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Business: New BMW 6 Series

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T I D E S T O D A Y

Japan to scrapfour reactorsScrambling hard to tackle itsworst atomic crisis, Japantoday said it will scrap fourstricken reactors at the quake-hit Fukushima nuclear facility,as radiation seeping into sea-water reached its highest levelyet and the President of thetroubled plants operator hos-pitalised. (PTI)

(Report on page 9)Iran, Saudi warned Bahrains Shiite oppositionhead Ali Salman today warnedIran and Saudi Arabia againstusing his country as a battle-field in a proxy war.Salman urged Iran to keep outof the Sunni-ruled states af-fairs and called on Sauditroops to leave the country. (PTI)

HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, MARCH 30

The sensitive Khariwado dem-olition scheduled for Wednesdayhas been deferred by a day dueto inadequate police force.

The demolition will be carriedout on Thursday.

Ahead of the Khariwado dem-olition drive, Mormugao DeputyCollector Levinson Martins hadinvoked Section 144 for the nextthree days commencing fromMarch 31 to April 2 around theKhariwado area.

To avoid any gathering ofcrowds and anti-social elements,who may disturb the demolitionprocess or incite people aroundwith ulterior motive leading tolaw and order situation, I hadto invoke Section 144 CrPC toprevent the assembly of five andmore people along the stretchnear T B Cunha Chowk up tothe crematorium at Khariwado,said Martins.

The deputy collectors orderwill be effective from from 9 amto 5.30 pm and if any one con-travening the order, he/she shall

be punishable under Section188 of the Indian Penal Code(IPC).

Assembly of five or more per-sons is prohibited along thestretch from T B Cunha Chowkroad at Khariwado up to theHindu crematorium at Khari-wado in Vasco city and in thearea of 50 metres adjoining theroad stretch, excluding the fishmarket, informed Martins.

Martins convened a reviewmeeting with the demolitionsquad and law-enforcing agencyin his office in the afternoon.

In the meeting, Superinten-dent of Police South, besides

Sub Divisional Police Officer,Mormugao and other officialsof various departments in-formed that due to demolitionof structures at Khariwado, therecould be disturbance during theprocess of demolition and dueto such assembly of crowd andanti-social elements, it couldlead to serious law and ordersituation.

Besides, obstruction to thelawful process of demolitionmay even cause injury to anyperson or danger to human lifeand may further cause distur-bance to public tranquility oreven a riot.

Khariwado demolition drive todayHERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Minister for Housing BoardNilkanth Halarnkar today de-clared that 30 per cent ofhousing in housing board proj-ects will be reserved for localsof the village where the projectis located.

Halarnkar made the state-ment while speaking duringQuestion Hour to a questiontabled by Shiroda legislatorMahadev Naik with respect toland acquired by the Goa Hous-ing Board (GHB) in Shirodaconstituency.

The Shiroda MLA drew at-tention of the housing boardminister that locals are opposedto the housing board projectwith it being close to a religiousplace.

The church authorities be-lieve that the housing boardproject in their vicinity will causedisturbance to their activities,stated the Shiroda legislatorwhile urging the minister tohave discussion with churchauthorities on this issue.

The village panchayat, whichhad initially granted a provi-sional no objection certificate(NOC) to GHB to go ahead withthe project, changed its stancefollowing opposition by the lo-cals, said the Shiroda MLA.

However, the minister main-tained that GHB has compliedwith all formalities and consid-ering opposition to GHB proj-ects it has been decided tokeep 30 per cent of the unitsto locals of the village, statedthe housing board minister.

Villagers to get 30 p.c.quota in GHB projects

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Deputy Speaker Mauvin God-inho today said that Indian Navywas unjustifiably holding on toland of locals around the airportthat actually does not belongto them (navy).

Indian Navy was supposedto hand over 2.5 acres of landto the Airport Authorities ofIndia (AAI) for the expansion ofDabolim airport. But the navalauthorities have not honouredtheir own commitment eventhough it was agreed upon byall the agencies, Godinho saidon the floor of the house onWednesday.

Highlighting the MormugaoOutline Development Plan(ODP), the Cortalim legislatorsaid that there is ample parking

space demarcated for publicparking, but now suddenly In-dian Navy is wrongly claimingthe ownership of the land.

He urged that the Stateshould prevail upon the navy toleave the land for parking.

Godinho further stated thatwhen the land was earmarkedfor ODP, many people chal-lenged it in the High Court butafter a thorough scrutiny, thecourt rejected the petition andfound nothing wrong in the ODPplan.

I know a local whose landhas been acquired at least fourtimes for this project The landshould not be given to the navy,Godinho claimed.

The deputy speaker also saidthe Mormugao Port Trust (MPT)was also into land grabbing

spree. Citing an example, hesaid that a private individualwas told by MPT that a propertynear the Zuari River was theirs.

He also said one personwhose private land was acquiredfor constructing quarters for theAAI staff was promised alternateland. But in this case as well,the naval authorities did not ho-nour their commitment whilethe person is running from pillarto post.

The government will be re-plying to all demands on Thurs-day as the house was adjournedowing to the cricket World Cupsemi-final between India andPakistan.

Navy wrongly clinging to land of locals, House told

SET UP FINAL CLASH WITH LANKA IN MUMBAI

PTI

MUMBAI, MARCH 30

Relying on circumstantial ev-idence, a fast-track court todayconvicted Bollywood actorShiney Ahuja for raping hismaid and sentenced him toseven years rigorous impris-

onment (RI) although the vic-tim had turned hostile duringthe trial. The actor was alsofined Rs 3,000 by SessionsJudge P M Chouhan.

However, Ahuja was acquit-ted of the charges of criminalintimidation and wrongfulconfinement, Public Prosecu-tor Kashinath Dighe told re-porters who were not allowedin the court as the proceed-ings were in-camera.

Convicting the accused, the

HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, MARCH 30

The affected residents ofKhariwado staged a rally aheadof the demolition drive, warn-ing commercial establish-ment s to shu t downoperations on Thursday andto extend solidarity to them.

Few residents of Khariwadogathered at Khariwado fishingjetty and carried out a morchain Vasco city, asking shops andestablishments to close downits operations on Thursday.

A few people were report-edly seen pressurizing shopowners to shut down theirshops.

It is learnt that the fish andvegetable markets are likelyto remain closed on Thursday,as most of the fisherfolk haveextended their support to res-idents of Khariwaddo. Mostof the fruit and vegetable ven-dors are residents of Khari-wado.

A large police force has

Residents stage rally

BY THE BOOKThe minister maintainedthat GHB has compliedwith all the formalitiesand consideringopposition to GHBprojects it has beendecided to keep 30 percent of the units tolocals of the village,stated the housingboard minister.

Ahuja gets 7 years RI for raping maid

INDIA PACK OFF PAK

PTI

MOHALI, MARCH 30

With the high-voltage cricketWorld Cup semi-final providingthe backdrop, India and Pakistantoday sought to give a push forgenuine normalization of theirties with Prime Minister Man-mohan Singh and his counter-part Yusuf Raza Gilani agreeingthat it could happen only in anatmosphere free of terror andviolence.

Singh and Gilani held wide-ranging conversations coveringall aspects of the bilateral rela-tions as they watched togetherthe thrilling cricket match forabout 90 minutes and continuedthem over dinner.

The two leaders sought togive impetus to the bilateral re-lations, which were hurt by the26/11 attacks, under the Mohalispirit that outlined the wideningof contacts and re-engage-

ment at various levels.The two prime ministers held

wide-ranging conversations,not talks, touching upon a num-ber of issues of relevance to thebilateral relations, Foreign Sec-retary Nirupama Rao told re-porters while briefing about theinteractions between the twoprime ministers.

She said Singh and Gilani reaf-firmed the intention to take thedialogue process forward asthey agreed that it was impor-tant to understand each otherbetter, ... resolve outstandingissues and at the core of the di-alogue is the goal to normalizerelations, pervasive and morepermanent normal izat ionprocess in an uninterruptedmanner.

