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Goa: Govt workers campaigning

for polls to face suspension Pg 3

Goas Heartbeat: Priyanka shies

away from intimate scene Pg 4

Sports: Chance for youngsters

to prove mettle - Dhoni Pg 16

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 19

In the land of three Ss Sun,Sea and Sand, torch-bearers ofsustainable agriculture move-ment in the country enteredwith the slogan of three Fs Food, Farmers and Freedom.

Kisan Swaraj Yatra, whichbegan its journey from MahatmaGandhis Sabarmati in Gujaraton October 2, touched the soilsof Goa on Tuesday.

The agro-movement leadersclaimed that the march aims atcreating awareness on deepenedagricultural crisis due to whichseveral farmers ended their lives.The attempt is to find methodsto enhance farming and liveli-hood.

We want to reach out to allfarmers across the country and

encourage them on sustainedand organic farming. We are in-sisting farmers to embrace or-ganic farming that will providelivelihood and food security tosmall farmers, maintain quality

of the soil which in turn willhelp healthy harvesting and fi-nally poison-free water, KavitaKarugati said at Panjim today.

The bus-yatra has plans totravel across 20 States of India

and interact with several thou-sand farmers and like-mindedpeople. The final stop of yatrawill be at Rajghat in Delhi onDecember 11.

The key issue that promptedto launch the yatra was an un-abated suicide by farmers in therecent past. Our mission is togive a message to the govern-ment that they have to heed toour demands to encourage or-ganic farming and shun awaythe poisonous farming, shefurther said.

The members comprising of300-odd farmers and others alsointend striking interaction withthe government addressingproblems faced by the farmers.

We endeavour to f reefarmers from the growing

Kisan Swaraj Yatra reaches GoaInsists on embracing organic farming

The banks of the Ganga littered with debris from Durga idols after immersion, in Kolkata on Tuesday.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 19

An accused in a kidnap case whocreated panic in the ChildrenCourt, last week by attemptingsuicide, today escaped from theInstitute of Psychiatry andHuman Behaviour (IPHB) wherehe was admitted.

Sameer Sheikh and four otherinmates were brought out oftheir respective treatmentrooms for lunch within thepremise at about 1:15pm when

the alleged accused dodged thesecurity and fled.

We have flashed his photo-graph and identification detailsto all local police stations andour Mumbai counterparts totrace him. A case of escape fromlegal custody is registeredagainst him, Agassaim PoliceInspector Vishwesh Karpe said.

Sheikh had slit his throat witha piece of blade in the opencourt hall, moments after thejudge remanded him further cus-

tody for kidnapping a four-year-old boy in May.

He was rushed to Goa MedicalCollege for treatment but wasdischarged soon as the injurieswere minor.

On committing this act, thealleged kidnapper attracted yetanother charge of attemptedsuicide, which is registered atPanjim Town Police Stationpending his transfer warrant.

His arrest in the case was

After suicide bid, kidnap accused now flees IPHB

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 19

Notwithstanding consequencesit faced in the Margao blast ata function to slay demon Narka-sur in October 2009, SanatanSanstha (SS) plans to launchfresh campaign against the eventof glorifying the demon.

Our campaign is against glo-rification of Narkasur. We wantthat Lord Krishna who killed thedemon should be glorified,Sanatan managing trustee Viren-dra Marathe told reporterstoday.

Marathe claimed that Narka-sur-slaying competitions havenot only mushroomed in recentyears but have also been com-mercialized, which glorify thedemon instead of the Lord.

Several huge and small Narka-sur effigies are made and burnton every Diwali eve to mark thelegendary battle wherein Kr-ishna had killed the demon.Every lane and by-lanes havethe demons effigies made bygroups of people, mostly youth.

The display of Narkasur effi-gies, usually seen at competi-t i ons i s d ramat i ca l l yassassinated by another effigyof Lord Krishna, which is moresedate and smaller.

We are not against Narkasur

effigies but it should not be glo-rified. Our campaign will bepeaceful and educative, he re-iterated.

He said that the campaignwill be supported by severalfrom another Hindu right-wingorganization - Hindu JanajagrutiSamiti.

On October 16, the State ob-served first anniversary of theblast, which claimed lives of twoSanatan members MalgondaPatil and Yogesh Naik when an

improvised explosive device(IED) accidentally explodedwhile they were allegedly ferry-ing it to the crowded area wherethe Narkasur slaying competitionwas being held at Margao.

Na t iona l I nves t iga t ionAgency (NIA) in its chargesheetsaid that the explosion was car-ried out to create fear in theminds of the people attendingNarkasur competition andbooked 13 Sanatan membersin the case.

Sanatan plans freshNarkasur campaign

Our campaign is against glorification of Narkasur.We want that Lord Krishna who killed the demonshould be glorified.

Sanatan Managing Trustee Virendra Marathe

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 19

Nagaland police will arrive inGoa tomorrow to assist Goawomen police in the investiga-tion of human trafficking casewherein 11 girls were rescuedfrom a beauty parlour at Por-vorim on October 9.

Police sources informed thata team of senior Nagaland policeofficers will be recording state-ments of six Nagaland girls whoare presently lodged at StateProtective Home at Merces.

Women police had carriedout a raid at Lotus beauty par-lour and rescued 11 girls hailingfrom Mizoram, Nagaland andBelgaum who are reportedly vic-tims of human trafficking.

Sources had informed whileonly two girls are professionalbeauticians remaining werelured to Goa with a promise toteach them the skills.

On bringing them to Goa,they were pushed into fleshtrade.

Six persons including fivemale employees and parlourlady owner Mahalaxmi Mishrawere arrested on charges of traf-ficking and forcing the girls intoprostitution.

Since, one of the rescued vic-tims is a minor, the alleged ac-

cused are slapped with an of-fence under Goa Childrens Act2003.

Nagaland team has beengathering information from itsGoa counterpart via telephonicconversation. They will not onlybe recording statements of therescued victims but may also in-terrogate the alleged accused,said the source.

Nagaland State Commissionfor Women (NSCW) recentlydashed a letter to Goa StateCommission for Women (GSCW)expressing concern whether theNaga girls are really involved inthe flesh trade or are falsely im-plicated.

Sources further informed thatfour Mizoram girls who werealso housed at State ProtectiveHome at Merces have been es-corted back to Mizoram by ateam of Aizawl police todaymorning.

Mizoram police in a similaraction back there had rescued10 girls and arrested three peo-ple, who wanted to send themto Goa.

While, women police is car-rying out its investigation andSDM conducting an independ-ent inquiry, Goa State Commis-s ion fo r Women i s a l soconducting a parallel probe.

Nagaland copsto arrive today6 rescued girls to be questioned

Cabinetreshuffle likely

on FridayFROM OUR BUREAU

NEW DELHI, OCT 19

The Union Cabinet reshuffle islikely on Friday. Prime MinisterManmohan Singh may carry itout before leaving on a week-long 3-nation tour of Japan,Malaysia and Vietnam from Sun-day. This will be the first reshuf-fle of the UPA-II ministry sinceit took the reigns 17 monthsago in June last year.

Dr Manmohan Singh had him-self talked about the reshufflepossibility before ParliamentsWinter Session (beginning onNovember 9) while talking toeditors here last month. TheCongress Presidents politicalsecretary Ahmed Patel and MoSin PMO Prithviraj Chavan havealready communicated possibil-ity of the reshuffle to the alliesbut left it for the PM to discussthe names with their leaders.

Sonia Gandhi reportedlyasked the Prime Minister lastweek to complete the reshuffleto enable her to carry out theexercise of forming her newteam in the Congress immedi-ately after a one-day AICC ses-sion here on November 2. Shehas to decide the names beforethe session as general secre-taries in the new setup have tobe also inducted in the CongressWorking Committee (CWC) tobe constituted in the session.

The Prime Ministers mediaadviser is in Hyderabad with himand he could not be reached.

AGENCIES

NEW DELHI, OCT 19

Pakistani American terror sus-pect David Headley has told In-dian investigators that he hadscouted Delhi for another strikeat potential targets, includingthe Prime Ministers residenceand key defence complexes.

Headley, who has confessedhis role in plotting the 2008Mumbai attack with LeT leadersand was arrested last year in theUS, told a team of Indian inter-rogators in a US prison that hewas in Delhi in March 2009, saidsources who refused to be iden-tified.

During his Delhi trip fourmonths after 10 terroristssneaked into Mumbai from thesea and killed 166 people overthree days Headley video-graphed 7 Race Course Road,the prime ministers official res-idence, Raksha Bhavan and theNational Defence College (NDC)in the heart of the capital, thesources disclosed.

A four-member team of Indianinvestigators interrogatedHeadley in June this year afterhe entered into a plea bargainwith the US government offeringto be available to foreign inves-tigators for any questioning re-lated to terror plots he wasscheming with the LeT and AlQaeda.

The 49-year-old Pakistani-born revealed that he foundminimal security at the NDCthat appeared a vulnerable tar-get.

The security cover at the

prime ministers residence ap-peared too tough to breakthrough and his Pakistani han-dlers were not interested instriking at the Raksha Bhavan,an office-cum-residential com-plex for defence personnel,Headley is believed to have toldthe investigators.

He later spoke to his co-con-spirator, Tahawwur HussainRana, another Pakistani terroristwho is also in a US prison.

He said his Pakistani handlerswere more interested in attack-ing the NDC and had evenstarted working on the idea witha help from an unknown personin Nepal, sources said.

It was Delhi next: Headley

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 19

Balwinder Singh is a coura-geous farmer. Not because hecame thousands of miles fromhis village in Punjab to Goa toencourage the coastal statefarmers but because he chosenot to gulp down bottle ofpesticide to get rid of penury.

Balwinder, belonging to cot-

ton belt of Malva, states thathis village is debt-hit.

He said that its a wrong no-tion that Punjab is doing mar-velous in agriculture. Thepromises by politicians therehave fallen flat. Farmers arereeling under debt and forcedto kill themselves, he said onthe sidelines of yatra today.

