OHERALDOThe Voice of Goa Since 1900

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, AUG 20

Will the axe finally fall on thesereligious structures or will theybe saved by relocation in privateproperties? This question is star-ing at the authorities in Catholicdominated Salcete taluka, as 42religious structures, mostly com-prising of crosses and portionof shrines have been cleared forremoval or relocation as per or-ders of the Supreme Court.

Given the sensitive nature ofthe issue, the authorities arehoping that representatives ofreligious bodies and locallyelected members relocate or re-move the structures on theirown.

Says Sub-Divisional Magis-trate, Margao Johnson Fernan-des: We had initially identifiedaround 193 structures in private,public or Communidade landcoming close to the roads. Later,the structures in private landwere struck off from the listidentified by the administration,narrowing down the number ofstructures to 42.

As per the government di-rectives, I had an interactionwith the concerned people tovoluntarily come forward andshift all or any of such structureswithin the scope of the direc-tives of the court, he said.

Records revealed that barringone or two religious Ghumtis,most of the structures identified

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

OLD GOA, AUG 20

Over a hundred commuters inthe Gaundalim-Cumbarjua ferrywere stranded for over twohours, when an ore-laden bargeM V Kashi ran aground alongthe ferr y route on Fr idayevening.

The incident occurred atabout 4.45 pm due to the lowtide and ferry coxswain was un-able proceed from Cumbarjuaferry ramp towards the Gaun-dalim ferry ramp. The barge wasfinally removed at about 6.45 pm.

It may be noted that as theRiver Navigation route is narrowfor barges to move, such inci-dents have been frequently oc-curring along the Gaundalimferry route. Such incidents havetaken place along the route ear-lier on two occasions, bargescarrying ore ran aground, dis-rupting ferry service along theGaundalim-Cumbarjua route.

Speaking to Herald, Gan-shyam Parab of Gaundalim said:Such incidents have been oc-

curring frequently along theGaundalim-Cumbarjua route andthis creates a problem for us.

People are under the impres-sion that this is a shorter routeto Cumbarjua and surroundingareas, but end up waiting forhours due to such incidents,he added.

Even today one could seethe ramp full of passengers andtwo-wheeler vehicles waitingfor the ferry to cross over. Sinceit was evening, people were re-turning to their houses after

their daily work but had towait due to the problem, saidParab.

Cumbarjua Sarpanch Suren-dra Madkaikar said The locals,last year, tried to stop bargesusing the route during the lowtide and the Captain of Portshad even given instructions onhow to navigate barges duringlow and high tides. However,barge coxswains navigate thebarges w i thout th ink ingabout the safety of ferry-boats, he said.

PTI

NEW DELHI, AUG 20

Dissatisfied by the quantum ofhike in the salaries approved bythe Union cabinet, membersfrom non-Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) opposition parties todaystalled proceedings in the LokSabha demanding that wagesbe raised to at least Rs 80,001.

The members , l ed byRashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chiefLalu Prasad and Samajwadi Partyleader Mulayam Singh Yadav,created uproar and forced twoadjournments before the onefor the day soon after the lunchrecess.

Hours af ter the cabinetcleared a proposal for raisingthe basic salary of MPs from Rs16,000 to Rs 50,000, severalnon-BJP opposition membersraised the issue in the Lok Sabhain the Question Hour, saying thehike was inadequate.

Demanding that the salary beraised to Rs 80,001, Re 1 morethan a Secretary to the govern-ment, the members of Sama-jwadi Party (SP), Bahujan SamajParty (BSP) Janata Dak(U), RJD,Shiv Sena and Akali Dal chantedslogans like stop the insult ofMPs and implement the reportof the parliamentary committeeon salaries and allowances.

The members contended that

government had insulted par-liament by rejecting the rec-ommendat ion o f i t s ownCommittee to raise the basicsalary to Rs 80,001 per month.

Earlier, the Union cabinet onFriday which had tripled the par-liamentarians basic salary alsoincreased their secretarial assis-tance allowance from Rs 14,000to Rs 20,000 a month.

The joint parliamentary com-mittee (JPC) had also recom-mended a secretarial allowanceof Rs 44,000 that was felt toosteep by the cabinet, sourcessaid. The cabinet, which ap-proved a bill for hiking theMPs salary and allowancesthat will burden the tax-payerwith additional Rs 142 crores,

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Idiot!! You left these things on mytable? Opposition realized thatmy Independence Day speechwas only Cut & Paste

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Sports: Ailing Stephanie Rice

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IN BRIEF

What each MP Getsl Basic salary of Rs 16,000. The salary has been hiked

by 300 percent as proposed by the cabinet.

l Daily allowance of Rs 1,000 for each day whenparliament is in session or taking part in housecommittee meetings. This has been doubled.

l Constituency allowance of Rs 20,000 a month. Thishas been doubled.

l Office expenseallowance of Rs 20,000 each month.Also doubled.

l Conveyance allowanceof Rs 1 lakh, which hasgone up to Rs 4 lakhnow.

l Spouses of MPs get free train travel from their placeof residence to Delhi. They also get up to eight freeplane tickets from their place of residence to Delhi.

Will 42 religious

structures face axe

or be relocated?Bomb scare forcesJet to land airplane A bomb scare on board a JetAirways Kuwait-Mumbai flightcarrying 160 forced it to makean emergency landing at Mus-cat airport but it turned out tobe a hoax.Omani authorities received atip off that a bomb might beaboard the aircraft followingwhich they alerted its crew.The crew then decided to di-vert to Muscat where theplane landed safely. (PTI)

Police recordstatements of

ragging victimsHERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, AUG 20

Even as nine students of the GoaMedical College arrested for rag-ging were released on bail, Agas-saim police on Friday recordedstatements of all seven wit-nesses.

Speaking to Deputy Superin-tendent of Police Deu Be-naulikar, told Herald that achargesheet against the allegedaccused MBBS students will be

MPs wont budge fromRs 80,001 as basic pay

PTI

NEW DELHI, AUG 20

Buckling under opposition pres-sure, government has droppeda controversial change in theNuclear Liability Bill which wastoday approved by the Unioncabinet, brightening chances ofits passage in parliament nextweek.

The cabinet, at a meetingchaired by Prime Minister Man-mohan Singh, accepted 18 rec-ommendations made by theParliamentary Standing Com-mittee On Science And Technol-ogy that examined the CivilLiability for Nuclear Damage Bill,2010.

It, however, rejected one pro-posed amendment which hadtriggered a row as it was seenas diluting the right of a nuclear

plant operator, which will begovernment undertaking, toseek compensation from thesupplier of equipment and ma-terial in case of an accident.

The rejected recommenda-tion was the addition of theword and between Clause17(A) and (B), which had trig-gered objections from BJP andLeft parties on the ground thatit would dilute the operatorsright to claim damages.

The committee had recom-mended that Clause 17 shouldbe read as The operator of anuclear installation shall havethe right of recourse where (A) such right is expressly pro-vided for in a contract inwriting and (B) the nuclearincident has resulted as a

Govt drops sticky word in nuke bill

The barge that ran aground along the Gaundalim-Cumbarjua ferryroute. Photo by Kanzil Rodrigues

Barge runs aground; 2-hrordeal for ferry users

l Structures comprisemostly crosses andportion of shrines.

l Initially 193 structureswere identified ascoming close toroads.

l A shrine at Sirlim anda monument at Pirni-Verna are givingauthorities a toughtime.

l SDMs have forwardedtheir report to thegovernment for a finaldecision.

Democracy means gov-ernment by discussion,but it is only effective

if you can stop people talking.

Clement Atlee

Resignation withdrawn on

CMs wordHERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, AUG 20

Celebrated playwright GirishKarnad today clarified that hewithdrew his resignation fromthe Golden Jubilee DevelopmentCouncil following Chief MinisterDigamabar Kamats assurancethat no further incidents of at-tacks on artists will take placein the State in future.

Karnad, who was named oneof the members of the council which is to be headed by therenowned scientist Dr Raghu-nath Mashelkar, offered to resignfrom the council expressingshock over the attack on JosePereira exhibition recently.

Speaking to Herald heretoday Karnad stated, The chiefminister told me that the policewere not informed of the inci-dent of attack on the exhibition.If the police were informed theywould have given protection tothe event.

Also, Karnad continued,When I sent the letter, the chiefminister was in Hyderabad ona official visit and could not dis-cuss the issue.

Expressing shock on the in-cident, Karnad had said in the

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HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, AUG 20

Alleging that the Congress-ledgovernment has not botheredto fulfill many of the assurancesgiven on the floor of the Houseduring this monsoon session,the BJP has planned to take onthe government by holding pub-lic meetings in the State.

The BJP State PresidentLaxmikant Parsekar told a pressconference on Friday here thatone public meeting will be heldin each of the eleven talukas tohighlight the issues that weretaken up in the Assembly ses-sion.

The Opposition party hadcorned the government on sev-eral issues such as price rise,police-drug dealers nexus, Asiloissue, illegal mining compellingthe government to assure theHouse that it will take action.

However, the BJP State Pres-ident today complaint that theministers have not taken actionpursuant to their assurances in

the House, Moreover, they havebecome complacent believingthat they will not be questioneduntil next session of the assem-bly.

The case in point, he said theassurance given by the ChiefMinister Digambar Kamat toshift OPD in new district hospitalin Mapusa.

We deferred our agitationsince the chief minister had in-tervened and assured the Housethat OPD will be shifted fromdilapidated Asilo Hospital to thenew district hospital, saidParsekar when reminded abouttheir declaration they will notkeep quite if new district hos-pital which has been ready sincelast two years, was not commis-sioned by August 15.

The Health Minister VishwajitRane had taken a stand that newhospital could not be commis-sioned in its present form andthey will have to wait till a con-tractor is appointed to operateit on Public Private Partnership

(PPP) mode.It was only after the chief min-

isters intervention that he re-lented to open OPD. The BJPtoday claimed there are no in-dications that health ministerwants to keep his word.

