISS IT... Looking forward to seeing you all at art escape. Spread the message. Entry FREE! RSVP Darryl 9881568756 vinesh 9323590051 for reservations. Venue: Resto-Lounge Art Escape - Woodstock Resort Vaddy Beach, South Benaulim South Goa. (take the beach road from Trinity Church) -- Art Escape www.artescape.in
[Goanet] Salgaocar win GFA U-16 Tournament
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Salgaocar won the GFA U-16 Tournament held at Tilak Grounds, Vasco on February 26, 2010. Photos: http://bit.ly/9csG5q In the finals Salgaocar Under-16 beat Orlim FC by 5-0. The goal fest was begun by Trunard Fernandes, Brendon Fernandes, Sheldon Fernandes and Mervin Borges. Brendon scored the brace in the finals. Chief Guest for the finals, Karim Bencherifa, Salgaocar SC coach praised the boys and believes these junior boys will make it big one day. Coached by Agustine Antao and Manager Anthony Noronha, this is the same set of boys who won the Under-15 Manchester Cup in 2009 and represented the country as Salgaocar Under-15 at Manchester United, England. Photos of Salgaocar players in action and Salgaocar Football Club head coach presenting the trophy and a winning cheque of Rs 15,000 and gift vouchers to the Salgaocar Under-16 winning captain. Also seen is Savio Messias, Secretary of Goa Football Association. Photos: http://bit.ly/9csG5q Also in photos Salgaocar's Under-16 boys in all joy with the winning trophy after winning GFA U-16 Tournament by dubbing Orlim FC 5-0. Also in photos Salgaocar Sports Club General Secretary RAJ Gomes, GFA organiser Lawrence Gomes, Salgaocar Head Coach Karim Bencherifa, Salgaocar U- 16 coach Agustine Antao, Salgaocar manager Anthony Noronha and GFA Secretry Savio Messias. SOURCE: Salgaocar Sports Club
[Goanet] Talking Photos: Churches/AMFTs of Verna, Batim, Corlim, Navelim, Valpoi
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Talking Photos: Churches/AMFTs of Verna, Batim, Corlim, Navelim, Valpoi Verna Church (1568) Holy Cross http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4385616048/sizes/l/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4385616664/sizes/l/ inside http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4352008280/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4352009188/ Batim Church Our Lady of Guadalupe (1541) http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4335445310/sizes/l/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4334701049/sizes/l/ A view from the cemetery Navelim Church http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4312028813/sizes/l/ Inside the Navelim AMFT (one side of it/left) http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4312766000/sizes/l/ a view from the new bypass Agassaim Church http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4376953664/sizes/l/ This Corlim AMFT link had a problem last time Re-sent http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4370322710/sizes/l/ Valpoi new and old churches http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4352291665/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukchurches2/4353037548/ joego...@yahoo.co.uk for Goa NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ For Goan Video Clips http://youtube.com/joeukgoa In Goa, Dial 1 0 8 For Hospital, Police, Fire etc Your Mail works best with the New Yahoo Optimized IE8. Get it NOW! http://downloads.yahoo.com/in/internetexplorer/
[Goanet] zilla panchayat constituencies
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- North Goa has 30 Zilla Panchayat Constituencies. Can anyone let me know which villages fall for e.g. in the Saligao and Aldona constituencies. thanks. -- marie
[Goanet] ALEXYZ Daily Cartoon (27Feb10)
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- *** 2010 Budget - FM Pranab *** Climate Change in Petrol Prices... Go Green! To enjoy the visual cartoon please visit: www.alexyztoons.com Site sponsored by www.goasudharop.org
[Goanet] SUNDAY, FEB 28, 2010: Quizzes at ICG conducted by SEQC
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Quizzes at International Centre Goa on Sunday, February 28, 2010, organised by the Sundat Evening Quiz Club (SEQC) First up: Fourplay Open Quiz Time: 5 pm (prelims); 5.30 to 7pm (finals) QM: Rajiv D'Silva Flavour: General Participation: Open to all. No entry fee or registration. Details: Prelims to be answered individually. Top eight finishers in the prelims will go on stage for finals. Main event: SEQC Mastermind finals Time: 7 pm to 8pm QM: Aniruddha Sen Gupta Format: Specialised subject round, followed by General knowledge round, as in BBC Mastermind Participation: Three finalists, based on qualification rounds held in October 2009 and February 2010 -- Abhishek Jha, Amit Shet and Vidyadhar Gadgil. Come participate in Fourplay, then stay to watch who is crowned SEQC Mastermind 2010. For more information, call Rajiv D'Silva on 9890141715, Aniruddha Sen Gupta on 2415449, or Anjali Sen Gupta on 9860089733; or e-mail seqc...@gmail.com
Re: [Goanet] Russian tourists have all kinds of vices --- BJP chief