Punjab ryots reeling under debt: farmer

Education commences at themothers knee, and

every word spoken within thehearsay of little children tends

towards the formation of character.

Hosea Ballou

(Continued on page 11)

(Continued on page 11)(Continued on page 11)

CWG probe gathers steamThe probe into the Common-wealth Games gathered steamwith the ED registering a casefor alleged Foreign Exchangeviolation, Income Tax sleuthsconducting searches in thepremises of businessman Sud-hanshu Mittal. (PTI)

Kasab spits on webcam

PTI

MUMBAI, OCT 19

Known for his mood swings,Pakistani terrorist AjmalKasab, today spat on a web-cam during hearing in Bom-bay H igh Cour t onconfirmation of his death sen-tence, prompting the judgesto sternly tell him not tothrow tantrums and behaveproperly.

Justice Ranjana Desai andJustice R V More gave thewarning when they saw Kasabarguing with policemen andspitting on the camera duringthe video conference, spe-cially arranged for him to hearthe 26/11 case.

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 20 OCTOBER, 2010

GOA Pg 2OHERALDO

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 19

The worst fears of the Goa State Co-operative Bank Ltd(GSBCL) have come true.

The House Committee (HC) appointed by it has con-firmed that the securities purchased in 2004 on recom-mendation of then Investment Committee (IC) headedby chairman Prakash Velip was fraud on the Bank andchances of recovery of the funds are bleak.

A three member HC headed by Pale MLA, PratapGawas appointed by the Bank recently submitted its re-port to the Bank. The HC has clearly indicted the thenchairman on the grounds that the final decision makingwas vested in him for purchase of securities.

The IC did not take necessary advice from expertsbefore investing in the bonds. It also did not take thecognizance of RBI circular wherein prudential guidelineson investment in non-SLR securities were issued to theBank, says HC in its report.

The IC consisting of the then chairman, the thenmanaging director and the then general manager (ac-counts) who were bound to protect the interest of thebank failed to do so and in fact committed breach ofcriminal trust, it said.

The HC has now suggested that the Bank should

obtain legal opinion as to whether an appeal can befiled before appropriate legal authority praying for di-rection to the inquiry officer for speedy disposal of thecase and place the legal opinion before the board of di-rectors approval.

HC findings: The Board of Directors in its meeting onApril 30, 2003 approved its investment policy for 2004-2005.

On May 23, a three member IC was constituted andfinal decision making power was vested in the chairmanpertaining to securities.

The IC purchased deep discount bond from KarniSyntex Pvt Ltd, -- Rs 35.87 crore, Oswal Trade Links PvtLtd, Rs 4.56 crore and Enarzier Commerce Pvt Ltd, Rs8.31 crore.

The IC invested the funds of the Bank in a loss makingcompany duping the Bank to the tune of Rs 48.74 lakh.

The securities were purchased from parties and agentsother than authorized companies.

RBI guidelines on investment in non-SLR securitiesnot followed.

Prima Facie all the RBI norms laid for investment innon-SLR investment was violated with ulterior motive.Investments were made despite of written objectionsby five directors of the bank then.

MMC directed to hear kiosk owners

LEGAL CORRESPONDENT

PANJIM, OCT 19

The High Court of Bombay at Goa today directedthe Mapusa Municipal Council to hear the kiosk own-ers before deciding on the demolition of six kiosksin the city.

Disposing off the petition against the demolitionof six kiosks by the Mapusa Municipal Corporation,the court issued directions to the MMC to first issuea show cause notice to the kiosk owners, and onlyafter proper hearing is given to the owners concerned,decide on demolition and that too only if necessary.

The Division Bench, comprising Justice D G Karnikand Justice F M Reis disposed off the petition filedby one Vilas Kurtarkar and 5 other kiosk owners.

The petitioners had stated that the MMC had di-rectly issued the notice for demolition of the kioskswithout giving any hearing to them.

The Court, after giving the above directions, sub-sequently disposed off the writ petition.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 19

After making their mark during re-cently held Common Wealth Games(CWG), Goa Handicraft Corporationnow eyes the Indian Handicraft andGift Fair to promote its products.

Goa Handicrafts Rural and SmallScale Industries Development Cor-porations (GHRSSIDC) delegationhas already made their way to Noida,displaying Goan handicraft in Asias

largest exhibition, which kicked offon October 18.

This is our third year of partici-pation. We expect a good responseafter an impressive camping atCWG, GHRSSIDC, managing direc-tor Nikhil Desai said.

The four-day exhibition, organizedby Export Promotion Council forHandicrafts (EPCH), has over 2000exhibitors from all over India dis-playing more than 850 product lines,

styles and designs.Desai said that being Asias largest

exhibition, this fair is unique as ithas only Indian participation for dis-play.

Buyers from developed and de-veloping nations will visit andsought supplies of wide and variedrange of products from India tocater to all segment of consumersin their respective countries, hestated.

Goa has displayed various prod-ucts ranging from gifts items, dec-orative, furnishing, fabrics, flooring,decorative lightings, jewellery, ac-cessories and many more.

We want to introduce Aparantto the people outside Goa. We havefailed to increase the brand value ofAparant. This exhibition is an op-portunity to get Aparant connectedto people across world, Desaistated.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 19

Two complaints and one reminderbut Panjim Police are yet to completeinvestigation in alleged securitiesscam of Goa State Co-operative BankLtd (GSCBL) that has caused a lossof over Rs 48 crore to the Bank.

Three years have lapsed since thefirst complaint was filed against thenchairman of the Bank, Prakash Velipand managing director RamakantPhal.

Adv S R Rivonkar, who was ap-pointed by the Bank on advice of itsHouse Committee (HC) to probe the2004 purchase of securities, in hisreport to the Bank recently, has re-vealed that police are actually sittingtight on the case.

Police have not taken any actionexcept for recording statements ofR R Phal and T V Verlekar, who werethen manager accounts and memberof Investment Committee (IC).

Moreover, whatever investigationdone till now, is not as per the pro-cedure and is not in proper direc-tion, says Adv Rivonkar.

Police have not recovered docu-

ments from the Bank concerning al-leged irregularities even as offencesinvolved are serious in nature andattracted sections 406 (breach oftrust), 420 (cheating) and criminalconspiracy under section 120B ofthe Indian Penal Code (IPC), he fur-ther pointed out.

According to Adv Rivonkar, policehave not included section 420 andsection 120B while registering FIR.

Moreover, police have not yetcalled then president of the IC andwho was mainly involved in takingdecision to purchase the bonds at ahigher price than its face value.

With Police making no headwayin investigating he has advised theBank to initiate proceeding undersection 156 (3) of the Criminal Pro-cedure Code before JMFC seekingdirection to the investigation agencyto conduct the investigation accord-ing to law and submit report withintime, under its supervision, so thatall the offenders are booked and pun-ished according to law.

The first complaint was filed onApril 5, 2006 against Velip and Phalfor fraudulently purchasing 1812

deep discount bonds of M/s NoidaToll Bridge Company Ltd.

The bonds were purchased on July13, 2004 at a higher price of Rs 35,950 per bond as against prevailingface value at Rs 5000 per bond.

The purchases were made againstapproved policy of the Bank.

Another complaint was filed onJune 6, 2006 against both - for fraud-ulently investing and purchasingdeep discount bonds from Karni Syn-tex Pvt Ltd, Oswal Trade Links PvtLtd, Enarzier Commerce Pvt Ltd,again without adhering to the in-vestment policy of the Bank.

The action of the IC to purchasebonds caused substantial loss to theBank and is expected to be morethan Rs 48 crore as per the records.

Such an action of IC clearly sug-gests a fraud committed by the mem-bers of the IC which could be for noother reason but some personal gain.Further, all offences are non bailablein nature and required immediateaction by the police, says AdvRivonkar asking the Bank JMFC tocompel police to expedite investi-gation.

Rs 48 cr Co-op bank scam: police sitting tight on case

...Chances of recovery bleak

Goa handicrafts head for Gift Fair at Noida

Local fishermen busy sorting out their catch early Tuesday morning at Colva Beach. Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

PORVORIM, OCT 19

Close on the heels of BJP extendingsupport to some aspirants contestingthe municipal elections, CongressParty has decided to support 13 can-didates, who are contesting the Ma-pusa Municipal Council (MMC)election.

Briefing press persons, Mapusa Con-gress Block President Vijay Bhike saidthe Congress party has decided tosupport Roohi Patre (Ward 1), MinorityCell of Mapusa Chairman FirojkhanPatahan (Ward 2), Michael Carasco(Ward 3), Subhash Kalangutker (Ward5), Roopa Bhakta (Ward 6), Prakash

Bhivset (Ward 7), Ilma Braganza (Ward8), Ashish Shirodker (Ward 9), NeetaGurudas Natekar (Ward 10), ConceicaoDias (Ward 11), Devki Moraskar (Ward12), Ashok Govekar (Ward 13) andSheetal Walke (Ward 14).

Interestingly, Ilma Braganza andPrakash Bhivset enjoy support fromboth BJP and the Congress party.

Out of the 13, at least 10 candi-dates will emerge victorious, saidBhike.

The Congress has not offered sup-port to any candidate from Wards 4and 15 nor to Subhash Narvekar, whois contesting from Ward 2, statedBhike.

With regard to Subhash Narvekar,Bhike said Narvekar had contestedthe last assembly election in 2007 onthe JD (S) ticket against the alliancecandidate Ryan Braganza.

Narvekar has still not joined theCongress party and he still continuesto be in JD (S). Hence, Congress cannotsupport him, informed Bhike.

Now with both, BJP and Congress,having declared its support to thecandidates contesting the municipalelection, the campaigning will assumenew dimensions and it will be astraight fight between BJP and Con-gress to gain power and rule MapusaMunicipal Council.

Cong to support 13 for Mapusa polls

Oct 21 is aDry Day

in PanjimHERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 19

All licenced premises sellingliquor located within the areascomprising of the Corporationof City of Panaji will remainclosed on October 21 on ac-count of counting for theValpoi by-polls, which will takeplace at Goa College of HomeScience, Campal.