He said they would take ap-propriate action after GaneshFestival next month if OPD isnot shifted in the new hospital.When asked he also said theyare opposed to handing overthe hospital to a private party.

Meanwhile, the party willhave public meetings beginningon August 21, wherein firstmeeting will be held in Vasco.Second meeting is scheduled tobe held in Mormugao on August22. Also meetings will be heldin Pernem, Veling in Sanquelim,Canacona, Marcela, Bicholim,Shiroda, at Merces in St Cruz,Fatorda, and Quepem.

These meetings will be ad-dressed by local leaders whereinlocal issues will be highlighted,he said.

BJP to expose State govt onfailure to fulfill assurances

To hold meetings in all talukas

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, AUG 20

Margao Municipal Councils decisionto hike the Municipal shop rent withretrospective effect has evokedstrong objections from the NewMarket traders.

Agitated traders under thebanner of Margao New MarketTraders Association on Fridaygheraoed Margao MunicipalChairperson Savio Coutinhoover the notices served by thecivic body proposing a hike inthe Municipal rent of the newmarket stalls.

Led by Association PresidentVinod Shirodkar, the traderstook strong exception to thedecision by the civic body toimplement the new rates withretrospective effect from 1997.

Shirodkar point blank toldthe Municipal Chairperson thatthe traders are willing to paythe 10 per cent hike in rent fromthe current financial year andfirmly ruled out payment of anyarrears of the last 10 years.

The traders contended that thepoor traders will end up paying ar-rears to the tune of Rs 30,000 if theCivic body has its way in implement-ing the circular with retrospectiveeffect, he said.

He wondered why the Civic body

MMC shopkeepers not to pay rent arrears

New Market Traders led by Vinod Shirodkar gheraoing MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho on Friday.

is bulldozing its way on the eve ofMunicipal polls with the proposalwhen past Chairpersons and ChiefOfficers had failed in their endeav-ours. We fail to understand whythe Civic body is showing unduehaste to recover the arrears and hikethe rent, he added. The MMC Chair-person later told newsmen that theCivic body has proposed a hike inthe rent following a circular receivedfrom the government.

He said that the traders canmake a representation to theCivic body on their inability topay the arrears, saying the coun-cil will take an appropriate de-cision on the issue.

We have issued notices on thetraders as the Civic body want toassess rent. Whenever, we take someaction, the traders come and stopthe move. It is in the interest of thetraders that they should allow the

exercise, Coutinho said, adding thattheir grievance of payment of arrearscan be looked into by the Civic body.

Coutinho, however, lamentedthat the traders have broughtobjections even before the Civicbody could commence theprocess. The Chief Officer ishearing five traders every day.If they have any grievances, letthem give representation, headded.

CM to decideon expo, saleat BPS Club

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, AUG 20

Chief Minister Digambar Kamatwill finally decide the questionon banning the exhibition-cum-sales at the BPS Club here.

A joint meeting between theMargao Municipal Council, NewMarket traders and BPS Clubmanagement will be held at theresidence of the Chief Ministeron Monday.

T h i s w a s d e c i d e d a t ameeting agitated New Mar-ket Traders had with MMCChairperson Savio Coutinhoand Chief Officer Y B Tawdeon Friday evening.

After the meeting, New Mar-ket Traders leader Vinod Shi-rodkar said the contentiousissue of ban on exhibitions willbe decided at a meeting withthe Chief Minister. He assertedthat the traders would not resttill the exhibition-cum-sales atthe BPS club is banned.

MMC Chairperson SavioCoutinho said the BPS club man-agement will be called for themeeting as their presence is re-quired to ascertain the numberof permissions normally grantedby the club for exhibitions.

Many areas inMargao go

without waterHERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, AUG 20

Many areas of the Commercialcapital went without water sup-ply on Friday after a main un-derground water pipeline atAquem developed leakages thismorning.

PWD officials shut down themain line to plug the leakageand work was continuing at thesite till late Friday night.

When Herald contacted PWDofficials at around 11 pm, theymaintained that water supplywill be restored through themain line in another two hours.

A PWD Junior Engineer in-formed areas such as Aquem,Khareband, Vidhyanagar, GogolHousing Board, besides parts ofNavelim were affected followingthe water leakage.

A PWD official said that workis going on a war footing andexuded confidence that thework on plugging the leakagewould be complete past mid-night.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

Show cause toShimnit Utsch

likely onMondayHERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, AUG 20

The issue of show-cause noticeto Shimnit Utsch for the termi-nation of high security registra-tion plate (HSRP) contract hasnow dragged on further.

Transport Director Arun Desaisaid that the file was yet to bereceived from Advocate General(AG) till today evening and nowit is likely to come on Monday.

We have not yet received filefrom AGs office. Hence the no-tice was not issuedNow it willbe only on Monday, Desai toldHerald.

He said that a weeks timewill be given to the company toreply. All the procedures willbe followed before terminatingthe contract, he said.

Last week, High Court had di-rected State government toissue show-cause notice to thecompany before termination ofthe contract. The directions hadcome after company raised theissue that they have been notinformed about the terminationof the contract by the govern-ment.

The Srivastava committee, ap-pointed by the government, hadpointed out several irregularitiesin the HSRP contract and hadsaid that the tender process hasbeen vitiated by the govern-ment. The state cabinet there-after had taken a decision toterminate the contract withShimnit Utsch.

The company in their petitionbefore the court had pointedout that all the allegations madeby the government committeedo not stand after awarding thecontract. These points shouldhave highlighted before award-ing the tender.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, AUG 20

With an eye on the fast ap-proaching elections to the Cana-cona Municipal Council (CMC),hectic activities have begun withsome politicians commencingcorner meetings in the town.

It is learnt that Gazette Pub-lication of delimitation of all the10 wards is also received andthere is no change in any of theCanacona Municipal Council(CMC) wards, paving way for thecandidates to contest in the ex-isting line of boundaries andsame voters approached earlier.

I have seen the governmentgazette publishing the delimi-tation of municipal wards. Thereis no change in all the 10 wardsfor CMC, said CMC ChairpersonShamsundar Dessai.

Sources informed Herald thatat least two corner meetings areheld in municipal areas, activelyparticipated by a taluka MLA,who lately is on a serious driveto establish his base beyond theas semb ly segment he i spresently representing.

Ruling councilors are not lag-ging behind either and if CMCChairperson Dessai is to be be-lieved, a panel of 10 candidateswill be fielded in the Octobercivic polls.

The present ruling dispensa-tion has six councillors, whilethe other four chairpersons arebelieved to have different affil-iations and termed as opposi-tion councillors.

Sources informed that all thesix ruling councillors are likelyto file their applications pro-vided the reservation of seatsfor women, ST and SC doesnt

interfere.Even if such circumstance

arises, the next of kin of the rul-ing councillors is likely to befielded, while close aides of theruling are reportedly tipped tocontest municipal elections asruling panel members in thewards represented by oppo-sition councillors, addedsources.

Interestingly, the fate of Pon-sulem ward represented bychairperson Dessai is still un-known, as earlier indicationshave suggested that the wardwill be reserved for women.

It is still unclear, but I amgiven to understand that myward will be open for contestand wont be a reserved one. Ihope to contest from my ownward, reiterated Dessai.

As the assembly elections arelikely within the next two years

and the talukas two assemblysegments will henceforth electonly one MLA, establishing baseby few politicians, especiallyfrom the 40th Poinguinim con-stituency are attempting tomake forays into the 39thCanacona Assembly segmentareas.

Sources i n fo rmed tha tPoinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawad-kar, who in recent times seenmore active in Canacona assem-bly segment than his ownPoinguinim constituency, attimes reportedly annoying hisparty colleague and represent-ing MLA is likely to field his ownpanel in the forthcoming mu-nicipal elections.

If the same sources are to bebelieved, Tawadkar has alreadychaired two corner meetings intwo municipal wards and is hotlyon the track to hold more suchmeetings.

Another polit ician fromStates southern-most assemblysegment with his eyes on com-mon Canacona constituency islearnt as attempting to make inroads with either a tie-up withthe present ruling councillorsor floating a new panel.

Sources informed that Cana-cona MLA Vijay Poi Khot is lyinglow and reportedly awaiting tostrike chord at the right oppor-tunity in the forthcoming mu-nicipal elections, while yetanother seasoned politicianfrom the taluka has alreadybegun to build his own teamand even finalized some candi-dates in few of the 10 councilwards.

Canacona wakes up to municipal elections

nSources informedHerald that atleast two cornermeetings are heldin municipalareas, activelyparticipated by ataluka MLA, wholately is on aserious drive toestablish his basebeyond theassemblysegment he ispresentlyrepresenting.

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, AUG 20

Goa Konkani Academy PresidentN Shivdas has lamented thatKonkani language is still notbeing used in the state admin-istration even after the mothertongue of Goans was includedin the Eight Scheduled of theIndian Constitution 18 yearsago.

Speaking to newsmen on thesidelines of the function organ-ized by Goa Konkani Academyto mark including of Konkaniin the Eight Schedule of theConstituency, Shivdas said: Weare sad that even after 18 yearsthat Konkani was included inthe Eight Schedule, the lan-guage is still not used by thebureaucrats to run the state ad-ministration, adding that ifGoans dont accept Konkani astheir language, others will notcome and protect the lan-

guage.Reminding the powers that

be, including ministers andMLAs that Goa attained State-hood because of Konkani lan-guage, Shivdas said regrettedthat though the British and Por-tuguese have left the country,English continues to be used inthe state administration.

Konkani language is neg-lected in the state adminis-tration. In other states, the

administration is conductedin their respective mothertongue, he sa id and ap-pealed to the bureaucratsand government employeest o a t l e a s t u s e s p o k e nKonkani i f they have anyproblem with written Eng-lish.