To a question, Rao underlinedthat India had not set aside orswept under the carpet the

Indo-Pak ties get a push

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani speaks with Indian PrimeMinister Manmohan Singh during the semi-finals.

A WIN BY 29 RUNSIndia vanquished Pakistan by 29 runs at Mohali tostorm into the final of the cricket World Cup in a high-voltage match watched by millions of passionate fansacross the sub-continent. Batting first after winningthe toss, India were restricted to 260 for nine.Pakistan were all out for 231 runs in 49.5 overs.

CLEAN WC SLATE AGAINST PAKThe victory enabled India to maintain its unbeatenrecord against the arch rivals in 36 years of World Cuphistory. India now meet Lanka in the final in Mumbaion Saturday in a bid to win the coveted Cup for thesecond time since it first stunned the cricketing worldby beating West Indies in 1983 at the Lords.

TENDULKAR RIDES HIGH ON LUCK

Tendulkar turned out to be Indiasbatting hero though with a pain-staking85 runs where he got as many as sixlives during his innings, including onelbw decision reviewed and reversed.

VIRU BLITZKRIEG Virender Sehwag unleashed aflurry of strokes against thePakistan pacers, picking upUmar Gul for special treatmentby clobbering him for fiveboundaries in his second over.

(Continued on page 8)

(Continued on page 8)

(Continued on page 8)

DANCE INDIA DANCEJubilant Indian team members hug each other and take thestumps as the nation broke into celebration to cherish themoment of triumph against Pakistan, bringing back hopes ofregaining the coveted trophy after a gap of 28 years.

GOAOHERALD

O

Pg 2GOA, THURSDAY, 31 MARCH, 2011

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

The State Government today in-troduced the Goa Registrationof Tourist Trade (Amendment)Bill 2011 to regulate the un-controlled water sports and eco-tourism activities in the State.

The Bill also intends to makeprovision for their registration.

The Bill introduced by theTour ism Minister Ni lkantHalarnkar on the floor of the

House, is also likely to imposestringent control over numerousmushrooming activities in thetourism sector.

Activities like spice farmtourism, water sports, tour op-erators and others, which tillremained out of the TourismDepartments zone, would becovered.

There has been uncontrolledand unregulated operation ofactivities by tour operators,

water sports operators and oth-ers in the tourist areas. Also,the persons having spice plan-tations in this State regularly re-ceive tourists on monetaryconsideration and often tempo-rary huts are provided to thetourists for their accommoda-tion without any registrationand documentation, the Billsaid.

The Bill also aims banning thetravel agents who function asrecruitment agents in absenceof appropriate certificate issuedby the registering authorityunder the Emigration Act, 1983.

The penalty imposed for vi-olation of the act would be Rsone-lakh as against the existingpenalty of Rs 10, 000, the Billstates.

The Bill if approved wouldcome down heavily on the hote-liers and travel agents who failto renew the certificate of reg-istration as per the Act.

His name is liable to beremoved from the registermaintained under the Act,it adds.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Minister for Forest Filipe NeriRodrigues has assured to intro-duce innovative and long termmeasures to curtail nuisance ofwild life animals in farms.

Solar or electric fencingaround cultivation, draggingtrenches, boulder walls to pro-tect crops, fencing are some ofthe long term measures pro-posed by Forest department toprovide relief to farmers whohave been agitated by destruc-tions of their crops by wild an-imals, told Forest Minister onthe floor of the House onWednesday.

Locals will be taken into con-fidence while taking up this ex-ercise feasibility study willbe carried out while the projectwill be taken up in Pernemtaluka on pilot basis. A necessarybudget provision has been madefor this, Neri said replying to a

question posed by Pernem MLA,Dayanand Sopte.

In his question Pernem MLAsought to know what has beendone by the government to pro-tect crops from wild animals.

In the last few years destruc-tion of crops by wild animalssuch as monkeys and elephantshas been regular feature in someof the talukas.

The House had animated dis-cussion on this topic with evenSpeaker Pratapsing Rane givinginputs to forest minister to con-trol wild animals enteringhuman habitats.

Pernem MLA also brought itto the notice of the forest min-ister that that there has beenextra-ordinary delay in compen-sating farmers against the lossessuffered and also instances, ofdepriving compensation due topolitical reasons. The issue ofvaluation of crops or trees de-stroyed by animals was also dis-

cussed with forest minister in-forming the House that theyhave re-fixed the rates to en-hance compensation.

As regards to pending casesof compensation, applicantswould be granted compensationimmediately after budgetaryprovision comes through, hesaid.

Neri also promised the Housethat he will ensure that no casefor compensation is held backdue to political reason.

Participating in the discussionPoinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawad-kar said destruction of farms bywild animals has been a constantproblem in his constituency.

In the last five years, farm-ers have been harassed in myconstituency so much so thatit has become difficult to con-tinue in the profession, thelegislator said seeking to knowwhat permanent solution hewould offer.

Oppn wantsPIS under purview of FPS

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

The Opposition today de-manded that Price Interven-tion Scheme (PIS) under whichthe government provides es-sential food items, basicallypulses, should be broughtunder the purview of fair priceshops.

Raising the question duringQuestion Hour on WednesdayMandrem ML A LaxmikantParsekar pointed out that it hasbecome extremely difficult torun FPS economically with thepermitted per tonne marginwhich is meagre.

Moreover, FPS are not per-mitted to sell items other thanrice, sugar, wheat, and palmoil.

And with margins allowed onthis items not being enhancedfor years, it is not possible torun FPSs, stated Mandrem MLA.

There are around 500 FPS inthe State.

The Minister for Civil SuppliesJose Philip DSouza said the gov-ernment will work out some so-lution on the issue.

At this point OppositionLeader Manohar Parrikar sug-gested that PIS which is cur-rently implemented throughmarketing federation be alsocovered under FPS.

Chief Minister DigambarKamat at this point intervenedand said indeed running a FPSis not a profitable propositiontoday and the government willexamine the issue.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Minister for Tribal Welfare Filipe Neri Rodrigueson Wednesday assured the House to constitutemonitoring committee to ensure that all the de-partments complete the projects under TribalSub Plan (TSP) as also fill up vacancies earmarkedfor tribal population.

Neris assurance came after Poinguinim MLA RameshTawadkar complained that the guidelines as regardsto TSP are not followed as also funds earmarked forwelfare of tribal people are not utilized.

The MLA bitterly complained that departmentshave not been acting despite clear directionsfrom Planning Commission and asked whetheraction will be taken against non-performing de-partments.

While admitting that the performance of many

departments has abysmal in implementing TSPthe Tribal Welfare Minister said the chief ministershould intervene and come out with a policy sothat departments scrupulously execute plansunder TSP.

He specifically named PWD, Rural DevelopmentAgency (RDA), Agriculture Department for nothaving done anything for tribals.

Intervening on this issue however Chief MinisterDigambar Kamat, said things are slowly improvingeven as he admitted that performance of someof the departments is bad.

The government has been making budget pro-visions, as per your demand Tribal Welfare De-partment has been formed as well as TribalCorporation has been constituted.

We are monitoring the situation so that eachdepartment follows TSP, he said.

Bill to regulate uncontrolled eco-tourism activities

Civil SuppliesDept inefficient,

says FrancisHERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Mapusa BJP MLA Francis D-Souza today alleged the in-efficient functioning of theState Civil Supplies Depart-ment.

Speaking on the floor ofthe House during the cut mo-tion for demands-of-grants,DSouza said that that foodgrains and kerosene are notequally distributed to thepeople even as there are sev-eral bogus ration card hold-ers.

He highlighted the allegedscam in the distribution ofkerosene while also tones offood grains in the store arebeing spoilt, due to unequal dis-tribution.

The MLA demanded that CivilSupplies department efficientlycarry out its functioning andequally distribute food grainsand kerosene to authorized ra-tion card holders.

Neri assures steps to curtail wild animal nuisance in farms

...Vows panel to ensure completion of TSP projects

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Goan iron ore industry is inchingcloser to 50 million metric tonesof export for the current finan-cial year through both its portsearning a royalty of Rs 850 crore.