A government release statesthat the licenced premiseshaving licence for Bar andRestaurant will be allowed tokeep their restaurants openfor serving food only. The Barcounter, however, in thesepremises will be closed andno liquor will be allowed toserve on the day.

The owner of the licensedpremises having Bar &Restaurant will have to dis-play a board in the premisesthat no liquor will be servedand that the restaurant willbe open for serviing food only.

The counting of votes willbegin at 8 am in the hall no1.

Over 83.08 percent of17,920 voters cast their votesin the bye-elections held yes-terday.

Two candidates VishwajitRane (Congress) and NarhariHaldankar (BJP) -- were in thefray for the bye-election.

In a release, the electionauthorities said that they havemade elaborate arrangementsfor counting of votes at thelone counting centre.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 19

The District and Sessions Courttoday upheld conviction of twobus drivers sentenced to six andtwo months imprisonment, re-spectively in separate cases ofreckless driving.

Pandurang Dhargalkar, 40,was sentenced to six monthsimprisonment and fine of Rs5000 by Mapusa Judicial Mag-istrate First Class for reck-lessly driving the passengerbus that claimed the life of ayouth.

The incident occurred at Por-vorim near Karnataka Bank onJune 23, 2004 when Pandurangdriving the bus bearing regis-tration number GA-01-V-0019bumped into a two wheeler re-sulting in the death of a 19-year-

old rider Ketan Kamat.He, however, moved Principal

District Judge contesting theJMFC order but to no avail.

PP Subhash Shirodkar had ar-gued that the pillion rider Ravin-dra Chopdekar, who a l sosuffered injuries in the accident,was an eye witness.

In a separate order, PrincipalSessions Judge upheld twomonths imprisonment sentenceof another bus driver KishorNaik, 48, of causing the accidentat Guirim injuring his passen-gers.

PP Shirodkar during thecourse of trial produced threewomen passengers and an eyewitness Narayan Kalangutkarwhose statements disclosed thatthe driver was negligently driv-ing the bus.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CALANGUTE, OCT 19

A 25-year-old tourist from Hi-amchal Pradesh was injured,after he was accidentally hit bya water sports boat at Calanguteon Tuesday.

According to Drishti reports,Ashish Dev and eight othersfrom Himachal Pradesh wereswimming in a water sportszone at Calangute. However, de-spite warnings by Drishti life-guards, the group continuedswimming in the dangerouswater sports zone.

While swimming, Dev was ac-cidentally hit by a water sports

boats outboard motor and re-ceived severe incisions on thethigh and elbow joint.

Sources further informed thatDev was bleeding profuselywhen brought to the tower andwas immediately administeredfirst aid.

As the bleeding continued,the Drishti Team rushed Dev toPrimary Health Centre, Can-dolim for further treatment. TheDrishti Surf Life team howevercould not identify the exactboat, which hit Dev. He was res-cued by Dristhi lifeguards Di-nanath Halankar and AmitShinde.

Tourist injured in hit-n-run off

Calangute beach HERALD REPORTERPANJIM, OCT 19

The State Level Steering Com-mittee has recommended com-pounding fine on tobaccoproducts on the spot to avoidstocking of confiscated tobaccoproducts till the case gets over.

(SLSC) which met recently hasdecided that any shop with morethan 50 gms of tobacco productwould be fined under COPTA(Rs 200) on the spot.

The time had come whenwe need to compound fine onthe spot after seizing gutkha orany tobacco products ratherthen waiting for the case to getover, Dr Shekhar Salkar, SLSCmember and General Secretary

for National Organisation for To-bacco Eradication (NOTE), said.

He said that after seizinggutkha in the raid, we neededto store it till court case getsover. The case procedures aretedious, you need to store theproducts for years and by thetime the case gets over the ma-terial you seized reduces inquantity. Hence the fine is alsoless, he added.

The committee has also de-cided to keep a close watch onthose violating anti-tobacco actsduring forthcoming IFFI. Plaincloth police will be posted atthe venue, who will track theviolator and compound the fine,on the spot.

Compounding offine recommended

on tobacco products

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, OCT 19

Good news to farmers whosepaddy fields and coconut groveswere destroyed by wild animals!The government has plans tocompensate for the losses in-curred by them.

According to Poinguinim MLARamesh Tawadkar, the govern-ment officials concerned wouldvisit Shree Parashuram Temple

Hall, Poinguinim, on Thursdaymorning and accept compensa-tion claim forms from the af-fected farmers and residents.

The compensa t ionclaimants/affected farmers haveto bring copies of Form I andXIV along with the claim forms,informed Tawadkar.

It may be recalled that severalresidents in the taluka, especiallyin Galgibaga and Sadolxem,

claimed that Monkeys damagedtheir house roof tops and otherdomestic cultivations.

There are similar complaintsby farmers of Poinguinim,Loliem, Cotigao, Gaondongrimand Shristhal that their paddyfields, especially at floweringstage and beyond, are badly de-stroyed by wild boars, peacocksand other animals.

Farmers at Agonda and Khola

too have cited destruction oftheir paddy fields by wild boars,besides monkey menaces causinglosses due to breaking of rooftiles. Last week, some residentsjoined by Poinguinim MLA andsarpanchas of Ponguinim andLoliem-Polem held a meetingwith the Forest and Agricultureofficers and called for suitablecompensation, besides to workout ways to curb such activities.

Canacona farmers to get compensation

Two housesflooded in

Pale-VelsaoHERALD CORRESPONDENT

CORTALIM, OCT 19

Two houses were waterloggedand a road inundated for about3 hours at Pale-Velsao, due tooverflow of a lake due to heavyrains that lashed the State onTuesday.

According to Velsao-PaleSarpanch Olga DSouza, thewater overflows from the lakewhenever there is heavy rain.

The water in the lake hadbeen blocked for fish breeding.As the water began to overflow,the road got inundated and wa-terlogged two houses, thesarpanch said adding that laterthe water was released.

Fire brigade and officials fromthe revenue department alsovisited the site.

FREDDY REBELLO

POINGUINIM, OCT 19

Goa State has witnessed manychanges in governance in the last 30years and powers that be, but theelectricity power scenario in theState is in a bad condition.

In Goa, there are over 2,900 kmsof low tension electricity lines thatare over 30 years old and the re-placement for these conductors isgoing on at a snails pace and powerconsumers complaining of frequentpower failures.

In Poinguinim constituency, thereare 67 distribution transformers in-stalled at various places in the ca-pacity ranging from 63 to 100 KVAand from that there are 29 trans-formers which are over 30 years oldand need replacement, as it cannotmeet the ever-growing needs of theconsumers.

It may be recalled that in the re-cent Assembly session, Power Min-ister Alexio Sequeira had stated thatthe department had already startedvarious preventive measures throughAccelerated Power Development Re-forms Programme and Renovationand Improvement Scheme to mini-mize the snapping of conductor byreplacing corroded/deteriorated HighTension and Low Tension line, con-ductors, poles and line materials.

Since the last five years, 17 per-sons met with fatal injuries due toelectrocution in the State and the

list includes seven persons from theelectricity department and rest arecivilians, who came into contact withthe dangling live wires.

Besides, 107 cattle were reportedto have succumbed during the lastfive years due to electrocution.

It is observed that the ageing treesalongside the electricity cable fall onthem and disrupt power supply. Fur-ther, pruning of tree branches overand under the electricity cables is un-dertaken by the electricity departmentpersonnel at a slow pace and moreso after the advent of monsoon.

It is learnt that there are many RCCpole manufacturers in the State fromwhom the electricity department pro-cures same through tenders and thepoles have to be directly deliveredby the manufacture to the divisionoffice at Panjim, Margao, Vasco,Verna, Bicholim, Ponda, Mapusa andCurchorem and not to the sub divi-sion offices and sub divisions.

This exercise results in a lot ofwaste of public money. To cite anexample, there is one unit locatedat Polem that manufactures RCCpoles and the same are sent directlyto the division office.

Whenever there is need for poles,the same has to be transported fromMargao division office to Canacona.At Polem in Loliem, it is observedthat about 20 poles are corrodedand are on the verge of meeting thedust with the cables.

Power scenario as bad as it was 30 years ago!

Conviction of reckless drivers upheld

5 saved from drowningHERALD CORRESPONDENT

CALANGUTE, OCT 19

Five persons, including three Russians and a Karnatakaduo, were saved from drowning by Drishti Surf LifeTeam at Candolim and Calangute on Tuesday.

According to Drishti reports, Russian couple, And-very Karpov (27) and Tatiana Ryabora (27), thoughwarned by the lifeguards not to venture into therough sea either failed to understand the languageof the lifeguards or did not pay heed to their requestsand ventured into the rough sea only to be caughtin a rip current.

The couple was rescued by lifeguards Sanjay Yadav,Ravindra Korgaonkar and Sakharam Salgaonkar.

In another incident at Calangute, Brazukina Lada(28) from Russia was saved from drowning by lifeguardGopal Narvekar. A Karnataka duo of Bhanu Prasad(28) and Prasanna Kumar (24) were saved from drown-ing at Candolim coast by lifeguards.

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, OCT 19

Call it a sheer coincidence or otherwise,the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson ofthe Cuncolim Municipal Council are lockedin straight fights in their respective wardsin the polls for the civic body.

While the CMC Chairperson DevendraDesai is pitted against Nilesh PurushottamKunde in ward No 4, the Vice ChairpersonLandry Mascarenhas is facing a challengefrom another youthful face Alvis Almeidain ward No 8..

While both Devendra and Nilesh areknown supporters of the local MLA andUrban Development Minister, Joaquim Ale-mao, Nilesh and Alvis claim to have thesupport of the people in their battle againstthe Chairperson and vice-Chairperson.

In fact, Ward No 4 of the Cuncolim Mu-nicipal Council is witnessing an interestingbattle of the ballot between Devendra andNilesh. While Devendra is seeking re-elec-tion from the ward, Nilesh

A known supporter of local MLA andUrban development Minister, Joaquim Ale-

mao, the CMC Chairperson says the Civicbody with the support of the Minister hasushered in lot of development work inthe last five years.