Earlier, at the program, notedKonkani writer, Adv Uday Bhem-bre recalled the events in Delhithat finally led to the inclusionof the language in the EightSchedule.

The Amendment Bill toinclude Konkani in the EightSchedule was passed by Par-liament without debate injust one hour and half. Itwas perhaps the first timethen that the Bill was passedin Parliament without anydebate, thus realizing thedream of Goans for recog-nition of Konkani at the na-tional level, Bhembre said.

Konkani still not used foradministrative work: Shivdas

nKonkani languageis neglected inthe stateadministration. Inother states, theadministration isconducted intheir respectivemother tongue.

-- N Shivdas

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, AUG 20

It may sound strange, but a path-way running parallel to a rivulet,is responsible for at least sixdrowning deaths in the last 8-10 years.

It may be recalled that onTuesday afternoon, a 52-year-old man walking on a footpath,which runs parallel to a rivuletat Idhar-Poinguinim, slipped andfell into the water. The body

was found only after two days,on Thursday from the banks ofriver Galgibaga.

Vidhyadhar Pednekar ofGaliem, a place situated on theopposite side of the pathway,said: The accidental drowningdeath of Mohan alias GuneshChari could perhaps be the sixthsuch death. The victims wereusing the unprotected pathwayrunning parallel to the rivuletduring the last 8-10 years.

Sources informed that previ-ously one carpenter and a toddy-tapper had also slipped fromthe pathway and had drownedin the river. There is no pro-tection to this pathway. Besides,there is no other option to theresidents other than to use thisshort cut, informed Pednekarand others from the locality.

The residents have demandedprovision of some arrangementsat the site to provide suitable

protection like erection of a pro-tection wall.

Meanwhile, the body of sec-ond drowning victim in riverGalgibaga was found over a kilo-metre away from the location.

Police informed that the bodyof Patrick Barretto (35), who waspulled in f lood waters onWednesday was found in theriver Galgibaga near Maxem onFriday morning. The body hasbeen sent for a post-mortem.

One drowns after slipping off pathway

The absence of a protection wall poses a threat to residents using the pathway near the rivulet. Photo by Kathy Pereira

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, AUG 20

Unknown miscreants made anabortive attempt to decampwith aluminium conductorsfrom the Power House, Aquem

Security man foils bid to robaluminium conductors

The conductors that were left on the road by miscreants after theyfailed in their bid to burgle the goods at the Power House.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

ness.The incident is believed to

have occurred between 3.30 amto 4 am when the miscreantstried to lift a bundle of conduc-tors estimated to cost aroundRs one lakh.

Security man Kamlakar Naik,who was on duty, heard a noiseof a vehicle near the yard andupon inquiry found some per-sons trying to cut the conduc-tors.

Initially, I saw three personsnear the conductor bundles, butthere were others in the vicin-ity, he said, adding that heraised an alarm as the miscre-ants outnumbered him at thespot.

The aluminum conductorswere lying abandoned righton the main road near thepower house this morning,indicating that the miscre-ants had nearly managed tolift away the booty, but forthe presence of mind of thealert security man.

in the wee hours of Friday.The burglary, however, was

foiled by an alert security man,who raised an alarm, forcing themiscreants to make good theirescape under the cover of dark-

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, AUG 20

Two failed daring attempts ofrobberies by break opening twohouses in different localities atCanacona on Friday morning al-most shook the locals out oftheir wits.

In an almost identical operationspanning within hour of each other,one house at Agonda and anotherat Mastimoll (situated within 100mtrs of Canacona Police station)were broke open.

The incidents occurred whenthe inmates had gone to theirrespective work, but the culpritsfled from the scene withoutbooty, after reportedly noticedby others around.

In the first instance, two mis-creants on a motorcycle stoppedto break open the main door ofa house belong to one PrashantNaik Gaunkar of Agonda at

about 11 am. As usual, the in-mates of the house, couple, hadleft for work at about 7 am.

Since the house is in an iso-lated location, but situated justacross the State road passingthrough Agonda, one person en-tered inside and the otherlatched the broken main doorfrom outside and stationed out-side the compound gate.

The man inside reportedlybroke open one cupboard, ran-sacked it to find nothing exceptbooks and a laptop, and perhapswhile attempts were made toopen another cupboard, theman had to flee through theback door empty handed report-edly after he received a signalfrom the man outside.

The man outside sent warn-ing, reportedly after observinga woman working in plantation.

After duly informed, the

house occupants reached fromtheir respective working placesand were relieved to find thatnothing was taken away.

Police were called, whosearched the dense forest be-hind the house and are report-ed ly on look - out for anysuspicious looking charactersfrequenting the village.

In the second incident, maindoor of a house belonging toone Abhay Rane situated barelywithin 100 mtrs from CanaconaPolice station, was broke open,after the inmates had left fortheir work place.

Sources informed that themodus operandi is a similar one,again by two persons, but luckilyfor Rane, his neighbours sawthe unusual movement andwhile trying to inform others,the man standing outsidewarned the inside man and

swiftly fled from the scene.Nothing was taken away from

this house also, informed thesources.

These two incidents have alsoperplexed several residents inthe taluka with few demandingthat police start patrolling theresidential localities and keepan eye on residential houses,especially of working people.

A few thefts including day-light robberies in the past havealso shaken the residents, butthe two acts on a single day al-most in identical manner hasagain brought those memoriesback, claimed locals.

Police should exercise propersurveillance in these localitiesand put behind bars any suspi-ciously moving characters in vil-l ages t r y ing to t a rge tunoccupied houses, demandedthe locals.

House burglars flee without taking booty

2 acquitted of murder

HEARLD REPORTER

MARGAO, AUG 20

The Sessions court on Friday ac-quitted the two persons, whowere charged by the police forthe murder of a resident of Varcain 2008.

The court ordered the acquit-tal of Lionora Martins andBernard Fernandes of thecharges of murder and destruc-tion of evidence.

It was the case of the prosecutionthat the duo with common intentionon the intervening night of 16-17May 2008 allegedly assaulted thedeceased Loyel and later dumpedhis body in the River Sal. The bodywas later recovered from the riverat Dramapur on May 19.

Nasik man killed in mishap

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

PORVORIM, AUG 20

A 37-year-old man from Nasikdied after he was knocked downby an unknown vehicle nearVrindavan Hospital at Mapusaon Thursday night.

According to Mapusa Police,the accident occurred at about7.30 pm when three touristsfrom Nasik were crossing theroad near Vrindavan Hospital.

Police further informed that anunknown vehicle dashed SandeepSubhash Patil and fled from the site.

Patil, who had sustainedgrievous injuries, was rushed toVridavan Hospital, where he suc-cumbed to injuries within twohours.

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, AUG 20

Employees of the South Goa Ad-ministrator of Communidadeshave threatened to go on a pendown strike from August 25 ifthe government fails to absorbthem in government service orpay their salaries for the lastfour months.

Addressing a press confer-

ence, aggrieved employeespointed out that they havenot been paid their salariesfo r four months and de -manded that the governmentimmediately disburse theirsalaries.

Pramod Desai told news-men that Communidade em-p loyees a re on pa r w i thgovernment servants and de-

manded they be absorbed ingovernment cadre.

We are often drafted forofficial work such as electionduties, BLOs census duties,agr icultura l census, EPICdr ive , Col lector s o f f i ce ,Mamlatdar office. On absorp-tion, we are confident ofh a n d l i n g t h e w o r k e f f i -ciently, Desai added.

Communidade staff warn of strike

GOA, SATURDAY, 21 AUGUST, 2010

GOA Pg 3OHERALD

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HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, AUG 20

The Ministry of Environmentand Forest (MoEF) has asked theGoa State Pollution ControlBoard (GSPCB) to have a publicconsultation on the develop-ment of iron ore terminal atWest of Breakwater (WOB) pro-posed by Mormugao Port Trust(MPT).

According to sources in MPT,MPT officials along with GSPCBon Thursday had a meeting,where MPT made a presentationof iron ore terminal.

The expert appraisal commit-tee of MoEF then asked GSPCBto have a public consultation onthe issue.

Top officials from MPT in-formed that expert appraisalcommittee of MoEF askedGSPCB to have public consulta-tion on the proposed iron oreterminal at WOB. Accordingly,the port made an application toGSPCB and paid all the fees andrequested to have public con-sultation for the project.

Said GSPCB chairman DrSimon DSouza: The boardmembers were of the view thatsince Vasco is facing coal dustpollution due to manual han-dling of coal at Berth No 10 and11, coal handling should beshifted towards sea, as the pres-

GSPCB asked to have public consultation on ore terminal

Proposed iron ore terminal at West of Breakwater in the port area of MPT.ent proposed iron ore terminalat WOB and present coa lhanding should be replacedwith container yard, saidDSouza.

DSouza said GSPCB has notasked MPT to stop any expan-sion work and the board willdiscuss on the issue further andmeet once again.

The proposed iron ore termi-nal at WOB will be developedat an estimated cost of Rs 1,012crore on Public-Private Partner-

ship (PPP).The terminal would be a ded-

icated iron ore berth with back-up area with 1.5 lakh sq mtrswith stockpile area of 70,000sq mtrs.

The berth length will be 300mtrs (main berth) and 300 mtrs(barge berth) with capacity of7.2 metric tonnes and projectwould be completed by Febru-ary 2014.

The GSPCBs suggestion toshift the existing manual coal

handling at the proposed ironore terminal at WOB will notget weight-age from MPT sincethey have proposed to convertmanual coal handling to mech-anized coal terminal at BerthNo 11 as per the High Court andGSPCB directives, while the pro-posed coal terminal would bedeveloped in covered domestorage shape with conveyorand state-of-art facilities,giving less scope for dustpollution.

nationwide strike on

September 7HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, AUG 20

All India Trade Union Congress(AITUC) in co-ordination withvarious trade unions has an-nounced all India strike on Sep-tember 7 to reiterate itsdemands pertaining to pricehike.