But the State Government andthe industry feel that the wind-fall is not likely to continue forthe next financial year.

The Mining and Geology De-partment Director Ar vindLolienkar said that the slash inthe royalty amount is predicteddue to Central Governmentsproposal to have different cutson the royalty payment.

He said that the Centre is toy-ing up with the concept ofcharging royalty on the basis ofFe content in the ore. We ex-pect that the centre will imposeslabs of the royalty charges,Lolienkar said.

The department has pre-dicted that there will be shortfallof almost 20 per cent in the roy-alty collection from the iron oreexports. The data provided onthe floor of the House predictsthat the royalty collection willbe Rs 700 crore for the next Fi-nancial Year.

Goa for the current fiscal hasexported almost 50 million MT

Seniority list ofgazetted

officers soon,says CMHERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

The government will try to fi-nalize seniority list of gazettedofficers within a period of sixmonths, Chief Minister Digam-bar Kamat told the House today.

Kamat said that chief secre-tary has been given direction toprepare details of each depart-ment.

The chief ministers assurancecame during Question Hourafter Opposition demanded aclear assurance highlighting thatadministration has collapseddue to ad-hoc promotions ofgazetted officers.

The question was tabled byFatorda MLA Damu Naik as re-gards to ad-hoc promotions.

The chief minister replied thatad-hoc promotions are done dueto different reasons and haveto defer regular appointments.

As per government instruc-tions, ad-hoc appointments canbe made initially for six monthsand for further period of sixmonths for which approval ofGoa Public Service Commission(GPSC) is required, he added.

However, Fa to rda ML Apointed out that some officerspromoted on ad-hoc basis havebeen continuing on the postsfor last five-six years.

Intervening here, OppositionLeader Manohar Parrikar urgedthe government to try and com-plete the exercise by July claim-ing that administration hascollapsed due to this unhealthytrend set in the system.

Maintaining that the govern-ment is facing lot of hurdles inmaking regular appointmentsthe Chief Minister assured theHouse that they would putthings in order at the earliest.

We will try to do it in sixmonths, he said.

Iron ore industry inching closer to 50 million MT export Both ports earn royalty of Rs 850 cr

iron ore as against the last yearsfigure which were somewherearound 45 MT.

Mines Minister DigambarKamat in his reply on the floorof the House has said that nextfiscal, the exports are likely totouch 45 MT figure.

Goa Mineral Ore ExportersAssociation Executive DirectorS Sridhar said that the exportof 50 MT is not historic. In past,we have touched even 52 MTmark, he quipped.

Sridhar said that the demandfrom China has remained stableand also the fear of Japan earth-quake shaking exports from Goa

to that country has also beenallayed now.

He, however, refused to tellthe predictions for the next fi-nancial year. How can we pre-dict anything so much inadvance? Its difficult to predict,Sridhar said.

The industry analysts statedthat Union Governments moveto hike export duty by 300 per-cent will dent into the profitsof the exporters eventually re-sulting into the drop in royalty.

Less royalty does not neces-sary means that the iron ore ex-ports will be less, a senioranalyst said.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

The traditional dwellers on the comunidadeland, who have been residing there for morethan 40 years, should be declared as mundkars,Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho demandedtoday.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Godinhosaid that all those houses existing for more than40 years should be declared as mundkars.

How can we say that they are illegal? If wemake them owners, government will also get therevenue, he was speaking during the cut motionfor demands of grants.

Godinho raised anxiety that the number of il-legal structures would exceed legal ones, if these

dwellings on comunidade land are not controlledby the government.

He said that several thousand illegal construc-tions have mushroomed in the recent years both,on the government and private land.

There are more illegal constructions on co-munidade land. This shows the extent of illegalstructures on the government and private land,even in the villages, he said.

I am afraid that illegal constructions wouldexceed legal structures. Government has to comeheavy on such illegalities, he added.

Alleging that everyone is into money making,he said that government needs to act tough soas to save the lands from future illegal encroach-ments.

Mauvin seeks mundkar status for comunidade land encroachers

Dum willdent Goasimage, says

Mickky

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Former tourism minister MickkyPacheco is opposed to DumMaro Dum Hindi feature filmwhich he claimed will dent theimage of Goa if allowed to bereleased in its present form.

Raising the issue during ZeroHour on Wednesday, Pachecosaid that promos of the filmsindicate that the film is focusedon sex, rapes and drugs and ithas been shot in Goa.

If allowed, it will put Goasimage in bad light and de-manded to know what wouldbe done by the government inthis regard.

Replying to this questionTour ism Minister Ni lkantHalarnkar however pointed outthat role of the Tourism Depart-ment is limited to giving NOCfor shooting carried out attourist places.

The Entertainment Society ofGoa (ESG) which is in the knowof things and assured to takeup the issue through the rightchannel.

He also pointed out that thefilms are released on certifica-tion by the Censure Board.

However, Pacheco who wasnot satisfied with the reply givenby tourism minister insisted thatthe government should act.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekartoday made a pitch for not al-lowing any commercial activityon the agricultural land, whichhas been a regular practice inGoa.

On the floor of the House,Narvekar demanded that the Stategovernment should give specifictime frame within which the meas-ures to curb the practice of al-lowing commercial activity onagricultural plots will be put inplace.

Narvekar also said that thereare several illegal structures whichhave come on Karaswada toColvale stretch, unmindful of anylaws. The former minister allegedthat the land mafias were involvedbehind such acts, which are ig-nored by the State machinery.

Supporting Narvekar, Fa-torda MLA Damodar Naiksaid that the road stretchfrom Panjim to Margao has

been dotted with severalthousands of illegal struc-tures including scrap yardsand religious structures.

He said that government isnot taking any action despiteSupreme Court guidelinesagainst it. The BJP legislator alsolamented that although the Rev-enue Department and Collec-torate are under one minister,there is lack of coordination.

These people should begiven land or at least rehabili-tated, he said. Naik further al-leged that agricultural land isbeing used for construction pur-poses, against all laws. He saidthat government should put ac-quisition policy in place.

House agrees on select panel for Services Guarantee Bill

Narvekar for timeframe to curb commercial activity on agri land

Assam woman arrested for Calangute

murderHERALD CORRESPONDENT

CALANGUTE, MARCH 30

Calangute Police on Wednesdayarrested a woman from Assamin connection with the murdercase at Calangute.

According to Calangute Po-lice, the accused, Pwishli, wasarrested at Bijapur-Karnataka.

Police further informed thather lover, who was earlier ar-rested in connection with thecase, had kept Pwishli at hisfriends house in Bijapur.

Police also informed that Ron-joy Muchahary, who was earlierarrested in connection with thecase has been released, afterpolice took him as an eye wit-ness.

Meanwhile, Calangute Policehas recovered the chopper usedin the crime.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, MARCH 30

The State Legislative Assembly onWednesday agreed that a selectcommittee be appointed into theGoa Public Services Guarantee Bill2011, a day after it was introducedin the assembly.

Speaker Pratapsing Rane saidthat a select committee be ap-pointed after the House unani-

mous agreed for it. Presenting the Bill, Chief

Minister Digambar Kamat saidthat the Bill was showing goodresults, however there weremany aspects that need to bedeliberated and hence, the Billbe referred to the select com-mittee.

The Bill states, In the goldenjubilee year of the liberation of

Goa from foreign rule, it is the in-tention of the government to pro-vide all essential services topeople of the State of in a timebound manner.

The Bill intends to make gov-ernment servants accountableto people of Goa for delay inproviding the services.

Already citizens chartershave been published by all gov-ernment departments informingof the services provided. TheBill provides legal right to thepeople of the State to receivepublic service in a stipulatedtime limit as the governmentconsiders it necessary to bringin a suitable legislation, the Billfurther states.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, MARCH 30

Cracks simmered yet again be-tween two top Congressmen inCanacona at a meeting to pro-mote ongoing youth Congressmembership drive attended bycentral youth leaders.