On the other hand, Nilesh opined thatwhatever development that has takenplace in the town has not benefited thegeneral public and vowed to take up allround development of the town. Both De-vendra and Nilesh are not leaving anystone unturned to woo the voters in sup-port to their candidature.

In ward No 8, the vice-Chairperson islocked in a straight fight against AlvisAlmeida.

Landry says that he has ushered in lotof development work in the ward duringthe last five years. And, he says that pro-viding jobs to the unemployed youth fromhis ward with the help of the Urban De-velopment Minister will be his top mostpriority now. The people of my ward willspeak of my work during the last fiveyears. I am confident they will stand byme in the hustings, he said.

Landrys plans to get re-elected from

the ward, comprising of the areas ofMurida and Dandor,have been stronglychallenged by his rival Alvis Almeida.

Almeida, says the voters of ward no 8are looking for a change this time. Thepeople had given a chance for the sittingcouncilor last time and are now lookingfor a change, he said, adding that a lotneeds to be done in the ward.

While this is the first time that Alvis isseeking election to the Cuncolim MunicipalCouncil, Landy is bidding to play a secondinnings in the Civic body and may be instrong contention for the post of CMCChairperson if re-elected.

Cuncolim civic chief, dy locked in straight fight

One held for assaulting

KG kidHERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, OCT 19

The Colva police arrested oneperson for trespassing into aschool at Varca and allegedlyassaulting a KG student on Tues-day.

Colva police informed thatthe accused Avertino Barachowas arrested under section 448,323 and 504 of the IPC, besidessection 8 of the Goa ChildrensAct following a complaintlodged by the school manage-ment.

In the complaint, it wasstated that the accused al-legedly trespassed into officeof the complainant and heapedabuses, before entering theclassroom and assaulting a KGstudent.

The police are investigating.

Sawant electedSMYS PresidentPANJIM (HND): Bhisaji R Sawant was

unanimously elected as the President ofShree Mahalaxmi Yuvak Sangh, Talaulimduring the general body meeting electionsheld recently. Dilip S Nagvenkar was electedthe Vice-President, and Digambar S Sawant,the General Secretary.

00pg2:Layout 1 10/20/2010 12:10 AM Page 1

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 20 OCTOBER, 2010GOA Pg 3OHERA

LDO

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, OCT 19

Beware, government servants! You may facesuspension if found campaigning for can-didates contesting the ensuing electionsto the civic bodies.

Candidates contesting the elections toohave received a warning or two with theelection authorities threatening to removeall banners beyond the permissible num-ber.

These warning was issued by ReturningOfficer for the Margao and Cuncolim civicbodies Johnson Fernandes after candidatesdrew his attention to government servantsactively campaigning for certain candidatesin Margao.

A visibly upset Fernandes said the erringgovernment servants would attract strictpunishment, including suspension if foundviolating the service rules. The governmentservants are guided by the service rules,

which bars them from campaigning in thepolls, Johnson reminded.

Johnson was reacting to a point raisedby BJP-backed candidate, Rupesh Mahatme,who sought to know whether the ReturningOfficer would initiate any action if he cap-tures on video campaigning for certain can-didates.

On the question of displaying bannersby the contesting candidates, the ReturningOfficer said the candidates would be allowedto put up only two banners in the ward.

Making an appeal to the candidates toforthwith remove banners beyond the per-missible number, the Returning Officer warnedthat the banners would be removed by theflying squad if found violating the norms.

As per the guidelines, banners cannotbe put up under the Defacement of PropertyAct. But, I have decided to allow candidatesto display two banners so as not to dampenthe enthusiasm of the contesting candi-

dates, he added.Incidentally, while the instructions were

issued to the candidates at a meeting heldat the Ravindra bhavan on Tuesday noon,the flying squad constituted by the electionofficials went about their task removingbanners from many areas of the city thisevening.

The Returning officer told newsmen thatthe State Election Commission has ap-pointed expenditure monitoring observersto keep a track on the expenses of candi-dates.

Replying to a query, he said there is noharm on the party of candidates to displayphotograph of political leaders on banners,saying the elections are not fought on partylines. Political leaders are free to canvassfor any candidates. Just because some ban-ners are showing political leaders on thebanners, it does not mean that polls areheld on party lines, Johnson said.

Govt workers campaigning for civic polls to face suspension

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, OCT 19

Madgao Loksamiti on Tuesdayannounced its list of 14 candi-dates for elections to the 20-member Margao MunicipalCouncil, with Samiti leaders as-serting that it is not concernedwhether some of its candidateshave the backing of the BJP orother political outfits.

The Loksamiti is not con-cerned if our candidates havethe support of the BJP. This elec-tion is not fought on party lines,Samiti spokesman MohandasLolienkar said.

He was reacting to queriesfrom newsmen that the Samitiis backing the candidature ofLeena Katkar in Ward No 13 andCarol Poinguinkar in Ward no19, who have been overtly sup-ported by the BJP in Margao. Infact, the BJP has claimed thatLeena Katkar is the official can-didate of the party in Ward no13 and that the party is sup-porting Carol Poinguinkar inward no 19.

Asked what action the Samitiwould take in the event its can-didates after getting electedswitched sides to the BJP,

Lolienkar said the Samiti will re-sort to various options, includ-ing going to the people toexpose the candidate.

The Loksamiti faced a barrageof queries from newsmen overthe choice of particular candi-dates being supported by thepanel. Replying to a query,Lolienkar and other Samiti mem-bers feigned ignorance whennewsmen pointed out that oneof there is a matka agent, whileanother is the wife of a builder.Lolienkar, however, said that theSamiti can act only initiate ac-tion against the matka bookie

Madgao Loksamiti fields 14 candidates

Madgao Loksamiti leaders announcing the list of 14 candidates whom they would be supporting Margao election. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

only if prosecuted by the courtand added that the panel hasno problem in supporting thewife of a builder.

He said the Samiti has de-cided to support the candidatesafter scrutinizing their applica-tions.

Lolienkar said the Loksamitiis a confluence of people fromall sections of society and fromall walks of life, who have onefundamental goal to make Mar-gao more loveable and live-able.We have pledged to move onfrom being mere complainantsabout the civic problems of Mar-gao. Our mission is to build ateam of solution providers andto choose leaders who will thecarry the voice and will of thepeople of Margao, he added.

The 14 candidates supportedby the Loksamiti are GregarioDias (1), Ignes Crasto (2),Piedade Norohna (3), AnwarSayyed (5), Babita Naik (7), Pur-nanand Chari (8), Raju Madkaikar(11), Leena Katkar (13), Dhanan-jay Mayenkar (15), Sandra Fer-nandes (16), Avinash Shirodkar(17), Mohammed Iqbal (18),Carol Poinguincar (19) andDamodar Shirodkar (20).

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, OCT 19

The Registered Civil EngineersAssociation (Diploma Holders)has raised serious objections tothe definition of Engineer andStructural Engineer in the re-cently notified The Goa (Regu-lation of Land Development andBuilding Construction) Act, 2008and the Land Development andBuilding Construction Regula-tions 2010.

Terming the definition in thenotification as unfair and legallyunjust to all diploma holders ofcivil engineering, the Civil En-gineers said they have beenpracticing for more than 10-20years and have been deniedtheir source of livelihood withthe coming in force of these reg-ulations.

Registered Civil Engineerscurrently practicing as structuralengineers have been deniedtheir right to practice under def-

inition No 129 of these final reg-ulations, said a registered Civilengineer and demanded thatCivil engineers practicing asstructural engineers prior tothese regulations should be al-lowed to continue their practiceas before.

In this connection, the Reg-istered Civil Engineers Associa-tion(Diploma Holders) havemade representation to theChief Minister, Digambar Kamat,Members form the steeringcommittee including the ChiefTown Planner & also Chairmanof North Goa PDA, ReginaldoLourenco and Chairman SouthGoa PDA Mauvin Godinho.

Commenting on the draftstating that a Civil engineercould be a diploma civil engi-neer with minimum 10 years ofprofessional experience, theysaid the government order istotally unfair to the self-em-ployed diploma civil engineers

Diploma holders reject definition of engineers who have risked starting theirconsultancy practice by invest-ing in offices, staff etc as thegovernment has not been ableto provide them with employ-ment. We live in a word wherewe believed in the survival ofthe fittest. If the diploma holderis not competent to practice,he will not be able to continue

his private practice or consul-tancy anyway, the engineerssaid.

The Registered Civil EngineersAssociation(Diploma Holders)have further asked the govern-ment whether these regulationsare a back-door entry to outsideArchitects & Engineers to setshop in Goa.

MARGAO: Just 11 days to gofor the current month to end, andration holders in many parts ofSalcete are yet to receive theirmonthly quota of ration thismonth.

Card holders have been makingumpteen trips to the fair priceshops, only to return with thesame answer from the ownersthey are yet to receive their quota.

When contacted, Salcete Civil

supplies officials informed thatpeople will receive their rationlate this month on account of latesupply of the quota of rice, wheatand oil. The civil supplies depart-ment received the quota only on

Friday. The fair price shop ownershave started lifting their quotaand the card holders will receivetheir ration in a day or two, in-formed a Salcete Taluka Civil Sup-plies official.

Ration card holders in Salcete yet to receive their monthly quota

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, OCT 19

Residents of Davorlim have servedan eight-day deadline on the dis-trict authorities to stop the illegalparking of trucks near the AquemPower House junction or threat-ened to come on the streets andlaunch an agitation against thenuisance.

The residents led by Anand SSawant and others of Layamati-Davorlim submitted a memoran-dum to the district Collectorcontending that truck parkingnear the junction was causinghardships to the motorists fromDavorlim entering Margao city,adding that the presence of largenumber of trucks was blockingthe view of the main road, causingaccidents.

As a rule, no truck could be

parked near the junction. TheCitizens of Davorlim have beenthe worst sufferers and they hadon an often alert the governmentto make necessary arrangementsfor the trucks by making avail-able to them the parking facility,the residents in their memoran-dum.