Addressing a press conferenceon Friday here, the Convener ofCo-ordination Committee of GoaGovernment Employees Association(CO-CO-GGOE-AUITC) Suhaas Naik,said irrespective of their ideologiesall trade unions in the country willparticipate in the nationwide strikeon September 7.

In Goa, all government em-ployees associations are withAIUTC supporting its demands suchas roll back hike effected in oilprices, control prices of essentialcommodities, strengthen PDS, stopviolation of labour laws, no sale ofprofit making public sector units.They have also planned a hugerally in the city on September 7which will begin at KTC busstand and culminate at AzadMaidan, said Naik.

Their State-specific demandinclude upgradation of payscale for all left out categories,payment of field allowance tofield staff, payment of shiftallowance to all staff workingin shifts in various governmentdepartments and also regulariza-tion of services of all contract em-ployees in the government service.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, AUG 20

Recovery Rate (RR) of sugar canein other parts of the country is10 per cent and above but inGoa it has much less and fluc-tuates between 7 and 8 per cent. Worried Sanjivani Sugar Factory(SSF), a lone sugar factory in theState, has now come out with ascheme to induce farmers to in-crease RR of their sugarcane.As per the scheme , farmers willget two per cent more on theassured price of sugar cane ifthey have RR between 9 and9.5 per cent. If he manages to get RR above9.5 per cent, he will be paid 4per cent more on the assuredprice of sugarcane. Last season, SSF paid Rs 1500per metric ton for local farmers

Sugarcane recovery rate low in Goa

and rates fluctuate every seasonas per market demand.Though, the States hot andhumid conditions are to beblamed for low RR -- other prob-lems related to irrigation andharvesting are also contributoryfactors.Fertilizers have to be appliedadequately and if not, it impactsRR. Sugarcane is water intensivecrop and irregular irrigation canalso hamper productivity, saysSSP Tendulkar, Director of Agri-culture. Shefali Naik, Chief AgricultureOfficer (CAO) of SSF says im-matured harvesting is a majorproblem as farmers do not waittill crop is twelve months old. It takes a whole year for sugar-

cane crop to mature. Farmers in Goa harvest duringeighth or ninth month as soonas labourers are available, shesaid.Rajen Dessai, President of Sug-arcane Growers Association(SGA) however says inadequateirrigation facilities is one ofthe problems besides un suit-able climatic conditions thataffects RR.Farmers in neighbouring areasof Karnataka and Maharashtraget RR of 10 to 12 per cent theaverage RR is less by 4 per cent.The SSF procurers about 50 percent of sugarcane from Kar-nataka and Maharashtra andfinds it more profitable propo-sition due to higher RR.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

PERNEM, AUG 20

Farmers agitating against theproposed Mopa airport have se-verely criticised the Pernem po-lice for attempting to stifle theirprotests.

A leader of the Mopa Viman-tal Pidit Shetkari Samitte (MopaInternational Airport AffectedFarmers Committee) has claimedthat Pernem police acted on a"false" media report and sentnotices to them, warning themagainst holding any protests onIndependence Day.

On August 14, the inspectorof Pernem police station sentnotices under Section 149 CrPCto leaders of the Mopa VimantalPidit Shetkari Samiti (Mopa In-ternational Airport AffectedFarmers Committee) warningthem of action if they wentahead with any protests on In-dependence Day.

"There is input informationreceived that the members ofMopa Vimantal Pidit ShetkariSamitte will sit for dharna onAugust 15 during the celebra-tion of independence day at KTCbus Stand Panaji and at HutatmaSmarak Patradevi in protestagainst acquisition of land forproposed Mopa Air port," statedthe notice.

"You are the activist of thecommittee and there is reason-able apprehension that you willinvolved in law and order prob-lem which may led's (sic) to-wards commission of seriouscognizable offence."

"You are therefore beingissued notice U/s 149 CrPCto desist from getting in-volved in cognizable offenceand in the event if failure inyour part deem fit action willbe initiated against you," thenotice stated.

Copies of the letter were for-warded to to the Superinten-dent of Police (North) and theMapusa SDPO.

When contacted, Pernem Po-lice PI Uttam Raut Dessai con-firmed that the notice had beenissued to three persons of thecommittee as per law and tomaintain law and under Section149 of IPC.

Since the committee leadershad given a call for an agitationon Independence Day, there wasa possibility of disturbance ofpeace, said PI Dessai.

It is a common procedurefollowed by the police depart-ment and on the basis of thecall for the agitation, we issueda pre-notice to the committeeleaders, added PI Dessai.

The Farmers Committee lead-ers have, however, criticised thepolice for acting on a "false"media report.

A false report was given tothe local media and on the basisof this false information, policeserved the notice, statedSandeep Kambli of Shemechi-Advan, one of the committeeleaders.

"In fact, we had not given anycall for a protest on Independ-ence Day. One of our leaders

was in a hospital and policeserved him the notice at theTuyem Hospital."

Incidentally on August 15,nearly 30 affected farmers hadassembled near the BarazannTemple at Shemeche-Advan todecide their future course of ac-tion.

"Some farmers had assemblednear the Barazann temple andperformed religious functionsto seek divine help to save theirland. However, one of the policepersonnel is trying to defameus and our committee, allegedKambli.

He alleged that though thematter pertaining to the con-troversial acquisition of land forthe proposed Mopa airport isbefore the court, the govern-ment has issued acquisition no-tices to the people.

Instead of helping us, thegovernment and some polit-ical leaders are forcing thepeople to give up their landfor the proposed interna-tional airport at Mopa, al-leged Kambli.

It may be recalled that localsof Mopa are up in arms againstthe proposed Mopa airport,claiming that they would losetheir homes, plantations andtheir livelihood.

A group of affected farmershave formed the Mopa VimantalPidit Shetkari Saghtana' underthe leadership of Sandeep Kam-bli, Hanumant Aroskar andDigambar Tulaskar to fight fortheir cause.

Police accused of stifling anti-Mopa airport protests

Bangla fathercharged for

raping minordaughter

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, AUG 20

Ponda Police in a charge-sheetfiled before Goa Childrens Courttoday has accused Bangladeshnational father for raping andassaulting his 14-year-old daugh-ter.

45-year old Azad Mia, origi-nally from Bangladesh and cur-rently residing at Curti, Pondais currently under judicial custody.He is booked under section 376,323, 354 of Indian Penal Code and8(2) of Goa Childrens act.

The charge-sheet mentionsthat the medical examinationconducted on the girl has con-firmed that she was being rapedoften and was assaulted at sev-eral occasions in the absence ofher mother.

In the absence of my mother,father took me to the bedroomand raped me in April, May andSeptember 2009 by tying myhands and legs to the bed, thevictim has said in her complaint.

Ponda police had registeredcomplaint against the accusedon July 31, 2010 and the verysame day the accused was alsoarrested.

Ponda police have examinednine witnesses including victimscousin brother and close friend,who have told the investigatingofficer that the victim had con-fessed about rape on her severaltimes.

She did not wanted to go tothe police as her father was thesole bread earning member ofthe family, the victims is quotedin the charge-sheet. During thearrest punchanama some abra-sions and tooth bite marks wereseen on the body of the ac-cused, charge-sheet stated.

Two held for selling fake

leatherproducts

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, AUG 20

Crime Branch sleuths arrestedtwo persons for selling spuriousleather craft products in thename of three overseas compa-nies, in separate raids at twostores on the coastal belt, lateon Thursday night.

The raid was carried outbased on a complaint filed byinvestigating officer of strategicproperties Anil Kumar, on behalfof S A Cartier International, N VCartier International B V andMontblanc Simlo GMBH.

Alleged accused identified asDharmender Kanoji and GaneshDey are arrested under Copy-right Act and cheating. The au-thorized Companies are intotrading pure leather productsmainly ladies hand bags saida Crime Branch official.

The team which split into twofirst raided a leather crafts storeat Calangute and caught red-handed Kanoji selling duplicateproducts. On questioning theworker employed at the storefor the last two years disclosedthe owner s name as NitinThakkar, a resident of GauraWaddo at Calangute.

The owner is presently outof stationIn the meantime,we are proceeding with the raidprobe, informed a CB source.

Another store, namely Orig-inal Sake at Candolim was sub-sequently raided to unearthsame fake products. Dey, a na-tive of Assam was also arrestedwho on questioning disclosedthe owners name as Suraj Shuiv-ani. The worker has been em-ployed at the store for the lastfour years.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, AUG 20

The Taleigao Communidademarks 500 years of its existenceon Saturday, August 21, the dayof the annual Harvest Feast (Kon-sachem Fest), even as Gaunkarsciting unplanned developmentsthat have cropped up on landbelonging to the Communidadeexpressed serious doubtswhether the tradition of pre-senting the first corn of rice willlast another five years.

The President of this yearsfeast, Vito Gomes, addressing apress conference, said despiteall odds the Taleigao Commu-nidade has managed to preservethe rights of the nine Gaunkarfamilies that constitute the age-old institution in the village. Asper old official records theTaleigao Communidades landadmeasured 100 square kilome-tres extending upto the capitalcity and beyond, he stated.

Gomes, who is one of the nineGaunkars, said, Keeping upwith tradition we will be meet-ing up with Governor, who isthe custodian of Communidadeland in Goa, on August 24 andpresenting the damage caused tothe fields that are inundated withsewage and waster water, a fact thatcant escape the naked eye.

Advocate Andre Pereira, who iswell-researched in Communidadeaffairs, and Sigmund DSouza,

Taleigao Communidade celebrates 500 years Gaunkars rue sewage and waste water in fields

A sweet stall set up for the Harvest Feast (Konsachem Fest) on Saturday in Taleigao. Photo by Franky Gracias

Gaunkar from Serula, maintainedCommunidade land cannot be ac-quired. They mentioned all thosewho have encroached upon Com-munidade land are unauthorised oc-cupants.