While a former minister com-plained of non-cooperation bygovernment and its indifferentattitude over the attack onyouth workers on the IT Habitat,a ZP member asked the centralyouth leadership not to enter-tain people who have left theparent organization and havereturned sometime later.

Incidentally, the poorly at-tended meeting on Mondayevening at Shristhal PanchayatHall was addressed by IndianYouth Congress (IYC) GeneralSecretary Paresh Dhanani, whoasked the youth that the organ-ization headed Rahul Gandhiwill have perfect organizationaland disciplined leadership

cadres in the country.IYC Election Commissioner

Sumet Khanna explained in de-tail how there would not be anyinterference in holding organi-zational elections and intrusioneven by the party presidentRahul Gandhi himself will notmake any difference.

When former minister IsidoreFernandes, responding to theyouth leadership, took to thepodium, he complained of non-cooperation by the State gov-ernment when the youthworkers had launched an agita-tion over faulty number platesissue.

The government is also yetto give justice to the youth, whowere beaten over the issue ofthe IT habitat in Dona Paula.The Congress partys youth wingcertainly deserves better treat-ment, Fernandes said.

Fernandes then left to attendanother function at Cotigao.

Incidentally, Poinguinim ZP

member Daya Pagui reached abit late and was invited to speakat the meeting.

Speaking in Hindi, Paguiasked central youth leadershipto convey to the party not toentertain ticket claims of presentCongress members of Canacona,who are habitual of leaving theparty and returning to the foldfor selfish gains.

There are youth who neverleft the Congress like JanardhanBhandari, Sanju Naik, whoshould be considered for partyticket in the forthcoming assem-bly elections, he said.

Due to these Gaya-Ram Aya-Ram history, both assemblyseats in Canacona are presentlyoccupied by BJP MLAs and hencethe party should not considerthe same people any more, saidPagui.

Pagui did not take names, butit was an obvious reference totwo former MLAs in Canaconataluka.

Alls not well within Canacona Congress

Former minister Isidore Fernandes speaks at the promotional meeting of Youth Congress membershipdrive at Canacona. Photo by Kathy Pereira

Gurudev Avdekar group winsRomtamell

contestHERALD CORRESPONDENT

SANGUEM, MARCH 30

Gurudev Avdekar and Groupbagged the first prize in theRomtamell competition organ-ised by Shigmotsav celebrationcommittee Sanguem.

The second prize was won byNavdurga Gopalkrishna Mandal,Borim.

In the floats competition, thefirst prize was awarded to Ban-doda Nagrik Samiti, while the sec-ond and third prizes were wonby Adpai Yuva Manch and ValpoiNagrik Samiti respectively.

In the folk dance competi-tion, the first three prizes werewon by Saraswati Kala MandalKelbai Curti, SiddhivinayakKalasangh Mardol and Shan-tadurga Sanskrutik Kala SanghCuncolim.

In the All Goa Fancy Dress com-petition, Vijay Dessai bagged thefirst prize followed by BalchandraNaik and Yuvraj Dessai. In the ju-niors category, the first prize wasawarded to Tejas Vadil, while thesecond prize was bagged byAdarsh Vishnu Naik and the thirdprize was bagged by PandurangShiddiker.

For childrens above 10 years,the first three prizes werebagged by Priya Vinod Naik,Sainath Santosh Mirabagkar andGururaj Prasad Tilve.

On the occasion, citizens fromSanguem who contributed inthe field of art and culture werealso felicitated by Sanguem MLAVassudev Meng Gaonkar.

GIDC Chairperson Chan-drakant Babu Kavlekar was thechief guest for the prize distri-bution function.

GOAOHERALD

OPg3

GOA, THURSDAY, 31 MARCH, 2011

HERALD REPORTR

MARGAO, MARCH 30

Retired seafarers and widowsof seamen have now knockedthe doors of Chief Minister,Digambar Kamat to work out apension scheme for them on thelines of motorcycle pilots, rick-shaws driver et al in the currentfinancial budget.

Complimenting the Chief Min-ister for coming out with a socialwelfare scheme, including a pen-sion scheme, in the currentbudget for the motorcycle pilotsand senior citizens, the GoanRetired Seamen Welfare Asso-ciation has urged Kamat to in-clude the retired seafarers inthe list of beneficiaries.

In the current, you have in-troduced various social securitybenefits for the people of Goa.This shows your concern to-wards the welfare of our Goanbrothers and sisters. Such gooddeeds done by you have madethe people of Goa proud of yourachievements, stated Associa-tion Ifron Dias in a memoran-dum submitted to the ChiefMinister.

The silt lying unattended for over a week near the North Goa Planning Development Authority office in Panjim poses a health hazard andalso causes inconvenience to motorists. Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Work out pension scheme for us, retired seafarers urge cM

The memorandum has urgedthe Chief Minister to work outa similar pension scheme forthe retired seafarers, saying thatthe National Union of Seafarersof India (NUSI) has not revisedthe ex-gratia relief over the lastone decade and has been irreg-ular in paying the monthly re-lief.

Incidentally, the retired sea-farers had last year approachedthe Chief Minister to pursuetheir case with the NUSI man-

agement to enhance their ex-gratia relief of Rs 200 per month.

When Herald contacted ChiefMinister on the question of ne-glecting the seafarers from thepension scheme, he replied thatno one brought to his noticethe issue of including the retiredseafarers in the pension scheme.Kamat, however, said that he isnot averse to work out a pack-age for the retired seafarer andtheir widows.

In the meantime, South Goa

MP Francisco Sardinha, who hadtaken up cudgels for the retiredseafarers with the Union Ship-ping Minister, said he wouldtake up with Chief Minister,Digambar Kamat on includingretired seafarers in the pensionscheme. Though the seafarersare not included in the scheme,they can still be brought underthe scheme in the revisedbudget, Sardinha said, prom-ising to pursue with the ChiefMinister.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MAYEM, MARCH 30

Hundreds of people from Bi-cholim and surrounding areasconverged to Bicholim to wit-ness the colourful Shigmo floatsparade on Wednesday.

The floats parade was flaggedoff at Vadachowada-Bicholim.Chtrarath (floats), Romtamel and

cultural groups participated in theparade.

The highlight of the paradewas a German delegationwho arrived in India throughthe Rotary Club International.

Martinputz, professor of Eng-lish linguistics from Germany,along with Dr Turgay Goksu, Fer-drik Hilbemhaar, Petro Oper-

beck, Suzan Uutikverder andothers took part in the Shi-mogotsav procession.

Speaking to Herald, Martin-putz, leader of Rotarian delega-tion from Germany, said Indiais a beautiful country and Goais a land of cultures and theShimgo festival is a beautiful ex-ample of cultural heritage. We

are delighted to be part of thisfestival, he said.

Bicholim Shimgotsav Commit-tee President Rajesh Patnekar wel-comed the German delegation.

Rotary Bicholim President Ra-jkumar Kamat, Vijay Sardesai,Sandesh Burye, Narhari Sawant,Parish Khanolkar and otherswere present on the occasion.

hundreds witness Bicholim shigmo parade

A German delegation that took part in the Bicholim Shigmo float parade. Photo by Vishant Vaze

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, MARCH 30

PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao-backed group in the Rumdamolvillage panchayat on Wednesdayvoted out the BJP-supportedSarpanch Sharifa Bi and herdeputy Damu Naik from officein a no-trust motion.

At a meeting held on Wednes-day morning, the four signato-ries to the motion turned up,while the Sarpanch, her deputyand panch Ulhas Tuemkar ab-stained. The motion was finallycarried by 4-0 votes.

The four signatories, whovoted in favour of the motionare Avita Chodankar, Sagar Naik,Badsha Jhari and Nissar Kiledar.Since the post of sarpanch is re-served for women, Avita istipped to be the next sarpanch.

Meanwhile, soon after the notrust motion was carried by 4-0 votes, the BJP leadership lam-basted the PWD Minister,Churchill Alemao for dislodgingparty-backed ruling panchayats

in Navelim constituency.Ulhas Tuemkar said the BJP

had been instrumental in gettingAlemao elected from Navelimin the last Assembly polls. Withthe support of the BJP membersfrom Rumdamol and AquemBaixo, Alemao rose to becomeMLA and Minister for PWD.Now, he has dislodged the verypeople who had worked for himin his elect ion, assertedTuemkar.