Anand said the residents willhave no option than to come ontothe streets if the government failsto remove the illegal parking withimmediate effect. It is unfortu-nate that the traffic authoritieshave till date not cracked a whipagainst the illegal truck parkinginspite of objections raised by theresidents, he said, adding thatthe residents will continue withthe agitation till the illegal truckparking is stopped by the author-ities.

Davorlim residentsserve ultimatum over illegal truck parking

upCOMinG EvEnTS

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 20 OCTOBER, 2010

GOA Pg 4OHERALDO

SHORT TAKES

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, OCT 19

Elected representatives shouldensure that all governmentschemes reach the doorstep ofpublic said the South Goa Mem-ber of Parliament, FranciscoSardinha said while addressingthe gathering at the 6th BharatNirman Public Information Cam-paign of the Press InformationBureau (PIB), held at Molem inSanguem recently.

Speaking further, Sardinhasaid that apart from distributingscheme-wise pamphlets to thepublic, the government officialsshould also pursue the schemesat the public level for their suc-cessful implementation. "If needypeople fail to take the benefitof these schemes, wrong peoplewould be tempted to avail them,"he cautioned. He also appealedto the people to use various gov-ernment schemes for the devel-opment of their villages.

The public information cam-paign of the PIB is aimed at in-forming the public about variouspublic welfare schemes of thecentral government.

The chairman of the State LawCommission Ramakant Khalap,stressed on the need for onewindow implementation for var-

MLAs should ensure public utilises govt schemes: MP

MP South Francisco Sardinha inaugurating the 6th Bharat NirmanPublic Information Campaign of the Press Information Bureau (PIB)at Molem. ious schemes of the state andthe central schemes and sug-gested that village panchayatsshould be the focal point for allgovernment departments forimplementation. He was of theopinion that proposed PublicService Accountability Act,which is being drafted by theState Law Commission, wouldensure smooth implementationof government schemes.

Remarking on number of gov-ernment schemes covering agri-culture, education, health,housing, women and child wel-fare, senior citizens etc, Khalapsaid that there should not be asingle person under belowpoverty line category in Goa. Sadlyhowever, there still exists numberof BPL families in the state, andgovernment officers should findcauses for the same he added.Right to Information Act can helpthe people in streamlining these

schemes, he observed.The deputy director of PIB-Goa,

Dilip Deshpande welcoming thegathering said that many peopleare aware of the state as well ascentral government schemes, buthave no idea how to take theirbenefit and that Bharat NirmanPublic Information Campaignseeks to address this shortcoming.Chief reporter of Tarun Bharatdaily, Sagar Jawadekar, spoke onRight to Information Act.

The lead district manager(South Goa) of the SBI, Arvind Vel-ingkar spoke on governmentschemes linked to banks. Projectofficer of the RDA, Reshma Naikinformed about schemes likeSwarna Jayanti Gram Swayamroz-gar Yojana and Mahatma GandhiNational Rural Employment Guar-antee scheme. The function con-cluded with an entertainmentprogramme by Ganesh KalaMandal, Canca, Mapusa.

POWER SHUTDOWNOctober 20

PERNEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Amai in VPVirnoda, Konkan Railway DTC.

October 22PERNEM: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Junuswada,

Marathwada in VP Mandrem, Girkarwada, Kepem in VP Aramboland surrounding areas.

Legal camp at mollemCOLLEM (HC): Sanguem Taluka Legal Service Committee

and JMFC Sanguem jointly organized a Legal Literacy campfor the students of Std IX and X of Abhinav Vidyamandir HighSchool Mollem at Mollem Panchayat Hall recently.

Adv Rupa Prabhu Gaonkar of JMFC Sanguem and Adv Pan-durang Parab were the key speakers for the programme.

School Headmaster Sharad Chandra Khandeparkar andJMFC Head Clerk Elanna Alfonso were also present on the oc-casion.

Speaking on Anti-ragging, Adv Rupa Gaonkar said involve-ment in ragging activity in schools or educational institutesis a crime. Many students lost their career as well as theirlives by committing suicides due to ragging cases. Adv Pan-durang Parab spoke on Free Legal Aid.

Earlier, School Headmaster Sharad Chandra Khandeparkarwelcomed the dignitaries.

PANJIM (HND): Ankita Hudedagaddi, astudent of St Mary's Convent HS, Mapusarepresented Goa in the recently con-cluded National Science Seminar, heldat Bangalore, organised by the NationalCouncil of Science Museums.

The topic for deliberation was Indiaand World Science - Are We ReallyThere?'

She competed with 34 contestantsfrom the different states of the country. Ankita, a student ofStd IX, in her deliberation averred that despite India's phe-nomenal scientific temper and great achievement in scienceand technology, a great deal still needs to be done to overcomethe impediments in India's march towards becoming a globalsuper power in the field.

She asserted that there should be greater allocation offunds for research and development and despite improvedinfrastructure, a lot still needs to be done to eradicate India'spoverty, illiteracy corruption and the likes that halt India'smarch towards progress.

Ankita represents Goa

Tanveer is NYC chief PANJIM (HC): Tanveer Khatib, has been appointed presidentof Goa State National Youth Congress (NYC).

Other members appointed are: Working President, NitinPandit; Sr Vice - President Edwin Fernandes and GregorioFernandes; Vice President Charanjeet Sapre and Ram Man-jrekar.

Book on litany releasedPANJIM (HND): Rev Fr Avinash Rebelo, spiritual advisor of theWorld Apostolate of Fatima, and Fr Peter da Gama, jointlyreleased a book An Evening in Goa written by Chairman ofthe Apostolate, Francis S Barreto, at a recently held gatheringof members on the occasion of the 93rd Anniversary of thelast Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima.

The book is meant to be an all inclusive reference guidefor anyone wishing to partake in the uplifting traditionalLitany left behind by the Portuguese. The Litany, popularlyknown as the Ladainha or Ladhin is sung in Konkani, Latin,or Portuguese, to celebrate important occasions. The bookwill be available at the office of the World Apostolate ofFa t ima a t Pan j im . Fo r de ta i l s con tac t :2420342/2422160/9822151468.

IDA Goa conference held

PANJIM (HND): Indian Dental Association (IDA), Goa organisedits 9th State Dental conference on October 9 and 10 at Alua,Verna. The function which evoked good response from Goadentists was inaugurated by chief guest Dr L Krishnaprasad,National President of IDA. Organising chairman, Dr ShashikantSardessai welcomed the gathering. Dr Meena Aras, Dr ManoharDhume, Dr Chandrashekar Shetty and Dr Celso Fernandesspoke on the occasion.

IDA National President, Dr L Krishnaprasad lighting the tradi-tional lamp to mark the inauguration of 9th Goa State DentalConference.

CRG holds health camp PANJIM (HND): Children Rights in Goa (CRG) in collaboration

with Mapusa Municipal Council and Vrundavan Hospital andResearch Centre, recently held a health camp for children inand around Mapusa Municipal Market. General health checksincluding blood tests were conducted on forty five childrenduring this camp titled Health for All Children. The campwas a part of CRGs endeavour to work towards the imple-mentation of the Goa Childrens Act.

Medical Officer, Dr Swati Divkar conducted the camp. Ma-pusa Municipal Council facilitated the camp by providingspace and refreshments to the children after the check up.Support was also received from the President of the Fisher-womans Association, Shashibai Govekar.

PANJIM (HND): The Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera recently or-ganised an inter-school quiz for students at Club Gaspar deDias, Panjim, in which sixty students from twenty eightschools participated.

The team of Soham Gaunekar and Kunal Naik of SharadaMandir won the first prize, Shaswat Salgaonkar and GauriKenkre of Mushtifund HS won the second prize, whereasthird prize went to Mangesh Sonawane and Atharv Joshi ofKendriya Vidyalaya INS Mandovi.

Four other teams received consolation prizes. The eventwas sponsored by DB Bandodkar Group of Companies andPastry cottage, Panjim.

The quiz was conducted quiz master Adv HarshvardhanBhatkuly. Professor Raghuveer Vernekar co-ordinator of GoaInstitute of Management Studies was the chief guest.

Inter-school quiz held

Inter-school computer quizPANJIM (HND): SRS Computer Services, Ponda will organise

Nineteenth All Goa Inter-School Computer quiz on November28 at 10 am. The quiz will consist of written test of 50 minutescovering general computer concepts, Windows, LINUX, Wordprocessor Word, Spreadsheet Excel, Internet andFlowcharts/Algorithm. Student of standard V to X can participatein the Quiz with maximum of two entries from any school. Thequiz however, will be conducted on individual basis. Last datefor submitting entry form is October 27. For details/entry forms,contact personally or email srsponda@bsnl.in; or write to SagarR Sakordekar, SRS Computer Services, Varad building, Shantinagar,Ponda. Ph 2313329/2318734.

Healing session at miramarPANJIM(HND): Workshops will be conducted on Magic of En-

ergy Chips, Pranic Healing and Group Meditation at Club GasparDias, Miramar-Panjim.

The free Pranic Healing Session and Group Meditation willbe conducted on October 30 from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm, whilethe Magic of Energy Chips workshop will be conducted on Oc-tober 31 from 10 am to 6 pm. For further details, kindly contactDr Anjali Shackleton on Ph: 2451080, 9987062209 or on email:anjali.shackleton@hotmail.com.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CORTALIM, OCT 19

Trying to clear the air over set-ting up of a modern garbagetreatment plant in Cortalim,Deputy Speaker and CortalimMLA Mauvin Godinho assuredthe residents that he wouldsetup a modern and scientificallymanaged plant which would putan end to the garbage menace,which is practically taking itstoll on every household in theconstituency.

Alerting his constituents onthe conspiracy of spreadingwrong information so as to in-stigate the residents against theplant, Godinho said the spreadof disinformation by his handfulof rivals had already begun.

Godinho said this at a gasstove distribution function inhis office, where he also ap-pealed to all, including commu-nity leaders, to first know thefacts about the plant rather thanspreading information based onmischievous rumours.

Informing that the proposedsite was less than a kilometeraway from his office and con-stituency residence, Godinhosaid he would in fact be the firstvictim in the event of any stenchemanating from the plant.