Adv Pereira, who is a Gaunkarf rom Mormugao , s a id ,Gaunkars unaware of the lawhave failed to recover the landbelonging to them from the oc-cupants after the expiry of theperiod of contract.

Those holding the Commu-nidade land continue to do soafter their forefathers. Its timethe present Gaunkars wake upand take what is rightfullytheirs, he stated.

Touching upon history, DSouzasaid different versions of historywere floating around with many be-lieving that the Portuguese had con-quered Goa. In reality they werebrought in by the natives to put anend to the oppression perpetratedby Adilshah of the Bijapur Empire,he stated.

DSouza said the history ofTaleigao is unique because itwas the first village to have beengiven the privilege of presentingthe first sheaf of corn to thePortuguese Governor Generalin recognition of the help thevillagers gave to Portuguesetroops when they were starvingfor food in 1510 after being de-

feated by Adilshah. Meanwhile, the President of

this years feast along with AdvPereira and DSouza, Gomes, hasfervently appealed to Gaunkarsfrom around Goa to patronisethe occasion to uphold the richtraditions and pledge to savethe Communidades from furtherdeterioration.

Fresh sheaves of corn fromthe fields at Bondya Bhat willbe blessed by the Parish priestand brought to the TaleigaoChurch in a procession for theHoly Mass at 10 am. The festiv-ities will go on upto August 24when the first corn of rice willbe presented to the Governor.

GOAOHErALd

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Pg4short tAkes

GOA, sAturdAy, 21 AuGust, 2010

==

Rajiv Gandhi remembered

CM Digambar Kamat, GPCC General Secretary Altinho Gomes payhomage to former Prime Minister of India late Rajiv Gandhi on theoccasion of his 66th birth anniversary at Congress House, Panjim.Other party office bearers are present.

PANJIM (HND): The State, on Friday, fondly remembered for-mer Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 66th birth anniversarywith Chief Minister Digambar Kamat leading the state in pay-ing rich tributes to the departed leader.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Water Resources MinisterFilipe Neri Rodrigues, MLA Francisco Silveira, Information andPublicity Director, office bearers of the Congress party, frontalorganization and party workers, Goa Pradesh Congress Com-mittee President Subhash Shirodkar and others paid floral trib-utes to the late leader at his Bambolim where his lifesize statuehas been erected. The Chief Minister also administered theSadbhavna Pledge on the occasion. GPCC General SecretaryAltin Gomes welcomed the gathering.

The Chief Minister later administered Sadbhavna Pledge tothe bureaucrats including government employees at the Por-vorim Secretariat complex.

He recalled the achievements of Rajiv Gandhi in transform-ing India into a technology savvy nation and urged the peopleto realise his dream of turning the country into a super power.

I-DAy CELEbRATEDAt Sao Matias

PANJIM (HND): As part of the Independence Day celebra-tions, Sao Matias Village Panchayat of Divar felicitated topthree rankers of SSCE held in April.

The programme started with tri-colour hosting by actingsarpanch Tulsidas Kundaikar in the presence of panchas AshaPai, Ludovina Ataide, Rama Bomkar, Prashant Harvalkar, ManuelFurtado, Jerry DSouza and students of Government PrimarySchool, St Aloysius School and Our Lady of Divar High School.

The students of Govt primary school and St Aloysius Schoolsang patriotic songs. Later, Tulsidas felicitated the rankers withthe cash prizes and certificates, followed by distribution ofbooks, sweets.

Earlier, one minute silence was observed for the people ofLeh, who lost their lives under natural calamity. The pro-gramme was campered by panch Jerry DSouza.

Meanwhile, VP members in the resolution taken last yearhad requested domestic gas supplier Rajani Traders, Panjim toput in service two vehicles a week one for Goltim Navelimand another for Sao Matias as the lone vehicle supplying do-mestic gas cylinders was not sufficient to cater to the needsof the entire island.

With no action being taken, it is the senior citizens whohave been the worst sufferers, since they have to wait for thevehicle from 1.30 till 4.30 pm, thus depriving them, their pre-cious afternoon siesta.

In the last few weeks, the locals of Belsur ward, Malar wereleft unattended because of shortage of gas cylinders. The VPof Sao Matias has appealed to the concerned authorities totake note of the situation faced by the people of Divar andsolve it soon.

At Santa Cruz

Lions Region Chairman P Valson along with Mala Lions PresidentBarnabe Sapeco unfurls the National Flag.

PANJIM (HND): Lions Club of Mala Fontainhas-Panjim cel-ebrated Independence Day at Government Primary School,Deulwada, Santa Cruz. The National Flag was unfurled atthe hands of P Walson and Mala Lions President BarnabeSapeco.

School children sang patriotic songs and spoke of thefreedom struggle.

Chief Guest P Walson urged the children to study hardand to take advantage of the fruits of our leaders who sac-rificed to free us from the British. Mala President Barnabespoke of the importance of celebration of IndependenceDay as it was a reminder of the freedom struggle wheregreat leaders and people fought for our freedom.

Headmistress Anuradha Kadam told the students to fol-low the path of truth and self respect which our great lead-ers showed us during the freedom movement. Others whospoke were Lions secretary Anand Jadhav, Ganga Sirsat,Madhuri Bhatta, Ganga Purne, P Laximi, Arpana Bhatta andVipin Makwana. Later on, stationery and sweets were dis-tributed to school children.

Others who were present included Ezilda Sapeco, MaruthiKamu, Joshtna Patel, Shyamsunder Kerkar, Manuel Daniel,Rajendraprasad Patel, Antonia Dias, Sujata Kerkar SaileshJoshi, Falguni Joshi, Vipin Makwana and James Vas.

bSNL dispatches billsPANJIM (HND): BSNL has dispatched telephone bills to its

customers of landline and mobile users. Customers are requested to pay the bills on or before the

pay by date, to avoid interruption of services. Incase of non-receipt of bill, duplicate copies can be obtained from the near-est BSNL Customer Service Centre. Subscribers are requestedto ensure that their address and pin code are correct. Changesif any, in the billing address, may be intimated to the nearestCustomer Service Centre.

Film screeningPANJIM (HND): Goa Cinephile will screen the critically ac-

claimed film Jail, directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, at MaquinezPalace, auditorium I on August 21 at 6.30 pm.

Synopsis: Parag Dixit is living a dream life with a great joband his loving girlfriend Maansi! However things take an uglyturn when after a series of unfortunate events he suddenlywakes up in jail, handcuffed and randomly beaten up by thecops.

Parag is perplexed and in a place far from his utopian life.He tries hard to face away from the ugly truth and wish its alla bad dream but soon succumbs to the prison anarchy. Theonly salvation he finds is in Nawab, a convict and a warden whobelieves that Parag is innocent.

Soon, Parag discovers the inner mechanism and the scienceresponsible for the wretched status inside the prison andhordes of broken hearts and shattered souls which managedto find comfort amidst the four prison walls.

He is left with a choice, to either live a life that controlledand exploited or fight against the system!

Goa Cinephile members are invited for the screening of thisthought-provoking film. Non members can also attend thescreening on payment of Rs 50 on the spot.

Founders Day concertPANJIM (HND): The Founders Day concert of Kala Academys

Department of Western Music will be held on August 21, atthe Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, Kala Academy, Campal6 pm. Kala Academy Chairman Pratapsingh Rane will be pres-ent on the occasion.

The annual concert is organised in honour of Maestro Anto-nio de Figueiredo, founder-director of Academia de Musica(1952), and later, of the Department of Western Music (KalaAcademy), upto 1977.

Among the highlights of this years programme is the felici-tation of three former teachers, Leopoldina de Figueiredo(vocal music), Maria Filomena Afonso Mascarenhas (piano) andPhilomena DCruz (piano) for their long-standing and dedicatedservices to the institution and to the promotion of Westernmusic in Goa. They will be honoured at the hands of PratapsingRane.

Workshop on RTI ActPANJIM (HND): To help the people, especially the voluntary

sector, to understand the various aspects of Right to Informa-tion Act and practical ways to reap its benefits, UNITY A fed-eration of voluntary organizations in Goa, in association withV M Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar, will organise a half-dayworkshop on August 21 at the college conference hall from9.30 am to 1 pm.

Resource persons from the college staff will highlight theimportant issues of the Act, with the help of Powerpointpresentations. Resounding songs composed on RTI Act willbe played, which expresses the deep emotions and commit-ment of people involved in implementing the Act. A one-page flyer has been prepared, highlighting the main pointsof the Act, as well as giving just 4 simple steps to file an ap-plication, requesting for information from concerned publicauthorities.

For further enquiries, contact Farida Dias DSilva on9822686297 or Reggie Gomes on 9423883177.

Free medical campCURCHOREM (HC): The Sanguem Qupem Patrakar Sangha

along with NUSI Wockhardt Hospital will conduct a free med-ical check up on August 22 from 8 am to 1 pm at SarvodayaHigh School, Curhcorem.

Physician Dr Mahendra Kare (MD), Dr Keerthi Nagesh Naik(PGDCC) and two MBBS doctors attend to patients.

The services rendered during the camp includes ECG, testingof Random Blood Sugar, blood pressure monitoring, computa-tion of Body Mass Index (BMI), computation of waist-hip ratioand general consultation.

Those interested are requested to give their names to Sid-dhesh (Ph: 9923185481) or Chamunda Advt Agency (Ph:2650803) at Sanzgiri Bhavan, Curchorem.

Chemists, druggists to meetPANJIM (HND): Chemists and Druggists Association, Goa

(CDAG) will hold a meeting of all retail chemists on August 22at Hotel Delmon, Roof Top, at 11 am. Various issues affectingthe trade due to unhealthy competition, discounts, direct sup-plies, status of cut-strip settlement, etc will be discussed.