He further said that the defeatof the sarpanch and deputysarpanch of Rumdamol is an in-sult to the BJP workers fromNavelim constituency.

Moreover, he said the Con-gress has insulted the Muslimminority community by dislodg-ing the only Muslim womansarpanch in Salcete taluka. TheCongress often dubs the BJP ascommunal. But it was the BJPhad made a Mus l im thesarpanch, only to be dislodgedby the Congress, Tuemkaradded.

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, MARCH 30

Expressing concern over theres t l e s sness bu i ld ing upamongs t Goans ove r themedium of instruction, around11 activists from across Goa, in-cluding freedom fighters, havehoped the meeting scheduledat the Azad Maidan on April 6will not be a show of strength,but rather a show of thought.

The activists will meet on Dal-gado Day on April 4 at 10 am atthe T B Cunha memorial at AzadMaidan, Panjim, where veteranfreedom fighter, writer and formerNavhind Times Editor LambertMascarenhas (94) will light thelamp in search of peace after gar-landing the portraits of MahatmaGandhi and Mons Dalgado.

Freedom Fighter Gurunath

Kelekar said, We Goans thesedays due to many reasons arein a restive mood. Medium ofinstruction has added to thisrestlessness.

He further said: We as In-dians are proud of our lin-gu i s t i c he r i t age .Knowledgeable in many In-dian and foreign languages,we want our children to beperfect in ours and some for-eign languages, includingEnglish. We are sure, will ac-complish this, provided westand firmly on the founda-tion of our Indian language.

Kelekar said In the words ofFrancisco Luis Gomes, let us say:we belong to that race, thatproduce Mahabharata, whichhas something eternal in it,while appealing to those who

activists call for peace meet on april 4

MedIuM oF InsTrucTIon

support the view of the activiststo join them at the Azad Maidan,Panjim on April 4 at 9.30 am toparticipate in prayers and broth-erly dialogue.

In a democracy, differencesof opinion are bound to appearamong the citizens. Goans haveshown ability to resolve theirdifferences in an atmosphere ofbrotherhood and friendship,he said, adding our Goa is aholy place where peace andunity reign supreme. The nationappreciates us for this inherentharmony.

Rumdamol Sarpanch, deputy voted out

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, MARCH 30

Public Work Departments moveto levy hire charges for the use ofthe Multipurpose School Grounds,Borda has come under criticismfrom the local populace.

The Fatorda Development Com-mittee has urged the PWD to with-draw the circular immediately orelse face the consequences of thepeople of Borda. Committee Presi-dent Camilo Barreto said the peoplewill come on the streets in supportof their demand for free use of the

multipurpose school playground.Barreto pointed out that PWD

has issued a circular in respect ofthe use of multipurpose play-ground for sports activities like

football, cricket, badminton, vol-leyball and kho-kho to pay chargesof Rs 3000 and Rs 4,000 per day.

It is also brought to ournotice that these charges will

also be applicable to other ac-tivities such as conducting re-ligious activities such as EasterMass, New Year Mass and otherprograms like drama and socialactivities, he said, adding thatthe playground is being used bythe local population and theonly playground for the Bordalocality comprising of 15,000residents.

He said the move will alsocreate problems for the peopleof Borda, besides Agalli, Gogoland surrounding areas.

locals flay PWds move to levy hire charges Borda school ground use

nThe Fatorda Development Committee hasurged the PWD to withdraw the circularimmediately or else face the consequences ofthe people of Borda. Committee PresidentCamilo Barreto said the people will come on thestreets in support of their demand for free useof the multipurpose school playground.

Pg4 GOAGOA, THURSDAY, 31 MARCH, 2011

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Contact Us:

BiologyInformation flows intoour brains from the out-side world, through oursight, sound, smell,taste and touch sensors.Memory is simply a wayin which we store andrecall things we'vesensed.

A person recalls memo-ries, by re-firing manyof the same neuralpaths that were origi-nally used tosense the experi-ence. Therefore,the event is al-most re-created.Memories of concepts and ideasare related to sensory experiencesbecause we extract the essencefrom sensed experiences to formgeneralized concepts.

We store for fractions of a sec-ond sensory information inareas located throughout the cor-

tex. From there, some datamoves into short-term mem-ory. Finally, some of that in-formation goes in long-termstorage in various parts of thecortex, much of it returning tothe sensory cortex areas,where we originally receivedit.

Only the data that catches ourattention or because we needit soon goes into short-termmemory. We hold short-termdata for maybe half a minute.Short-term storage is small; itholds about seven independ-ent items at one time, such ascarry numbers when calcu-lating arithmetic.

Finally, information that mayhelp us in the future goes intolong-term memory, where itcan last a lifetime.

Long-term memory in-volves three processes:encoding, storage and re-

trieval

First, we break new conceptsinto their composite parts to es-tablish meaning. Furthermore, weinclude the context around us aswe learn a new concept, or experi-ence another episode in our life.For example, one might encode thephrase delicious apple with keydescriptive ideas red color,sweet taste, round shape, the crispsound of a bite and then suchcontextual items as feeling goodbecause the apple is tasty.

Second, as we store the memory,we attach it to other related mem-ories, like similar to GrannySmith apples but sweeter, andthus, consolidate the new conceptwith older memories. Third, we retrieve the concept,

by following some ofthe pointers that tracethe various meaningcodes and decodingthe stored informationto regain meaning. Ifone can't rememberjust what deliciousapple means, thememory might acti-vate any of thepointer-hints, such asred. Pointers con-nect with other point-

ers so one hintmay allow me torecover thewhole meaning.

How do our brains consolidate a new

short-term memory like delicious appleand place it into

long-term memory?

We use the hippocampus, an an-cient part of the cortex, to consol-idate new memories. An eventcreates temporary links amongcortex neurons. For example, redgets stored in the visual area ofthe cortex, and the sound of a bit-ten apple gets stored in the audi-tory area. When the new factdelicious apple is recalled, thenew memory data converges onthe hippocampus, which sendsthem along a path several times tostrengthen the links.

The information follows a path(called the Papez circuit), startingat the hippocampus, circulatingthrough more of the limbic system(to pick up any emotional andspatial associations), then on tovarious parts of the cortex, andback to the hippocampus. Makingthe information flow around thecircuit many times strengthensthe links enough that they stabi-lize, and no longer need the hip-pocampus to bring the datatogether. The strengthened mem-ory paths, enhanced with environ-ment connections, become a partof long-term memory.

How Does Memory Work?

CME programmes organised

Dr R G Wiseman Pinto, Dr P Pai, Dr H Goswami and Dr AvrilDias at the CME programme.

PANJIM (HND): The Department of Pathology in collaborationwith the Indian Academy of Cytologists organised two Con-tinuing Medical Education (CME) programmes in GMC re-cently.

In the first CME programme Dr Pushpalatha Pai, Professorand Head of Pathology Department, Yenepoya Medical College,Mangalore and Dr Hansa Goswami, Professor of Pathology, BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad were the faculty. The topicscovered were lymphoma and glass slide seminars. The scientificsession was chaired by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto and Dr AvrilDias. At the second CME programme on anaemia in chronickidney disease, the faculty were Dr J P Tiwari and Dr Eugeniode Sousa. This was chaired by Dr R G Wiseman Pinto. TheGoa Medical Council gave CME accreditation to both the CMEprogrammes.

Seva Shree Puraskar to AguiarPANJIM (HND): Shree Parodeshwar

Sampraday has announced this yearsSeva Shree Puraskar to Konkanipoet and writer John Aguiar. Theaward will be presented on April 2by his holiness Sri Sri Sri SadguruParodeshwar Maharaj in the presenceof his holiness Bhau Maharaj andother religious leaders at the SarvaDharma Sammelan (meeting of allfaiths) organized by the Sampraday.