Would I allow a plant whichemanates stench and put my

reputation at stake, Godinhoasked and said he would ensurethe best of technology to runthe plant.

He also said apart from thesix panchayats, all other stake-holders including the Navy andAAI would have to bear the ex-penses in running and maintain-ing the plant.

Snubbing the argument thateach village should take care ofits garbage, Godinho said inpractical this was not possible,firstly because major part of theconstituency was being affectedby the flying zone and secondlyit would also not be possiblesince garbage generated fromeach village would not be suffi-

cient enough and financially vi-able to run their own plant.

Making a case for the site thatwas chosen in principle, God-inho said though unofficiallygarbage was already beingdumped, the site was an idealplace given the fact that apartbeing away from human habi-tation also has natural featuresto run the plant.

Earlier, Godinho distributedgas stoves to 52 beneficiariesunder the Goa Grameen UrzaYozanna.

Godinho thanked his staff,panchayat members for their ef-forts in making the governmentschemes reach out to the de-serving and the needy.

Dont get misled on garbagetreatment plant: Mauvin

Godinho gives away a gas stove to one of the beneficiaries.Photo by Alvaro Colaco

Mauvin fearskith & kin

politics in GoaHERALD CORRESPONDENT

CORTALIM, OCT 19

With kith and kin of the politi-cians contesting the forthcom-ing mun i c ipa l e l ec t ions ,Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinhohas sounded a word of cautionto the electorate.

Stating that the electoratewill have to decide whetherthey are in favour of familyraj or peoples raj in Goanpolitics, Godinho regrettedthat politics was soon turn-ing out to be that of a familyaffair.

Pol it ics in Goa is nowturning to be that of kith andkin, Godinho told journal-ists although he did not men-tion names.

Strongly opposing ` family rajin politics, Godinho said that al-though his constituency wascarved into two, he could havevery well promoted one of hisown family members into thepolitical scenario.

But I will never do that.The moment any of my fam-ily members enters politicsI will withdraw from poli-tics, Godinho told journal-ists and added that in thismunicipal elections, the vot-e r s w i l l h a v e t o m a ke achoice between the two.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, OCT 19

Three-time councilor ofPalolem-Devabhag until 2005,having served six years as chair-person, Rajendra Dessai has noweyed a neighbouring ward toenter Canacona Municipal Coun-cil (CMC).

Incidentally, as days near formunicipal elections, campaign-ing has gained momentum inmost wards, especially the onehaving some election wizardsin the fray.

S imi la r i s the t rend inWard 8 (Sawantwada/Bhagat-wada), where two formerchairpersons are locked in abitter tussle, as a third sea-soned candidate too geared-up to turn the tables againstthe former two.

Interestingly, with doorsb locked in h is other wisefavourite and parent Ward 10(Palolem-Devabhag) after it wasreserved for women, most suc-cessful CMCs chairperson in thepast Rajendra Dessai has thrownhis hat in neighbouring Ward 8(Sawantdada/Bhagatwada).

After he failed in his attempts

to enter municipal for the fourthtime during the last municipalelections, Dessai has a dauntingtask on taking the might of for-mer chairperson Sameer Dessaiand Ajit Bhagat.

Addressing press personson Monday, Dessai after re-leasing his election mani-festo at the hands of a seniorscribe Ajit Painguinkar, said:Many of my people-orientedworks, which I initiated dur-ing my councils membershipin previous years are stillkept in the lurch.

This is the main reason whyI decided to seek re-entry froma new ward, when voters beganto ask me, he said.

Dessai, who displayed a filecontaining various resolutionshe moved in CMC as councilorand chairperson between 1987and 2005, said the present coun-cil prefers only to hang-on topower, hardly caring for any peo-ple-oriented developments inthe council.

L and acqu i s i t i ons fo rgarbage dumping, Chaudi Ceme-tery, municipal rest house atPalolem, Chaudi Weekly bazaar,

turn ing /park ing space a tPalolem, Mini-Fish Market atPalolem, playground at Kindlem,municipal garden and Childrenpark, roads at Patnem, Devabhagand at Bhikarwada are some ofthe works initiated by me, butwere never taken to its log-ical end except for Dumanegarbage site that too due tocourt order and for ChaudiCemetery after public out-cry, he said.

If councilors have any nickto do public work, they shouldavoid visiting ministers resi-dences and instead meet theministers in their official officesto get the files moved, addedDessai.

Stating that getting a RavindraBhavan in Canacona is his pas-sion, he said he also has a visionto deconges t theBhagat/Sawandwada for healthyliving of local residents, ifelected or otherwise.

I will work to remove var-ious blockades people hadto face as a result of fewprojects, besides improve-ments in internal roads ofWard 8, he said.

Campaigning gains pace in Canacona

Dynamic Art Entertainmenttops dandiya contest

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

PORVORIM, OCT 19

Dynamic Art Entertainment, Pan-jim, bagged the first prize in theDandiya and Garba competitionorganized by Samrat Club ofPorvorim at Shree NilkantB rahmeshwar VanadurgaSansthan, Porvorim.

Second and third prizes wereawarded to Santeri DandiyaKalasangh, Corjuem, and UnitedCultural Association, Pale-Uskai.

The participants, who weregiven prizes for the best indi-vidual performances include Sid-dh i S r i v a s t av Swapn i lTalgaonkar, Sumitra Kerkar,Pritesh Karmalkar, Smita Raik-war, Sunny Faide, Swati Dessai,Shashikant Fondekar, MandakiniSawant, Sunil Naik, Swati Upalle,Akash Jadhav, Disksha Dessai,Nutan Kankonkar, Sangeeta An-dorlekar, Ditpi Pathak andShrudha Amonkar.

Speaking on the occasion,chief guest Saligao MLA DilipParulekar said though the GarbaRass and Dandiya dances arepopular in Gujarat state, theyare being performed in otherparts of the state too with equalenthusiasm during the Navratrifestival.

The Samrat Club of Porvorimdeserves compliments for or-ganizing the competitions ofGarba and Dadiya dances,thereby providing an opportu-nity to the locals to see differentforms of dances, said Parulekar.

Social worker Rohan Khautesaid the Samrat Club should or-ganise a workshop on Garba andDandiya dances for youth sothat youth will learn techniquesof these dances.

In his welcome address, Sam-rat Club of Porvorim PresidentRajkumar Dessai said this is thefirst time that their Club has or-ganized the competition ofGarba and Dandiya dances.

In all, 10 groups participatedin the competitions. The Clubwill organize such competitionsin performing arts in future alsoto enable the residents of Por-vorim and surrounding areas toshowcase their talents, saidDessai.

M e e n a G a i ka r, S a m e e rSakhalker and ShantaramPawar were the judges forthe competitions. Prizes towinners were distributed bythe guests.

Earlier, Saligao MLA DilipParulekar lighted the traditionallamp. Devidas Kudav comperedthe programme, while Anuj Har-malker proposed the vote ofthanks.

Saligao MLA Dilip Parulekar inaugurates the Dandiya and Garbacompetitions at Porvorim. Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Parra mandal excels in bhajan contest HERALD CORRESPONDENT

BICHOLIM, OCT 19

As part of the centenary year,Saraswat Vidyalaya High School,Khorlim-Mapusa, organisedState level Bhajan competition.

Shri Bhumika PanchayatanBhajani Mandal, Parra, baggedthe first prize, Shri ShantadurgaBhajani Mandal, Kavale-Ponda,won the second prize, while thethird prize was bagged by ShriShantadurga Kala Kendra, Dhar-

gal-Pernem.The best pakhvaj Player prize

was given to Sameer Naik, bestharmonium player prize wasgiven to Sharad Palni and thebest singer prize was awardedto Mahabaleshwar Chari. Be-sides, all the groups were givenhonorarium of Rs 1,000.

Prominent musicians andsingers in the field of bhajan,including Mahendra Pal, VishantPilgaonkar and Krishna Chari,

were the judges for the compe-tition.

Speaking on the occasion,musician Krishna Chari told thegroups about the importance ofvarious facets while performingbhajans. Bhajan is a source bywhich we pray to God for mercyand seek his blessings and itshould be sung in proper tone,said Chari.

The words used should beproperly pronounced and even

the music should be rhymedwith the other singers, addedChari.

Saraswat Vidyalaya SocietysSecretary Narendra Kamat,Headmaster Sanjiv Prabhu Dhar-wadkar, Rama Raul and RajendraSingbal were among others pres-ent for the function.

Teachers including GovindPhadke and Bholesh Naik tookspecial efforts to make the pro-gramme a success.

UN Day Celebration PANJIM (HND): United Nations Day will be celebrated in theState on October 24. On this day the UN Flag flies along withthe National Flag in the State Capital and the District Head-quarters on all buildings where the National Flag flies regu-larly.

The UN Flag, however, will not be flown on Raj Bhavan,buildings housing Legislative Councils, Legislative Assemblyand the High Court. The government departments/offices/publicsector undertakings at Panjim and district headquarters whichare expected to fly the National Flag regularly are directed tofly the UN Flag, along with the National Flag on October 24,says a press release issued here.

Restrictionson liquor

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM OCT 19

In view of general elections to11 municipal councils in 9Talukas, the government has re-stricted the quantity of liquorwhich can be transported fromone place to another or pos-sessed by any person withoutpermit.The restrictions apply to areaswithin the jurisdiction of mu-nicipal councils of Pernem, Ma-pusa, Bicholim, Valpoi, Margao,Cuncol im, Quepem, Cur-chorem-Cacora, Sanguem, Mor-mugao and Canacona to threequart bottles of Indian madeforeign liquor other than beerand six bottles of beer for anyperson including his family.Three quart bottles of countryliquor for any person includinghis family.

The restrictions will remainin force from October 30 to Oc-tober 31 and on the day ofcounting of votes on November1.

All licensed premises for thesale of liquor located within thejurisdiction of above mentionedMunicipal Councils will remainclosed above stated period, saysa press release issued here.