The meet will be addressed by President Albert De Sa. Sec-retary Lyndon D'Silva has requested all retailers to attend themeeting.

Healing retreat at Old GoaPANJIM (HND): Bro Wellington Gomes from Ministry of

healing and deliverance will conduct healing and deliver-ance retreat on August 26, at old Goa, above Canarabank/wax world from 4 pm to 6.30 pm. Those who arehungry for the God and looking/waiting for the healingfrom sickness, childlessness, disturbed/worried and long-ing for the peace and for the inner healing miracles inthe name of Jesus may take advantage of the retreat(Konkani & English). For details contact09326109072/09764684018.

Drawing competition PANJIM (HND): The CIIs Yi - Goa Chapter will organise an all

Goa drawing competition on environment for secondary andhigher secondary school students. The contest is an initiativeof CIIs Young Indians (Yi) www.yionline.org. The competitionwill be held on August 28, from 9 am to 12.30 pm at Don BoscoOratory, Panjim. The primary focus of organising such a contestis to create awareness on environment which must be sustain-able despite the growing concerns of its impact on climatechange.

The Yi contest will focus on the theme A Wish For My Neigh-bourhood with a special emphasis on need for environmentfriendly fuels / vehicles, green technology, garbage disposal,clean public places etc

The contest is open to all the school going children in Goaand it will be conducted for students under the following twocategories. Category A: Age 10 yrs12 yrs, category B: Age 13yrs16 yrs. Participants can bring colors of their choice. Entryticket is Rs 10 per student. Prior Registration is preferred. Forfurther details and queries contact CII Goa State office, Panjimon 2422790/96.

Trek to Karvati fallsPANJIM (HND): The YHAI-Panjim unit will organise a one-day

trek from Panjim to Karvati Waterfalls on August 29. The par-ticipants will trek in the Western Ghats amidst rich flora andfauna.

The participation is open to all nature lovers and enthusi-asts. The fee for this trek is Rs 100 for YHAI members and stu-dents and Rs 150 for others. Participants will have to carry theirlunch and water bottle. The bus will leave at 8 am from CafCoffee Day, Panjim. Interested persons must book their seatsby August 24 with Rohidas on 9422445673, Savio on9767701245 or Manoj on 9822125868.

upCoMInG eVents

weAther reportMax Temp: 28.60C Min Temp: 24.00C

Humidity: 90%

Rainfall past 24 hrs: 6.1 mm

Seasonal Total: 2646.5 mm

Forecast: Spells of rain or thunder shower wouldoccur with heavy rain in some areas.

power shutDownAuguST 22

MAPUSA: From 9 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are Housing Board,Appetite Bar and Restaurant, PWD, Ganeshpuri and surroundingareas.

TIVIM: From 9 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are Tivim IndustrialEstate, Manguirish colony, Volvonem, Tivim and surroundingareas.

HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, AUG 20

The Goa Barge Owner Associa-tion (GBOA) recently visitedPort City of Dubai in UAE to as-sess the Maritime Industrial Es-tate (MIE).

GBOA President Atul Jadhavalong with other office bearersWilliam DCosta, ChandrakantGawas, Uday Naik, Osric Car-bral, P S Naik and MilindArolkar were also part of thedelegation.

The GBOA, which has beendemanding MIE for growth ofmaritime industry in the State,during their visit appraised ship-building and ship repair facilitiesin the free port, study new trendsand techniques in the field andtry and replicate in Goa.

The Association is of the be-lief that MIE looks convincing,logical and good for Goas eco-nomic health.

Jadhav informed that duringtheir tour, they visited a mam-moth dry-docking facilitycalled Dubai World Dry Dockbased at Dubai, which boastsof huge 6,000 tonne lifts andrepair big sea-going ships.

He further informed thatthey also visited other impor-tant ship-building facilities likeAl Jadaf Ship Repairing Yard,which has two syncro-lifts of500 and 2000 tonne and

mostly cater to local marinecraft and office bearers visitedthe state-of-the-art machiningfacility called Goltens Co Ltd.

We were particularly im-pressed with the sophisticatedand modern machines, equip-ments, fabricating and weldingunits, their Research and De-velopment department, giantmobile cranes and neatly laidup docks and workshops, allbuilt to meet internationalstandards, put in use at thesefacilities, added Jadhav.

Most importantly, most ofthe maritime industries have

engaged Indian engineers andskilled workers, constituting of60-85% of their staff strength,many hold key positions withthe ship building and repairsfacilities.

The Association will behappy if such types of shipbuilding and repair shipyardscome up in Goa, said Jadhav.

Nearly 350-odd barges car-rying iron ore business bearthe brunt of inadequacy ofsuch facilities in Goa, addedJadhav.

Jadhav explained that theAssociation has a vision where

post-capital dredging, manystate-of-the-art shipbuildingand repair yards measuringupto the International stan-dards can come up along theriver banks.

Manufacturing not onlybarges but also other vessels,which may also keep Goaseconomy and employmentafloat and radiant, especiallyeven after iron ore deposits de-plete, he explained.

This can be best achievedby setting MIE in places sug-gested by the Association,said Jadhav.

Dubais Maritime Estateimpressive, will suit Goa: GBOA

Grandwelds General Manager Mose along with office bearers and members of Goa Barge Owners Asso-ciation Atul V Jadhav, William DCosta, Chandrakant K Gawas and others.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

BELGAUM, AUG 20

The KLE University has signeda Memorandum of Understand-ing (MoU) with Goa Govern-ment for strengtheningpharmacy education in thestate-owned Goa College ofPharmacy, Panjim, the oldestand prestigious pharmacy col-lege in India having a history ofmore than 162 years.

Under the agreement, pro-fessors and teachers from KLEUniversity shall give all the sup-port in the implementation ofpharmacy curricula and alsoextend co-operation instrengthening of research atGoa College of Pharmacy.

MoU was signed at Panjimon Thursday at a formal func-tion that was held in the col-lege premises.

Registrar of KLE UniversityDr P F Kotur and Prof Vivek BKamat, Directorate of TechnicalEducation, Goa Government,

signed the MoU.Vice Chancellor of KLE Uni-

versity Dr C K Kokate and ViceChancellor of Goa UniversityProf Dileep N Deobagkar em-phasized upon the importanceof public-private partnership instrengthening higher educa-tion.

Principal of College of Phar-

macy Belgaum Dr F V Manviand Principal of Goa College ofPharmacy Prof Madhav G Paialso spoke on the occasion.

Dr Kotur said KLE Universityhas unique distinction of get-ting NAAC A grade and hasbeen getting several offers ofacademic participation from in-stitutions all over the world.

KLE varsity to strengthen pharmacy education in State

Dr Manvi, Prof M G Pai, Dr C K Kokate, Dr D N Deobagkar, Dr P F Kotur,Prof Vivek Kamat and others during the signing of MoU.

Govts inaction in resolving woes angers

discriminated teachers

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, AUG 20

The Discriminated TeachersForum has expressed theiranguish and discontent-ment over the inaction bythe government in finding asolution to their genuinegrievances during the re-cently concluded Assemblysession.

These teachers had highhopes that their problemswould be addressed to bythe government during thelast Assembly session. Sincenothing has come out of thesession, the Forum has nowfixed taluka wise meeting atPonda on August 21 at 4 pmat Vishwa Hindu ParishadSabhagraha at Kadpaband.

The Margao meeting forthe benefit of the Salcete,Canacona and Mormugaotaluka teachers will be heldat Loyola high school, Mar-gao on August 23, while theCurchorem meeting will beheld at the New EducationalInstitute on August 26 forthe teachers of Sanguem,Curchorem and Quepemareas. The meeting for thebenefit of Mapusa, Bi-cholim, Pernem and Sattariareas will be held on August31 a Walawalkar HSS, Khor-lim, Mapusa at 3.30 pm.

Forum President NevesAnthony Rebello has ap-pealed to all aggrievedteachers to attend thetaluka meetings in largenumbers with suggestionssince the Forum will bepreparing an action plan forthe approaching TeachersDay celebrations in Septem-ber in Panjim.

In the meantime, Rebellosaid he has sought an ur-gent appointment withChief Minister DigambarKamat since the EducationMinister had assured on thefloor of the Assembly tofind a solution to the gen-uine grievances faced by theprematurely retired teach-ers at the age of 58.

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, AUG 20

Panchayat Minister ManoharAzgaonkar laid the foundationstone for various developmentprojects in Dhargal areas.

The projects included con-struction of protection walls atDadachiwadi and Tiwadi inDhargal Panchyat area and con-struction of BrahmaneshwarPed at Gothanwada Ozarim.

The protection walls will beconstructed under the PWDscheme at an estimated cost ofRs 8 lakh and the constructionof Brahmaneshwar Ped will betaken up under the scheme ofPanchayat at a cost of Rs 3lakh.

Azgaonkar also listened tothe grievances of the people andassured them to provide all thebasic amenities such as con-struction of roads, lake anddrinking well. He informed thatcrores of rupees were spent onthe development of Dhargal areain last few years. Besides severalother developmental works areunderway and are proposed tobe undertaken for further devel-opment of the areas.

Azgaonkar launches works in Dhargal

Panchayat Minister Manohar Azgaonkar laying foundation stone forprotection wall at Tiwadi-Dhargal in Perenem. Also present isSarpanch Bhushan Naik and others.

Azgaonkar further soughtcooperation and support fromthe people for further develop-ment in the areas. He in-structed the concernedauthorities and local represen-tatives as well to personallymonitor all the works so thatthe quality of work is main-tained.

ICAR seminarto discuss

problems ofcashew farmers

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

OLD GOA, AUG 20

A one-day seminar on new chal-lenges in cashew productionwill take place at the ICAR Re-search Complex, here, on Au-gust 21.

Addressing a press confer-ence, Director of ICAR ResearchComplex Old Goa N P Singhstated that the main aim of theseminar is to discuss problemsfaced by Goan farmers regard-ing cashew farming and to getsustainable leads in productionof cashew.