The Seva Shree award is given inrecognition of work in the field ofart, culture, industry, social and edu-cation, environment, politics, etc.

Aguiar who is working for the Department of Information& Publicity is a well know Goan writer, Konkani poet. He isalso known as a well known lyricist. He has written forKonkani, English and Marathi dailies, periodicals. He hasworked for Marathi as well as Romi Konkani dailies. Aguiaractively participated in the Konkani movement.

He has produced and presented several programmes in-cluding interviews, playlets and panel discussions on Door-darshan to create awareness about drug abuse and alsoconducted cycle rallies and street plays along with homeguards and civil defence volunteers.

Eco tour bus service to BondlaPANJIM (HND): The Goa Forest Department has started op-

erating eco-tour bus service from Campal, Panjim to Bondlaevery Saturday, with departure from Campal at 9 am and de-parture from Bondla at 4.30 pm. Fare is Rs 100 for adults andRs 50 for children. Advance reservation can be made at theoffice of the Range Forest Officer, Wildlife, Campal, next toKala Academy, Panjim. Ph: 2228772.

Safety Day commemorated

VK Jha inaugurates the 40th National Safety Week at EncubeEthicals Pvt Ltd, Marcaim.

MARCEL (HC): Encube Ethicals Pvt Ltd, Marcaim, recentlyorganized a programme to commemorate 40th National SafetyDay. The programme was organised in association with theInspectorate of Factories and Boilers and Green TriangleSociety, states the press note.

Numerous employees and officers from industrial units lo-cated at Marcaim Industrial Estates were present for the pro-gramme.

The press note further stated that Chief Inspector of Fac-tories and Boilers S M Paranjape, in his keynote address,highlighted the role of the Inspectorate of Factories andBoilers in industrial safety and also talked on National SafetyWeek. Goa Government Secretary V K Jha urged to propagateawareness of safety, health and among industries.

Vivek Marathe (inspector of factories) administered safetypledge to the participants.

Jinajara Poojary (plant manager, Encube Ethicals Pvt Ltd)welcomed the gathering, while Manguirish Pai Raikar (chairmanof Green Triangle Society) proposed the vote of thanks.

Birthday celebration heldCURCHOREM (HC): The Miracles High School at Sanguem

organised a celebration to mark the 70th birthday of FrAgapito DCunha.

A mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Piety Chapel (Uguem)by Provincial of Goa Province Fr Kyriel DSouza along with FrPatrick Luis (local superior and parish priest of Our Lady ofMiracles Church, Sanguem), Fr Orlando Lopes (Parish priestof Our lady of Piety Church, Collem), Fr Custodio Fernandes(manager of Kalay Farm) and Fr Michael Rebello (Headmasterof Miracles High School-Sanguem).

In his homily, Fr Kyriel DSouza said that Christ brought afuller life for humanity and he was confident that Fr Agapitowould bring a new and vibrant life in the parish.

Later during the day, a small birthday celebration was heldat Miracles High School, Sanguem.

Fr John C D Souza highlighted Fr Agapitos work in theSanguem mission for 35 years and his attachment and lovefor the Miracles high school. Mangaldas Bhat compered thefunction while Fr Michael Rebello proposed the vote of thanks.

Fr Rebello and a student, Mahesh Talwar presented a magicshow for students of Our Lady of Piety Primary School.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Documentary at ICGPANJIM (HND): The Iron Wall - a documentary film by Mo-

hammed Altar about the establishment of Israeli settlementsin the West Bank followed by a discussion with Feroze Mithi-borwala will be held on March 31 at The International CentreGoa, Dona Paula, from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. For details log onto www.internationalcentregoa.com/pdf/TheIronWall.pdf.

Interactive session on TBPANJIM (HND): An interactive session on tuberculosis with

chest physician Dr Haradatta Karande, will be held on April 1 atThe International Centre Goa (ICG) from 3 pm to 4.30 pm. Thesession will be co-organised by ICG and Manipal Hospital Goa.

Open quizPANJIM (HND): Evening Quiz Club (SEQC) and The International

Centre Goa in association with Norges Quizforbund will holda quiz on April 2 at the ICG Dona Paula, from 10 am to 12.30pm. The quiz will consist of 6 written question papers of 40questions each, to be answered (solo) in 90 minutes. The quizis open to all. For registration (must), e-mail seqcgoa@gmail.comby April 1. For more info visit www.seqc.blogspot.com

Betalbatim forums meetPANJIM (HND): Betalbatim Civic and Consumer Forum (BCCF)

will hold its monthly meeting on April 2 at St Judes HS, Betal-batim at 5 pm. Besides the roundup of the utilities - electricity,water, telephones, LPG, posts, etc, medium of instruction, andthe increased frequency of fatal road accidents will be discussedalong with other consumer related problems.

Prevention of Blindness Week PANJIM (HND): The Prevention of Blindness Week will be ob-

served from April 1 to 7, by the National Society for the Preventionof Blindness-India (NSPB-I) and its state and district branches.Sight for children has been chosen as theme for 2011.

Holy Eucharist for workersPANJIM (HND): The Holy Eucharist would be celebrated for

workers on April 1 at Mary Immaculate Church, Panjim, at 1.15pm. This mass is organised by the Directorate of Land surveyand Settlement of Records. A priest will be available for con-fession from 12.30 pm onwards.

Fado evening at Cidade PANJIM (HND): A Fado evening will be held at Alfama the

award winning fine dining restaurant of Cidade de Goa, DoanPaula, on April 5 from 8 pm onwards

Fado pays tribute to the music of Portugal with songs filledwith passion, sorrow, jealousy, grief and satire. Sonia Shirsat,Miguel Cotta, Chantalle Cotta Viegas, well known Fado singerswill perform live accompanied by Franz Schubert Cotta on Por-tuguese guitar (Guitarra Portuguesa) and Carlos Menezes playingguitar (Viola).

In the cosy ambience of a town square at Alfama, one canalso enjoy specially crafted menu consisting of vegetarian andnon-vegetarian dishes ranging from Filetes de Peixe Frito naFrigideira to Galinha Assada com Alho to Couve Recheada comMolho de Tomate and more. For more details call 2454545.

John Aguiar

POWER SHUTDOWNMARCH 31

PANAJI: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Girija Heights,Keni Bungalow, Santosh building, Karmali building, Nirmala Institute,Rosilda Apartments, Menezes building, Altop Co-op HousingSociety and surrounding areas of Altinho.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

BELGAUM, MARCH 30

Karnatakas Excise Minister M PRenukacharya has expressedconcern over the rising inflowof illicit Goan liquor to Belgaumand other areas that border Goa.

Renukacharya, who was inBelgaum on Wednesday, carriedout raids on hooch dens in Bel-gaum.

Renukacharya accompaniedby Joint Excise CommissionerM Prabhudeva also conductedraid on the illegal distilleries atKaravi village and seized about4,000 litres of hooch apart fromdestroying distilling equipmentsused by the villagers.

In order to handle this chronicissue, he also said that the gov-ernment would initiate actionin providing employment op-portunities to those involved inillicit distilling of hooch and alsoprovide education to their chil-dren.

Renukacharya who arrived inBelgaum Wednesday morning

after conducting raids con-ducted the meeting of the

deputy commissioners of centralexcise from Bijapur, Bagalkot,

Haveri, Belgaum and Dharwad.It is learnt that the minister

has asked the officials to takestringent action against un-abated inflow of illicit Goanliquor as it is having an adverseimpact on Karnatakas exciserevenue.

Apart from taking an overallrev i ew o f the ac t i v i t i e s ,Renukacharya also took a lookat the Goan liquor stocked atthe godown of the excise de-partment at Belgaum. Thus,activities at Karnataka excisecheck posts along Goa borderare expected to gather speedafter the ministers visit to Bel-gaum.

Joint Commissioner of Ex-cise M Prabhuswamy who wasreluctant to divulge detailsonly said that apart from theexisting check post, an addi-tional check post has been re-cently set up at Kankumbi tocontrol the inflow of Goanliquor via Belgam Goa road viaChorla.