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM OCT 19

Institute of Engineering, AltinoPanjim in association with Gov-ernment Polytechnic, Altino, willorganise a presentation on Lat-est Trends in Use of MobilePhones for Control of WaterPumps at Government Audito-rium of Govt Polytechnic Alt-inho, Panjim, on October 20from 3 pm to 5 pm.

This useful cost effective sys-tem for starting and stoppingwater pumps from remote lo-

cations it has been installed ina number of places in Maharash-tra.

The system has been in-vented by Santosh Oswal ,CEO Ossian Agro AutomationPvt Ltd Pune, who will bespeak on the occasion andDr V N Shet, Goa College ofEngineering will be the otherspeaker. Seats may be re-served by calling Dilip Sa-h a ka r i ( 9 8 2 2 1 6 4 7 8 2 ) o rDMello (9822175357), saysa press release.

mobile phones for operatingwater pumps: A presentation

Goan dentists attend EAO conference

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM OCT 19

PANJIM (HND): A team of reputed Goan dental surgeons and im-plantologists, Dr Allwyn de Menezes, Dr Anil Da Silva, Dr PiedadeFernandes, Dr Sanjeev Vas, Dr Savio Lorenco and Dr GregoryPereira, attended 19th Annual Scientific Meeting of the EuropeanAssociation for Osseo integration (EAO) held recently in Glasgow,Scotland. The meeting was held in collaboration with ADI, BSSPDand British Society of Oral Implantology and chaired by DrPaul Stone (General Secretary EAO board, Chairman, Spe-cialty Advisor Board in Implant Dentistry, Royal College ofSurgeons, Edinburgh).

The EAO comprises of speaker faculty of over 40 highly respectedscientists and clinicians from around the world to clarify some ofthe important issues and latest technological advances in the fieldof oral implantology, says a press release issued here.

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GOA, wednesdAy, 20 OctOber, 2010

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, OCT 19

Residents of Loliem andPoinguinim are set to get gov-ernments transportation facil-ity, to facilitate theirmovements across River Gal-gibaga, beginning October 23.

According to sources inRiver Navigation Depart-ment, whose officials in-spected either side ferrypoints of river Galgiabga lastweek, has already approved afile pertaining to allocationof two fibre boats along withposting of two motormen tooperate it.

A reliable source informedthat governments sanction hasbeen obtained and two fibreboats will be transported byland on Friday evening.

Posting of two motormenalso stands approved and boatswill start operating its tripsfrom Saturday morning,added the RND source.

Each boat will have capacityof accommodating 8-10 pas-sengers at a time and will makeas many trips as required.

Several residents, includingschool-going children, werecomplaining bitterly, as thelocal tar services were non-operational since the last 3months. The route, whichshortens distances betweenthe two villages and otherprime two like Chaudi, ispreferably used.

According to locals, in theabsence of tar service, stu-dents and locals had to forciblytake up nearby Konkan Railway

Bridge, which has risked theirlives and also resulted in dan-gerous mishaps in the past.

It may be recalled that bothvillage panchayats, Loliem-Polem and Poinguinim, fundedlocal canoe in Galgibaga Riverbetween Maxem and Galgibagaareas.

However, the residentsclaimed erratic service manytimes, as the Tareo failed toturn-up, severely hindering andunconvincing people move-ment across the areas, wherepeople travels to reach Church,temple, schools situated on ei-ther sides.

However, residents still castaspersions whether fibre boatscan be operated during lowtide unhindered, as water levelrecedes.

Fibre boats to help people cross River Galgibaga

PANJIM (HND): For the firsttime in the history of Konkanifilms, an international pre-miere of Tum Kitem KortoloAslo? produced by ShaMazFilms (Goa) will be held inKuwait to give the muchneeded international exposurefor Konkani films.

The film will be released asan international premiere onOctober 22 at 3 pm at

Cinescape Metro (Farwaniya),owned and managed by KuwaitNational Cinema Co.

On October 22, threescreenings of the film will beheld at 3.30 pm, 5.30 pm and8 pm. On October 23, thescreenings will be held at3.30 pm, 5:30 pm and 8 pmand on October 24, thescreenings will be at 5.30 pmand 8 pm.

The film has screenplay, di-rection and is produced bySharon Mazarello with cine-matography by Domnic Diasand music by Blathazar Fer-nandes. It features SharonMazarello, Pradip Naik,Franky Gonsalves, WilsonMazarello, comedy supremoHumbert, comedian Eddison,Fermeeno Goes and specialappearances by Anjela

Moraes, Roseferns andMenino de Bandar, amongothers.

For ticket reservations logon to www.cinescape.com.kwor contact 99391452,99540232, 99376171,99106617, 97883981,66502572, 65825964,66153265, 66512602,99732917 or email: kalam-ogui@gmail.com.

Konkani film to premiere in KuwaitVolvoi Sarpanch ousted

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MARCEL, OCT 19

Volvoi Sarpanch Vinayak Ven-gurlekar was on Monday votedout in a no-confidence motionby 3-1 votes in the five-memberpanchayat.

Panchas Vijay Sawant, SudhirNaik and Laxmi Naik voted infavour of the motion, whileoutgoing Sarpanch VinayakVengurlekar voted against themotion. Panch Prashanti Tari re-mained absent.

John named notary

HERALD NEWS BUREAU

PANJIM, OCT 19

Advocate JohnFernandes ofQuepem hasbeen appointedas a notary bythe State govern-ment to practice

through out Quepem talukawith effect from September 17.

Advocate Fernandes, whohas been practicing law forover 11 years, is based atQuepem town. He has been ap-pointed notary under NotariesAct 1952.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

PORVORIM, OCT 19

Professor of Goa University Ro-hitashv Sharma said the Indiaculture is rich and diverse andas a result unique in its ownway.

He was speaking as the chiefguest at Kavi Sammelan organ-ized by Sarvajanik Durga PoojaSamiti at Mapusa.

Our manners, ways of com-municating with one another,etc, are one of the importantcomponents of our culture.Even though we have ac-cepted modern means of liv-ing, improved our lifestyle,our values and beliefs still re-main unchanged, said ProfSharma.

It is necessary that every

one should be proud of Indianculture and should strive topreserve it, added Sharma.

Sharma complimented theSarvajanik Durga Pooja Samitifor celebrating the Navratrot-sav and organizing the HindiKavi Sammelan on the occasionand said the Indian culture tellsus to multiply and distributejoy and happiness and sharesadness and pain.

It tells us that with this, wecan develop co-operation andbetter living among ourselvesand subsequently make thisworld a better place to live in.The youths of today are gettingattracted towards western cul-ture, whereas the foreignersare fascinated by the Indianculture and are trying to adopt

it, said Sharma.Sarvajanik Durga Pooja

Samiti President RamakatPande stated that they are cel-ebrating Durga Pooja for thelast 15 years in Goa, in whichthe large number of peoplefrom different communitiesparticipates.

This year, we have organ-ized the Kavi Sammelan to pro-vide an opportunity to thebudding poets of Goa to listento the poetry of well-knownpoets of other parts of thecountry, said Pande.

Later, Dr Aditya Prasad Tri-pati, Akhilesh Sing (Varanasi),Arjunsing Chand (Jhansi), BabuChouhan (Rajasthan) andSuresh Chandel (UP) partici-pated in the Kavi Sammelan.

Indian culture is unique: professor

Cyril elected VIApresident

HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, OCT 19

Cyril Pereira was elected presi-

dent of Verna Industries Asso-ciation (VIA) at the 12th annualgeneral body meeting of VIA atLa-Paz Garden Hotel, Vasco, onSaturday.

Officer bearers, who wereelected unanimously, arePrashant Rege (secretary),Prashant Shinde (treasurer) and

Newly elected office bearers of Verna Industries Association along with Chief Minister Digamber Kamat,Power Minister Alexio Sequiera and MIAT Chairman Nitin Kuncolikar. Photo by M Prabhav

Damodar Kochkar (joint secre-tary).

Other executive memberselected are Blaise Costabir,Ramesh Patil, ClareNoronha, Durguesh Angle,Pradip DCosta, Ravi Re-bello, Rajesh Prabhu, SanjayKare, Agustin DSouza,Gokuldas Kenkre, SatishKenkre, Vishwanath Kochkarand Hilary DSouza.

Durguesh Angle comperedthe function, while PresidentCyril Pereira welcomed theguests and Parshant Regeproposed the vote of thanks.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

COLLEM, OCT 19

Mollem Shardostava Mandal re-cently distributed prizes to thewinners of various contests, or-ganized during the ShardostavaUtsava at Government PrimarySchool, Mollem.

Mollem Sarpanch GovindGaonkar was the chief guest forthe programme. Mollem PanchGauresh Parkar, Rama Gaonkar,Santosh Verenkar, Prashant Pil-gaonkar and Mandal PresidentPrasad Vaigankar were presenton the occasion.

In his speech, GovindGaonkar congratulated thewinners and appealed to thestudents to participate in activ-ities for their all-round devel-opment.

Winners of Ghumat Araticontest are Sateri Arati Mandal,Shigao (first), Paikdeo AratiMandal, Nandran-Mollem (sec-ond) and Kalnath Kala CulturalClub, Souzamal-Collem (third).Consolation prizes wereawarded to Yuvak MandalGandhinagar, Collem, KeibagMaya Prasanna Arati Mandal,Zariwada, and ZambavalimBhajan Mandal Zambavalim,Mollem.

In the individual prizes, bestSamel player prize wasawarded to Raghu Gavathankarof Kalnath Mandal, best Ghu-mat player prize went to Chan-drakant Gaonkar of PaikwadaArati Mandal and best singerprize was bagged by VishwasVelip of Sateri Arati Mandal,Shigao.

In the Rangoli contest, KailasGaonkar bagged the first prize,while second and third prizewere won by Eliston Fernandesand Khrishikesh Gaonkar. Con-solation prizes were awarded

Prizes disbursed to winners of

Shardostava Utsava to Manasvi Gaonkar, PallaviKolvekar and Abhijit Chari.