Around 120 delegates fromall over the State, which in-clude progressive farmers andofficers from various agricul-ture offices will take part in theseminar.

"The seminar aims to createawareness about the currentstatus of the crops under thethreat of climatic changes andto get feedback from the grow-ers development agencies,"said Singh.

He informed that experts inthe field of cashew speaking atthe seminar would includeVenkatesh Hubballi, Director ofCashewnut and Cocoa Develop-ment, Cochin, on 'Present Sce-nario of Cashew Developmentin India', Director of AgricultureS Tendulkar on 'Cashew Sce-nario in Goa, its Opportunitiesand Constrains' and Dr M GNaik, Principal Scientist, (Hort),Directorate of Cashew Re-search, Puttur, on 'New Chal-lenges in Cashew Productionunder Current trends of Cli-mate Changes'.

Singh said the seminarwould also discuss the impactof weather changes on cashewpests and diseases, trends inweather aberrations and theirimpact on cashew productionand a discussion on the ad-vances in cashew productiontechnologies.

GOA GOA, SATURDAY, 21 AUGUST, 2010

Pg 5OHERALD

O

Revenue Minister, Jose Philip Dsouza inaugurating Martins Food Express a multi-cuisine takeawaycum sitting restaurant -- in Margao on Friday in the presence of District Collector, G P Naik.

HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, AUG 20

Goa Pradesh Congress Commit-tee General Secretary VijaySardesai on Thursday made ef-forts to patch up the rift be-tween Revenue Minister JosePhilip DSouza and Goa PradeshCongress Committee MinorityDepartment President SaifullahKhan.

Sardesai was addressing agathering during the Sadbha-vana Din to commemorate the66th birth anniversary of lateprime minister Rajiv Gandhi atGodinho Hall, Mangor Hill,Vasco, on Thursday. The functionwas organized by Goa PradeshCongress Committee MinorityDepartment.

Sardesai, who is well awareabout the growing rift betweenboth the leaders, made an effortduring his speech to ensure thatboth join hands to keep secularvotes undivided.

The differences between D-Souza and Khan was evident,when DSouza made efforts toensure that Khan was deniedthe chairman's post at Mormu-gao Municipal Council, but hisbid was unsuccessful and sincethen the rift has been growinggradually.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Vijay Sardesailights the traditional lamp on the occasion of the 66th birth anniver-saryof late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Photo by M Prabhav

It is learnt that Khan has madeup his mind that he would bethe contender for Congressticket from Vasco, if alliancebreaks in the next assembly elec-tion.

Aware of these develop-ments, Sardesai urged bothleaders to bury their differenceas it would ultimately benefitBJP and weaken Congress andNCP.

Congress and NCP are bank-ing on same vote bank and ifdivided among both the alliancepartners, it will certainly benefitBJP, said Sardesai.

He said Khan should respectDSouza since he is the ministerand alliance partner of the gov-ernment, while DSouza shouldcoordinate with Khan and jointlywork to strengthen secularforces in Vasco.

Goa Pradesh Congress MahilaMandal President Monica Dias,Goa Pradesh Congress Commit-tee Minority Department Chair-man Saifullah Khan, CouncilorsAnita Chopdekar, Shanti Man-drekar and Seby DSouza andofficer bearers of Minority De-partment were present duringthe function.

PWD beginsrepair work onCortalim road

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CORTALIM, AUG 20

The PWD on Thursday beganrepairs of the Thana road in Cor-talim. PWD labourers along withtrucks, road roller and other ma-terials were seen busy filling upof patches.

Acting on a Herald report,highlighting the dilapidatedroad in Chicalim and Cortalim,the PWD commenced the roadrepair work.

The PWD Junior EngineerMarcus who was at the site su-pervising the work told Heraldthat one of the major causes forpotholes was the release ofwaste water by some houses onthe road.

"The road has been virtuallyturned into a gutter by the res-idents. They release water onthe road all round the yearwhich weakens the road,thereby resulting in potholes,"Marcus told Herald. He said thatthe panchayat being a local bodyshould intervene to see that thewater is not released on theroad.

Interestingly, moments afterthe potholes were filled, a roadside bar and restaurant releasedtheir waste water after washingthe premises. In fact, this wasconfirmed by the owner's sonwho told Herald that the waterwas released after washing theirpremises.

Cortalim-Quelossim SarpanchAnthony Miranda when con-tacted admitted that some res-idents had been releasing wateron the road. "Yes, the panchayatwill have to take action if thisnuisance does not stop," Mi-randa told Herald.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MERCES, AUG 20

Stating that getting cured fromleprosy does not entirely endthe risk associated with the dis-ease, Dr C Mohandas said thatthere is possibility that the pa-tient may suffer from deformityif he or she does not take extracare of themselves, particularlyof the affected areas.

Dr Mohandas was speakingat a Prevention of Deformity(POD) camp on leprosy, organ-ized at Chimbel sub-health cen-tre under the guidance of BetkiPHC.

Elaborating further, Dr Mo-handas divulged that the treat-ment cures a patient but mostof the times it is unable to retainthe sensation of the affectedparts of the patient. "Hence, itbecomes absolutely necessaryfor the patients to check them-selves everyday to see to it thatthey are not infected since theywould not be able to feel pain,wound, burns, etc," he informedand added that this self-care bythe patients would help in pre-venting any deformities.

After cure, leprosy patients shouldtake extra care: Dr Mohandas

Dr Mohandas speaking to the patients at a prevention of deformitycamp on leprosy at Chimbel sub-health centre. Also present areBetki PHC HO Mangala Tamba, Extension Educator Raoji Palni andothers.

Over 20 patients, some whoare undergoing treatment andsome who are already cured,from the jurisdiction of BetkiPHC participated in the campand they were checked by Med-ical Officer of Betki PHC Dr Ur-mila Gawas. Free medicineswere also distributed to the pa-tients namely neem oil and MCRfootwear for the needy patients.

Betki PHC HO Dr MangalaTamba, Extension EducationRaoji Palni and staff of Chimbelsub-health centre took part inthe camp.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MAYEM, AUG 20

Opposition Leader Manohar Par-rikar has stated that presentgeneration is heading towardsdownfall as the medium of lan-guage in which the educationis imparted is English and notthe mother tongue.

He was addressing the gath-ering during recently held VisionGoa-2000 conference at RotaryHall Bicholim. Former MP Ra-makant Angle, Nikhil Desai,Blaise Costabir, Arch BryanSoares, Dr Shekhar Salkar andShekhar Sardesai were present

Parrikar stresses on importance of mother tongue

on the occasion.Only mother tongue pos-

sesses all the qualities, whichare necessary for children to be-come ideal citizens of the Stateor of the nation, said Parrikar.

Parrikar also spoke on subjectslike administration, primary ed-ucation, basic amenities, politics,bureaucrats, government plan-ning, society trend, tourism, fam-ily management, infiltration ofnon-Goans and other topics re-lated to social development.

On the occasion, RamakantAngle spoke on political leader-ship, Nikhil Desai on tourism,

Blaise Costabir on regional plan,Arch Bryan Soares on sustainabledevelopment, Dr Shekhar Salkaron health and Shekhar Sardessaion education and empowerment.

Earlier, Rotary President Ra-jkumar Kamat informed the mo-tive behind the conference.

Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar addresses a seminar at Bi-cholim. Photo by Vishant Vaze

Car rams into

fence at Saligao,

occupants

escape unhurtHERALD CORRESPONDENT

CALANGUTE, AUG 20

The occupants of a car had alucky escape late Wednesdayevening when their car rammedinto the fence of the Govern-ment Primary School at Saligao.

The impact of the accidentwas such that the Mahindra Re-nault Logan car hit the fencetwice shattering the cementgrills to pieces and breaking thefence.

If not for the electricity polesnear the school fence, the carwould have landed into the com-pound of the school, causingmore damage to life and prop-erty. The damages to the schoolare estimated at Rs 80,000.

Calangute police have regis-tered a case in the matter.

Labourerseriously hurt in wall crash

at Palolem HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, AUG 20

A labourer at a roadside gutterconstruction site at Palolem wasserious injured after a retainingwall came crashing down on himon Thursday morning.

According to sources, about20 labourers were carrying ex-cavation work along the Palolemroadside, as part of beautifica-tion work of the Canacona Mu-nicipal Council.

Eyewitness told Herald somebricks and a concrete pillar ofthe retaining-wall existing diag-onally to the road, suddenlycame crashing down, while someworkers were still in the gutter.

One labourer was caught un-aware and was seriously injuredin the incident.

Other labourers, includingwomen and nearby residents,rushed to his help and retrievedthe badly injured labourer fromunder the debris, before the fireservices was alerted.

HERALD NEWS BUREAU

PANJIM, AUG 20

Carmel College organized its com-merce festival 'Business Fundas2010' on August 17-19, an annualevent organized by Departmentof Commerce that focuses on de-veloping business skills and en-trepreneurship among students.

The festival aims at innova-tion in the teaching-learning en-vironment by demonstratingand providing an opportunityfor 'fun-with-learning'.

A series of competitions wereheld during the week, includingdesigning a logo, umbrella de-signing, Mad Ads, hawker contest,Amazing Tasks and Business Quiz.

The winners for logo designingwere Nimnaz Shaikh and DipikaRajpurohit (first prize), NimishaTaylor and Shilpa Rai (secondprize)and Saviona Fernandes andLorraine Kloriz (third prize).

The Business Quiz was wonby Hiafa Nazar, while Dipika Ra-jpurohit and Raiza Dias won thesecond and third prizes respec-tively.

In the umbrella designingcontest, the first prize wasbagged by Gail Rebello andReshma Taxeira, followed byAbby Car valho and SannyOliviera (second) and Priya Antaoand Jenica Figueiredo (third).