Ktaka Minister raises concern over inflow of Goan liquor into Belgaum

Excise Minister Renukacharya examines a Goa-made liquor bottle atthe excise godown at Belgaum. Photo by Louis Rodrigues

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Some of the trains on Konkan Railway route will be affected dueto the proposed power & traffic block of Central Railway on April3 from 0.30 am to 3.30 pm. The changes in train schedules onApril 2 and 3 are as follows:

Train No 16346, Trivandrum - LTT Netravati Express leavingTrivandrum on April 1 and scheduled to arrive at LTT (LokmanyaTilak Terminus) on April 2 at 4.40 pm will be terminated at Panvelon arrival at 3.15 pm.

Train No 12620, Mangalore - LTT Matsyagandha Express leavingMangalore on April 2 and scheduled to arrive at LTT on April 3 at6.35 am will be terminated at Panvel on its arrival at 5.15 am.

Train No 16345, LTT - Trivandrum Netravati Express scheduledto leave LTT on April 3 will run ex Panvel (Panvel dep 2 pm).

Train No 12619, LTT - Mangalore Matsyagandha Express sched-uled to leave LTT on April 3 will run ex Panvel (Panvel dep 4.30pm)

Train No 50104, Ratnagiri - Dadar Passenger leaving Ratnagirion April 3 and scheduled to arrive at Dadar at 2.20 pm will be ter-minated at DIVA on its arrival at 1.25 pm.

Train No 50103, Dadar Ratnagiri Passenger scheduled to leaveDadar on April 3 will run ex Diva (Diva dep 4.20 pm)

Train No 16346, Trivandrum - LTT Netravati Express leavingTrivandrum on April 2 and scheduled to arrive at LTT at 4.40 pmon April 3 will be regulated between Roha-Panvel section to arriveLTT at 7.30 pm.

Trains on KR route to be affected on April 2, 3

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, MARCH 30

MARS Telecom Systems requires250 executives for the prestigiousUIDAI (Aadhaar) project for car-rying out UID enrolment activi-ties in various locations in Goa.Those keen to be a part of thisgigantic Government of India ini-tiative can come for walk-in in-terviews and group discussionson Thursday and Friday.

Required are:(1) An Operations/Delivery

Head with excellent leadershipand independent decision mak-ing and communication skills,and eight to 10 years of experi-ence in managing large fieldteams, task / target orientedwith good MIS reporting skills.Those with experience of work-ing with government agenciesare preferred.

(2) Enrolment Executives:Basic computer skills a must;good keyboard skills and cus-tomer service orientation a hugeplus.

(3) Technical Executives: Ex-perience in hardware/softwaretrouble shooting, daily back upand maintenance of data.

(4) Supervisors: Ability tomanage eight-to-10 memberteams, target-driven, who canensure MIS compliance.

(5) Trainers: Excellent com-munication skills; previous ex-perience in technical training isdesirable.

Qualifications: Std XII, Grad-uate (Non-Tech or Tech), PostGraduate any specialisation with good computer skills, ex-cellent communication skills;process and services orientation,fluent in Konkani, English andHindi.

Venue: Azad Bhavan, AzadBhavan Marg, Pundalik Nagar,Alto Porvorim, Opp. MajestikHotel, Goa.

Walk-in dates: March 31 andApril 1. Timings: 9 am to 5pm.

Bring along a hard copy of re-sume with one photograph andone ID proof original and xeroxcopy.

There are altogether 250 po-sitions open in the Goa region.Those who do well can get workat other UID sites in future. Formore information, email uid-goa@mars-india.com or call9923716699.

Walk-in interviews for UID (Aadhaar) project today

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CALANGUTE, MARCH 30

The coastal belt of Calanguteand surrounding areas havebeen hard hit due to erraticpower supply since the last fewdays.

Candolim, Calangute and sur-rounding areas including Nagoa-Arpora that boast of a powerstation are the worst hit due toerratic power supply.

Residents of Nagoa-Arporahave been facing the brunt oferratic power supply unsuitablefor electrical appliances like fansleave aside the air-conditionersor refrigerators for over a monthnow.

Residents claimed that thesupply is so bad that even a 60volt bulb is unable to give onea good output while the fansare unable to function nor-mally.

When contacted, personnelat Nagoa power station in-formed that the main supply it-self is very bad so they areunable to provide a good supplyto the villagers.

However, the recent state-ment of Power Minister AleixoSequeira in the Assembly thatthey have received 37 MW ofpower to meet power require-ments, thereby facilitating liftingof power ban on new connec-tions for industries raises seriousconcern among the consumersin the villages, especially in the

coastal belt of Calangute.Residents of Candol im,

Calangute, Nagoa-Arpora andsurrounding areas are of theview that power supply for theirvillage should be improved onpriority basis, as their businessis being hard hit.

I am really surprised withthe statement of the power min-ister that they have received ad-ditional 37 MW of power tomeet the requirements of theindustries, when we are not ableto get a stable power supply forour requirements. Practically,there is a power cut everyevening for half an hour, com-plained an aggrieved business-man from Candolim.

The power minister shouldconcentrate on providing stablepower to Goan populace ratherthan thinking of industries andothers, as our fans stops func-tioning in the evening. So, whatis the point in having extrapower and making the peoplesuffer in the bargain, askedJohn Dias of Calangute.

When contacted, officials ofthe department were unable toprovide any satisfactory answerswhile others were unaware ofthe low or erratic power supplyproblems hitting the local pop-ulace of coastal Calangute.

Villagers of the coastal belthowever want the departmentto give them a stable power sup-ply.

Erratic power supply hits coastal belt of Calangute

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

VALPOI, MARCH 30

Preparations are on to celebrateSattari taluka Shigmotsav atValpoi on April 2.

Speaker Pratapsingh Ranewas unanimously elected aspresident of Sattari Taluka Shig-motsav Organising committee.

In the recently held meeting,Health Minister Vishwajeet Ranewas elected as president of theworking committee. Other com-mittee members elected areAshok Porob, Narhari Haldankar,Venkatesh Desai, Humlo Gawde

and Ashok Gawas (vice presi-dents), Uday Sawant (secretary),Premanand Naik (joint secre-tary), Prasad Khadilker (trea-surer), Prashant Marathe andOmkar Parob (joint treasurers).

Premnath Hazare is the chiefadvisor and Pramod Mahadesh-war the event coordinator, whileSagun Wadker was elected chiefof the finance committee. TheShigmotsav committee will or-ganise various entertainmentevents and competitions includ-ing Romtamel, floats, folk danceand fancy-dress competitions.

Preparations on forValpoi Shigmotsav

Pg 5GOA GOA, THURSDAY, 31 MARCH, 2011

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HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MARCEL, MARCH 30

The Bharatiya Bhasha ShurakshaManch (BBSM) has strongly ob-jected to the inclusion of Englishas medium of instruction in gov-ernment-aided primary schools.

As part of its statewideprotest against demand for Eng-lish as medium of instruction ingovernment-aided primaryschools, the Manch conducteda taluka level meeting at Pondaon Tuesday.

Speakers at the meetingstrongly objected to medium ofinstruction to be in English ingovernment-aided primaryschools. The meeting alsoformed committees to intensifyits agitation at grass-root level.

Today, there is a need to pro-tect our Indian languages. Thetime has come to voice our de-mands to protect our Indian lan-guages. I have come out toprotest because I have concernfor our languages, our Indian

languages which are rich, saidFr Mousinho Ataide.

Added Bhiku Pai Angle: Nodoubt that majority of the peo-ple are favouring primary edu-cation in Indian languages.People should unite irrespective

of what languages they speakand fight against English asmedium of instruction in gov-ernment-aided schools.

Sitaram Tengse, Rohidas Naikand Narayan Desai also spokeon the occasion.