In the musical ball contest,first three prizes were awardedto Arpita Kunbhar, Apurva Par-vadkar and Neha Paryenkar,while in musical chair contest,first three winners are Shub-ham Suzare, Abhijit Chari andRahul Manohar.

Earlier, Prasad Vaigaonkarwelcomed the gathering, Ra-manath Gawde compered theprogramme and later proposedthe vote of thanks.

pg5 10/19/2010 11:20 PM Page 1

Mobile summonsCarlos Conceicao, by email

I have been issued a notice by the Dy SPTraffic for Speaking on the mobile whiledriving on Sept 3, 2010 at 18.20hrs. I amsurprised as I was not out in Margao onthe above date and time, nor are there anycalls on my mobile phone records. I wentto Margao police station to inquire; theytold me to go to Panaji police station. Ihave the right to know the following: onwhat basis they issue such notices; whatproof do they have; is this a money-makingracket; what precautions should law-abidingdrivers take cover their number plates?

Pigs become bossesAditya More, Dona Paula

The lead on your editorial page The farm-house at Porvorim by Dr Joe DSouza(Herald, 18 Oct) is an insult to the intelli-

gence of your readers. In George OrwellsAnimal Farm, if I remember rightly, the pigsbecame the bosses. The same has happenedin Goa. The scum has floated to the top.No wonder nothing is being done aboutoverflowing septic tanks in particular orthe sewage system in general. We all knowwhat the staple diet of pigs in Goa has al-ways been. Hence no attempts are beingmade to solve the garbage and sewageproblems facing the state.

Mental health alertBlossom Cabral, Nagoa

World Mental Health Day was recently cel-ebrated on October 10. Mental illness needsto be controlled early; else it can deterioraterapidly and become extremely expensive.It can be triggered by stress and erraticemotional behaviour. The daily grind itselfcan take a toll on our body and mind. Whenthe mind becomes fragile, medication ortherapy must be sought. Mental illness ison the rise in Goa. Good cheer and laughtercan keep away negative feelings away. Thinkpositive, think bright.

Nightmare roadsStuart Cabral, Nagoa

It becomes a motorists nightmare to driveon Goan roads. Backaches, headaches, neckpain are the common mans penance forthe sin of driving on Goan roads. Recenttalks about the six-lane highway com-ing to Goa have given the people ofGoa sleepless nights. Instead of pursuingthe highway, government should first lookat fixing the roads in Goa which are inshambles.

Flawed justiceTony Alphonso, Siolim

The recent Court ruling regarding the Ay-odhya issue as well as the Karnataka dis-qualification plea shows that our justicesystem is becoming slack and not guidedby reason and justice. People will lose faithin the judicial system. The Police and theCourt must remain aloof from the filth ofpolitics and religion. Unfortunately in Indiait is more of Ram and Allah than unity,peace and justice. We have to seriouslythink over this if we want to see India as agreat nation.

Ethics neededJuliano Baptista, Cortalim

Despite the call from the GBA barely 300turned up in Panjim to protest the Govern-ments dilly dallying over RP2021. Peopleof Goa do not deserve the efforts of Villagegroups and the GBA. After whining aboutall our problems we vote the same roguesinto power. The social workers who puthours of tireless work are branded as op-posers of progress and development. Theproblem with us is we believe that anythingillegal becomes legal as soon as we benefitfrom it. We put public welfare way downthe pecking order. No one says do not makemoney, but money must be made with theapplication of proper ethics.

Recruitment farceAires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Interviews to recruit government staff area farce since the candidates are chosen andfinalized even before the letters of inter-views go out to aspiring candidates. Meritand competency are irrelevant with minis-ters calling the shots. The heads of depart-ments have to be blamed for not havingthe spine to tell the ministers that all re-cruitment should be on merit. The officeof a very high constitutional post has beenstuffed with his family and friends. His per-sonal secretary, a clerk from CCP wasbrought in on a gazetted officers pay scale.Amongst other errands, he walks the offi-cials pack of dogs. Staff recruitment sys-tems seem to have gone to dogs.

Spare teachersAdelmo Fernandes, Vasco

It would be in the fitness of things to spareteachers from election duties so that theycan concentrate on teaching their studentsin their respective schools. The state is atthe threshold of elections to the Municipalbodies. Hopefully the teachers will not becalled to carry out the election-duties. Thetask could be handed over to the staff ofthe state Government drawn from otherdepartments.

Sports ReservationsProf Robert Castellino, Calangute

I fully support the opinion of Aires Ro-drigues in his letter (Herald, 18 Oct) thatpoliticians should be banned from holdingpost in sports federations. Several ministers,even without basic knowledge of the sportare directly inducted into sports bodies.Instead every sport should appoint a patronminister or influential politician to lend of-ficial support to the game. Also 50 per centof all posts in sports bodies at the nationaland state level must be reserved for sports-men who have participated at the nationalor state level. We have reservations every-where else, why not in sports?

Destroy the DestroyersNitin Kamat, via E-mail

How long are we going to be manipulatedby the political classes who protect andpromote crime and anti-Goan policies?How long are we going to be fooled by

lies, denials and a few favours from thepoliticians? How long will we tolerate theinjustice and hardships forced upon us?We are divided amongst ourselves. For howlong will we live without dignity, respectand peace? We need to destroy the De-stroyers by ousting them from the powerthat they have misused to remain in theirchairs rather than serving and developingGoa and its unique identity.

Peoples revolutionAllwyn George, Carmona

When I travel abroad I compare the condi-tions back home in Goa and India with theplaces I visit. Foreign infrastructure, airports,public transport, roads and other amenitiesare far superior to ours. My heart weepsand sadly I accept nothing is going tochange. Our politicians know that the Goanelectorate will be fooled at the next elec-tions too. Once elections are round thecorner we will be fooled once again by thesame politicians by hollow promises,liquor, money, sarees etc. Goans needto realize that polit icians are l ikeblood-sucking parasites which mustbe removed and thrown out. Goa needsa movement led by the Goa BachaoAbiyan to dump all todays politicianswho with land mafia and corrupt bu-reaucrats are plundering the state. Weneed a peoples revolution

Original names foreverJerry Fernandes, Saligao

If Goans are still retaining Portuguese namesin public places it is because they are proudof their unique identity. Forget the distortedand the exaggerated stories on Inquisitionand other things. Portuguese brought uscashews, chillies, mangoes, football, goodhabits, which gave us our unique Indo-Latin Goan culture. No one can erase Goasby merely changing a few historical nameshere and there. What about Goans withPortuguese names? Bombay became Mum-bai, Madras Chennai and Calcutta Kolkata,but the original names are still used.

A Diseased nation

If anybody watched Sachin Tendulkar and VinodKambli play for their school in their early teens,or for that matter practice at the nets of Bom-

bays Azad Maidan, and if one had to predict whowould be the more successful of the two, withouta doubt most would select Vinod Kambli. Suchwas the dominance of Vinod that it was very ob-vious that even if both played for the country,Kambli would be the more successful of the two.That said, their brand of cricket was so specialthat it kept most commuters on foot, shuttlingbetween Victoria Terminus and Churchgate sta-tions and using the Azad Maidan shortcut oppositethe Bombay Gymkhana, always spellbound andawestruck. That usually meant these commuterswould be missing connecting trains, losing salescalls, delaying appointments and unable to reachtheir destinations on time. But there was no deny-ing the fact Vinod was always the more belligerentand promising.

Today if Vinod honestly reflects as to why hiscareer did not take off on expected lines, amongother follies, arrogance and flamboyance wouldhave had something to do with it. Of course therewere lost opportunities, injuries that played spoil-sport for Vinod, but the major difference betweenan average career for Vinod and a great careerfor Sachin was arrogance versus humility.

Cricket is a performance oriented sport; youperform or perish. The system although taintedat the moment, on match fixing allegations, isdesigned to measure performance based on theruns you make or the wickets you take. Havingtalent helped, but eventually it was Sachins hu-mility that played a part in him becoming thegreatest cricketer of all time.

Great people are generally humble and com-petent modern systems are generally designedto reward humble people. Arrogant leaders mighthave led dictatorial states in the past, by keepingtheir citizens fearful of everything around them,but those kind of dictators have no place in ademocratic setup, specially if there is a strongand transparent media presence. Strong mediapresence with a combination of educated citizenswho are able to decipher actual news vis--visfake, is one combination most arrogant leadersare unable to manipulate and eventually meettheir fate. The arrogance of Republican GeorgeBush Jr. is the reason Democrat Barack Obama

became the President of the United States. Ofcourse economic meltdown helped.

In a generally democratic world where arro-gance is usually punished, how come Goa hasnot found a way of showing the door to its arro-gant leaders? We can tolerate them for one termmaximum, but the public have a chance to rectifytheir mistake when they appear for a re-election.Have we got so used to arrogant leaders aroundus, who go to the extent of playing politics overa pothole or a streetlight? Why do we give theseleaders so much control of our lives? There areinstances where our leaders do the most corruptand immoral things in the afternoon and on thesame day lecture their citizens on morality overa toast raising ceremony at some evening recep-tion party.

Our inability to speak freely and make up ourown mind has seriously jeopardized our thinkingability. The more the processes, licenses, andpermissions you need from leaders, the morethey show you who is boss and an arrogant oneat that. Great leaders usually provide solutions

to a problem that might arise in their work area.In Goa most leaders create the problem, so thatthey are automatically called upon to be part ofthe solution. Lousy leaders usually thrive onchaos, the more the chaos the more they controlthe population. This is the reason leaders loathesmart and efficient systems, because it threatenstheir leadership and might render them obsolete.

Great leaders are usually never insecure oftheir leadership; their thumb rule is to usuallyhave subordinates that are smarter than them.That gives them an edge as a team, to performbetter and stay ahead in the race. That also makessure the leader is always humble and listening tosmart advice from his subordinates. Lot of Goanleaders are seen promoting their offspring intothe political arena, nothing wrong with that, butare any Goan leaders ready to listen to ideas fromtheir offspring, for that matter is any offspringready to point out the mistakes of their politicalparents?

Narayan Murthys highly qualified children canchange their names, walk into Infosys premises

and get selected for a job base