Gaylyn Fernandes bagged thefirst prize for her selling skillsin the hawker contest, followedby Conifa Colaco (second) andGayzel Fernandes (third).

The BSc (Sem I) won the Mad-Ad contest, followed by BSc(Sem III)(second).

B Com (Sem III) were the overallwinners of the Business Fundas2010, while BCom (Sem V) werethe runners up. Principal Dr Sr Arad-hana A.C. distributed the prizes.

Carmel college conductsBusiness Fundas 2010

Sardesai makes efforts topatch DSouza-Khan rift

One-sided reportMaria Aurora Couto, Aldona

The report Karnad withdraws resignation(Herald, 20 August) is insulting to Girish Kar-nad to say the least. You should have verifiedthe facts and published the assurances givenby Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to MrKarnad, on the basis of which the resignationwas withdrawn.

The Chief Minister assured Mr Karnadthat the Goa government would not allowvandalism to scuttle the freedom of expres-sion of artists. He also promised that thegovernment would provide police protectionif the Xavier Centre of Historical Research(XCHR) again held the exhibition of paintingsof Sanskrit scholar and artist Jose Pereira.

Nothing newS Kashyap, Margao

I was disappointed to read Frederick

Noronhas scholarly article Shed no tearsfor Dr Oscar, a misleading title (Herald, 18August). It was more hype than substance.Mr Noronha forgot two cardinal rules ofjournalism. Either one comes up with newfacts about a case and/or one gives a differ-ent insight or a perspective to a raging con-troversy. This article did neither.

Why deify Oscar?Eurico Mascarenhas, Porvorim

There has been a sudden flurry of letters inHerald over an insignificant resignation; byDr Oscar Rebello. In this age of consentmanufacturing, it appears that attemptsare being made by vested interests to painta larger-than-life brand image of activistspreferred by the political establishment.

While we are grateful for his role in thestruggle against the RP 2011, it is importantto set the record straight. The actual handsbehind the success of the movement havebeen conveniently forgotten.

Let us not forget that the success of GBAspublic rallies against RP-2011 was ensuredby the Council for Social Justice and Peace(CSJP) along with parish forums; and not byDr Oscar. In fact, after the scrapping of RP2011, all that the GBA has done is to makelife easy for the government and protectthe interests of architects, engineers andreal estate lobbies, as seen in the report ofthe Task Force on RP 2021.

Does the GBA have any significant achieve-ments to show after June 2007, when Digam-bar Kamat became CM?

Goans for self-destructionJohn A Fernandes, Margao

In recent weeks, Mickky Pacheco has madeserious accusations against Home MinisterRavi Naik (drug nexus), and PWD MinisterChurchill Alemao (corruption in roads). Thegovernment, for obvious reasons, willnot initiate investigations in these mat-ters.

But will these two ministers be voted topower again? The Goan electorate has twocategories: the ignorant and the knowl-edgeable. The knowledgeable can be furthersub-divided into hypocrites, cowards andthe indifferent. Is it any surprise that bothwill be re-elected and Goa will continue on

the path to self-destruction?

Going to the dogsAires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The mating season for dogs is around thecorner. Over the years, crores have beenspent on the stray dog menace, but the sit-uation is just getting worse. The so-calledsterilisation programme is just not working,and the stray dog population is multiplying,whatever the claims of the animal welfareorganisations.

For the aam admi, the choices are limited.They are at the mercy of stray dogs andalso rabid corrupt politicians who keepmauling and crippling the state exchequer.The mating season of our politicians isthroughout the year.

Konkan Railway scamAnthony J Simoes, Dona Paula

On 18 August, a Marathi TV channel showedlabourers at the Konkan Railway (KR) land-slide site, laboriously hammering woodenstakes into the ground at the bottom of acutting that had collapsed in heavy rain, tostop further rubble from sliding onto the

tracks. The next day, the same channel showed

a KR train moving through the cutting atdead slow pace, to prevent vibrations fromdislodging more rubble. The camera thenpanned the hillside above the cutting. Menarmed with walkie-talkies were patrollingthe hillside, looking out for rock-falls, sothey could alert station masters at the near-est stations. This travesty of a railroad wassold to the public by the Konkan RailwayCorporation (KRC) and the media as a high-tech engineering marvel

Since 1998, every year, KR services havebeen repeatedly suspended each year inthe period between June and September.Today, KRCs cumulative losses have reachedeight times the original equity. The onlyreason it is financially viable is because itgets a subsidy of Rs350 crore per year. Thisis KRCs idea of Build-Operate-Transfer(BOT)? What a scam!

Singapore or Singnapur?Jose Maria Miranda, Margao

It is said that there is no one so blind asthose who will not see. Our Chief Ministersrecent statement comparing Goa to Singa-

pore in terms of development is, to say theleast, preposterous. Is he mistaking Singna-pur for Singapore?

Mr Kamat cannot be unaware of howclean and disciplined Singapore is, howmuch attention is paid to the environmentand how people are not allowed to buy ve-hicles unless they have a parking space.About Margao, the less said the better. Thegarbage, the filth, the chaotic traffic, theabsence of parking space its conversioninto shops the proliferation of slumsThe list is endless.

If anything has to be done in Margao,there has to be the will and the courage.The CM may have the first, but he certainlylacks the second, as he is likely to come inconflict with his friends and his votebank.

A CM who cannot and does not pay at-tention to his own constituency should atleast learn to keep his mouth shut insteadof inviting ridicule.

Useless overbridgeStephen Dias, Dona Paula

We are not bothered whether the presentor the past CCP Commissioner approvedthe Miramar overbridge. We are happy thatthis construction has been put on hold.Hopefully, it will never materialise. Whywas Ponnjekars consent not taken beforeplanning this monstrosity that, if built, willspoil the view of the beach forever?It will not even be much use for SharadaMandir students, as traffic will surely getmore congested than before and there wontbe any safety for students.

Are Indians really free?Edgar Martins, Chinchinim

India got independence in 1947. But today,who is free and who are slaves in India?The rich are free and the poor are slaves.Ministers, MLAs and smugglers are also freein India.

If we celebrate Independence Day withoutgiving freedom to the poor and minorities,can we call this a free country? I wouldadvise Ministers to think and take thenecessary steps to free all Indian citizens.Then only will we achieve true independence.

A Malady called Kalmadi

Women in India face many problems likedowry and deaths due to dowry de-mands, female infanticide, disparity in

education, inadequate nutrition, disparity in wagepayments, sexual harassment, domestic violence,trafficking of women, etc.

Everybody talks about empowering the woman.Some people believe that economic, social, andpolitical independence will help her unshacklethe bondage of her dependence. Possibly this istrue. When we think of womens inequality, weblame men, parents, the family, the governmentand society. But we conveniently forget to blameUS. When the blame game starts, we forget thatWE are part of this society and that we alsohave the responsibility of weeding out this dis-criminatory behaviour towards women.

Whenever we ask any house maker: What doyou do? she will reply, Oh, nothing at all. I ama housewife!

When she says this, she demeans her role andher value as a wife, a mother and a woman. Whatdoes she mean by saying she is doing nothing?She manages her entire household. She gets upearly in the morning, before anyone else, andmakes breakfast for her children and husband.Then she makes lunch and packs their tiffins. Sheoversees the childrens baths and toilet, puts outironed clothes for her husband, and sees off both to school and work. Then theres cooking, clean-ing, ironing, shopping, gardening, taking up thechildrens homework, maintaining good relationswith friends, relatives and family, organising din-ners and lunches for relatives and her husbandscolleagues when required, and so on

Is this NOTHING? Women in the villages do double the work of

their counterparts in city. So how does it turninto nothing? But, why does the woman herselfnot realise this? Why do we allow her to say thatshe is a homemaker, and that therefore she doesnothing? A mothers job is a full-time job. Thewriter Mildred B Veramont, says: Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs since the payment is pure love.

The policy makers may not understand theeconomic value of a homemakers work. Recently,the Supreme Court hauled up an insurance com-pany for computing the compensation due to thevictim of a housewife in a road accident on parwith a beggar or a vagrant. It said that the mon-etary value of the womans work in the householdmust be computed while calculating the com-

pensation. But as conscious citizens, we must acknowledge

that Every Mother is a Working Mother. Oncewe, the society, acknowledge this, it will helpmothers to improve their self-esteem and self-image, and empower them to fight many moreof their tiny battles.

The Code of Manu the law-giver in Hindumythology states: The father protects a womanin her childhood, her husband protects her inher youth, and her sons protect her in her oldage; a woman is never fit for independence. Thisharsh prescription means that a woman is like abaton in a running race, where she gets transferredfrom one runner to the other, and she can bethrown anywhere and anyhow once the race isover.

Though this is supposed to be applicable onlyto Indian Hindu women, the idea of women beingcompletely dependent on someone else has per-colated to most Indian women, irrespective of

caste, creed, religion or region. Most women believe that they cannot do any-

thing without the support of their menfolk.Whether the woman is economically independentor not, she still believes that she has to tolerateexploitation from her husband and in-laws silently;otherwise she will not have any respect in thesociety. Many women tolerate their husbandsadulterous and lecherous behaviour quietly, forthe sake of their children and society.

Is it a fact that women have to depend onmen? It is nice to have ones husband as a com-panion and soul mate, but if the same personturns to be a tormentor, why should she toleratehim? Is it because the Manu Smriti says so, orbecause society dictates that it is the right behaviour?

The concept of dependency is very romantic.Unless we dispel and destroy this pseudo-roman-ticism, the woman will not be able to gain her in-dependence, regardless of whether she iseconomically dependent or independent.

Women have very funny ideas ingrained intheir mind. One finds that very few women stayunmarried willingly. It is extremely hard to finda girl sitting alone in a restaurant having a snackor a cup of tea, or going alone for a stroll in thepark.

Why? This is because women are supposed to be de-

pendent on SOMEONE. They are not supposedto do anything alone. Unfort