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- The post appended below betrays a very narrow primitive mindset and a complete lack of knowledge about human culture. I believe that today better efforts are being made to educate our children, and provide them with a fact-based understanding of our ancient history, culture and traditions. The primitive attitude and ignorance demonstrated in the said post are rapidly becoming obsolete. Good riddance! Cheers, Santosh --- On Thu, 2/25/10, Nascy Caldeira nascy...@yahoo.com.au wrote: Samir, By the way, I feel good that I have opened the eyes of Indians that they have been traditional Racists in their own country, and not owning it. I hope there is positive change in the near future. Well, mine is a 'modern Goan Indian' culture with a worldly look, not a narrow parochial one like the majority of Indians; and I must say, I had cultivated this modern Indian Culture much much before, I landed Down Under. My migration to being 'Modern Man' in the international sense was made possible first by my ancestors in Goa, who broke away from the conservative primitive madness of the Indian tradition, and reformed; that is, so many of us; so much so that we can integrate and make ourselves 'at home' in any culture, anywhere in the world, and Be Accepted!!! Sad to say that I feel most uncomfortable with the traditional Indian Culture whilst not only in India but even in the Goa of today. Why? Because everything is so much 'pochpochit' !!! No Hard Feelings! I mourn for the 'primitiveness' of the majority of Indians. I identify myself as truly modern and worldly integrating person of Indian origin. I love BEEF and BACON; most of the world does! Nascy Caldeira.
[Goanet] Panchyat member with a lot of dough!
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Post-VDIS, income tax raids launched in Goa *Sandesh Prabhudesai* in Panaji Goa did not score well in the Voluntary Disclosure of Income Scheme, the income tax amnesty programme. Perhaps it is to make amends for the low collections that Goa became the first state post-VDIS to go on the offensive against the tax evaders, by launching a raid on a politician-turned-real estate agent in the coastal village of Calangute. Raiding the palatial bungalow worth Rs 4 million of Anthony Menezes, a member of the village *panchayat* (local council), last week, the income tax officials recovered documents worth Rs 150 million, including around 60 files of land agreements and property sale deeds. All his bank accounts as well as lockers are also frozen. The coastal villages of Goa, of which Calangute is a prime attraction for foreign tourists, are today centres for all kinds of activities, ranging from *hawala* dealings of foreign exchange to drug trafficking. As a result, the ill-gotten wealth has led to a construction boom, which in turn has destroyed scenic beauty of the coast. Menezes is involved in several real estate dealings besides running a security agency for all the hotels in the coastal areas. The income tax officials in Panaji now plan to continue such raids on those who refused to pay up under the VDIS. Says Shyamsunder Keshkamat, assistant director of income tax investigation branch, Besides people owning cellphones, investors in real estate market would also be targeted. The income tax office is believed to have prepared a list of all such people, who have reportedly invested black money into it. Meanwhile, the VDIS fared badly in Goa not because the local income tax department took little effort but mainly because the state is well above the national average in terms of routine tax collections. The greatest advantage Goa has is the Portuguese Civil Code, which remains in force, 36 years after the the state's liberation. Since 1994, the Income Tax Act has also taken cognisance of the Code to asses the family assets, which are equally divided among all the family members. After getting benefit of the tax exemption slabs, the people have to pay very little towards income tax for their share of property as per the Communion de Bens and the amendment in the Income Tax Act. Though the income tax officials in Panaji expected a good response from the builders, perhaps the crash in real estate market and liquidity crunch kept them away from making declarations. The fishing industry, surprisingly, is also missing from the VDIS list. Besides people owning cell phones, a craze in the tourist state, the local income tax department now plans to crack down upon investors in the real estate, as most of the Gulf-based Goans and businessmen from the neighbouring states and Bombay are known to have invested their black money in Goa. Collections at the Goa income tax office amount to around Rs 650 million with 3,600 declarations for an income of around Rs 2.05 billion. But hardly one third of it is Goa's share, since the Panaji-based income tax office also controls three districts in the neighbouring Karnataka state -- North Canara, Belgaum, and Bijapur, coming under Belgaum range. Keshkamat points out that Goa has been topping the list in terms of normal tax collections. Against the national average of less than one per cent, the collections here are over five per cent, he adds. The normal collection in Goa last year was Rs 1.45 billion compared to only Rs 300 million from the Belgaum range. This despite the fact that the size of each of the three districts in Karnataka is more than double that of Goa. http://www.rediff.com/money/1998/jan/15goa.htm COMMENT: Clearly there is a lot of money to be made in Goa, if you have the know how. -- DEV BOREM KORUM Gabe Menezes.