BBSM to intensify stir against English as medium

Ponda taluka meeting of Bharatiya Bhasha Shuraksha Manch.Photo by Amresh Parab

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Goynche Niz Mogi (GNM) hascalled on all self-righteous indi-viduals, the BJP, the MGP andpoliticians to stay away frommaking decisions for the par-ents. The dream of every parent,rich or poor, to give the bestEnglish medium education totheir children, should be recog-nised and fulfilled, while at thesame time the desire of theGoans to preserve their identityshou ld be recogn i sed bystrengthening the mothertongue Konkani, President ofGoynche Niz Mogi (GNM) JamesFernandes has stated in a pressrelease issued here.

Economically successful peo-ple educate their children inEng l i sh med ium pr imar yschools, therefore every childof rich or poor parents shouldbe admitted to an Englishmedium school with the bestenvironment, highly competentteachers and aided by the gov-ernment, President of GNM has

demanded. He suggests that when teach-

ers teach the English alphabets,she/he should informally teachthe student the correspondingalphabets in Konkani and ateacher teaching a particular les-son should move to the nextsentence or paragraph only afterall the students understand thesame in Konkani. Konkani as aformal subject should commencefrom Std V, GNM has demanded.

Dont destroy dreams of parents: Niz Mogi

n Economicallysuccessful peopleeducate their childrenin English mediumprimary schools,therefore every childof rich or poorparents should beadmitted to anEnglish mediumschool with the bestenvironment

--- GNM chief James

One convicted for rash driving

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

SANGUEM, MARCH 30

Sanguem Judicial MagistrateFirst Class Aratikumari Naik hasconvicted one Narayan Gaonkarfor rash and negligent drivingand for causing injuries to thecar occupants.

The accused was sentencedto pay a fine of Rs 1,000 for of-fences under Sections 279 and338 IPC.

Accused Gaonkar, who wasdriving the truck (GA-09 T-5280),suddenly took a turn to proceedtowards Shigao road withoutshowing any signal and in theprocess dashed against an on-coming motorcycle (GA-05 A-0261), causing grievous injuriesto motorcycle rider MohanJhalmi and pillion rider RohidasGawde. The accident took placein 2008.

The JMFC after going throughthe evidence led by the prose-cution held the accused guiltyof both the offences and sen-tenced the accused to pay a fineof Rs 1,000 each for the offencecommitted by him.

The matter was investigatedby Head Constable Shiva Gawas,while APP Govind S Gaonkar rep-resented the State and also ad-vanced the arguments.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

PORVORIM, MARCH 30

Mapusa Municipal Council(MMC) on Wednesday demol-ished the extension of a shopin Mapusa Municipal market.

According to reports, someshopkeepers in Mapusa Mu-nicipal market had filed a com-plaint with the MMC chiefofficer that the owner of Shop331 had carried out illegal ex-tension of his shop, therebyblocking the passage in thearea.

Since the MMC failed to actin the matter, the shopkeeperssought the intervention of theShiv Sena.

Shiv Sena Ad Hoc committeemember Philip DSouza alongwith Mapusa Merchant Asso-ciation President YehswantGaudalker and other officebearers of the Associationcalled on Chief Officer Hanu-mant Toraskar on Wednesdaymorning and demanded dem-olition of the illegal structurewithin one hour.

MMC Chairperson SudhirKando lka r, Ch ie f O f f i ce rToraskar and Municipal engi-

Mapusa council demolishes shop extension neer Vishnu Naik immediatelyvisited the market along withtheir staff and demolished the

encroachment and also theroom that was illegally con-structed above the toilet.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, MARCH 30

Konkani Bhasha Mandal Presi-dent Prashant Naik has appealedfor a minimum of 30 bus loadsof people from Canacona to at-tend the proposed strengthshow at Azad Maidan on April6 to show mass opposition togovernment plans to give grantsfor English medium primary ed-ucation in the State.

Naik was speaking at themeeting organised under thebanner Bharatiya Bhasha Surak-sha Mandal Goa at CanaconaMunicipal Hall, Chaudi, on Mon-day, which was attended bysome 100 people.

Naik, who is also chairman ofan educational society runningthree institutions in Canacona,informed the gathering that aminimum of two each buses car-rying parents from these threeinstitutions will leave for Panjimon April 6.

He requested to contact otherbodies/associations to mobilizepeople and take them to AzadMaidan.

The issue is to be decidedby the educationists, but sincethe present lot of uneducatedassembly members believes

only in numbers, let us showthem a minimum of 21,000people at Azad Maidan, saidNaik.

Interestingly, almost all whospoke on the occasion inKonkani admitted that they hadtheir primary education inMarathi and surprisingly de-manded that elementary edu-cation should be compulsorilytaught in mother tongue only.

The lone politician who madehis presence felt at the meetingwas Poingunim ZP member DayaPagi, speaking in Konkani said:I studied in Marathi medium,but does all my business in Eng-lish.

Since it is the universal ac-cepted fact that primary educa-tion should be done in mothertongue, it is best that educa-tionists decide on the issue,which I am fully supportive of.However, I am worried over theissue blowing off as religion pol-itics, he stated.

Retired headmaster ShantajiNaik Gaunkar, presently chair-man of education society alsorunning English medium pri-mary unaided school, said: Idid my primary education inMarathi, both my sons and most

of my other family members inMarathi.

Education is not only passingthe exams with flying colours,but other social issues are alsoimportant while studying, hesaid.

Naik Gaunkar who runs theonly English medium primaryunaided school in the taluka,h a s o v e r 3 2 5 s t u d e n t s ,against about 700-odd stu-dents studying Konkani inm a n y a s s e v e n p r i m a r yKonkani medium schools inCanacona.

I suspect that some peopleare demanding grants to Englishmedium primary education notfor the sake of English, but thereis more of an hidden agenda tothe demand, he said.

One of the speaker said de-mands for government grantsto English medium primary ed-ucation is a virus and the agita-tion BBSM is launching isanti-virus act to knock-off theEnglish virus.

Another speaker said it is thedesire of British rulers to leaveEnglish and cricket in the bloodof Indians and its time that Eng-lish has to be erased completelyfrom the turf.

KBM chief calls for show of strength at Azad Maidan meet

HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, MARCH 30

Former sarpanch and Velsao-Pale-Issorcim Panch Estevao Car-valho has been booked forallegedly intending to outragethe modesty of his neighbours.

Police have booked an offenceagainst Carvalho for allegedlyintending to insult the modestyof women under Section 509 ofIPC, after receiving complaintfrom Audrey Sarita Dias Ro-drigues from Velsao, said VernaPI Jivba Dalvi.

Speaking to Herald, the com-plainant accompanied by herhusband Caetano also accusedCarvalho of harassing them overa residential certificate due toprevious enmity.

When my husband was tak-ing some photos of the property,the accused allegedly came inbetween and removed his pantand stood in front with his un-derwear and exposed beforeme, stated Sarita.

They also accused Carvalhoof delaying the issue of theirresidential certificate for nearlyfour months, forcing them torun from pillar to post.

However, Caetano managedto get the certificate after in-tervention of a former minister.

Ex-Velsao Sarpanch booked forattempt to outrage modesty

As Im working in Kuwait forthe last four months, I had askedmy wife to apply for residentialcertificate in November 2010.However, the panchayat statedthat since Im not present in thevillage, I had to return fromKuwait to obtain the certificateand again apply for it on March8, 2011, said Caetano.

But the panchayat told thatmy matter would be placed inthe panchayat meeting. It wasonly after approaching MickyPacheco that we got the certifi-cate, stated Caitano.

Repeated efforts to contactPanch Estevao Carvalho sinceTuesday proved futile, as thepanch was not willing to com-ment in the matter.

When contacted, VelsaoSarpanch Nora DSouza deniedthe allegations and said therewas valid reason to delay in is-suing the certificate.

After inquiring with localpanch Carvalho, it was revealedthat the applicant was not stay-ing in the village for a long time.Thus, his residential certificatewas delayed, as the matter wasplaced before the panchayatmeeting, added DSouza.

She alleged that Caetano wasvery rude to her when he cameto the panchayat. He misbe-haved with me, but despite thatpanchayat issued the certificateeven before he could meetPacheco, she stated.

HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, MARCH 30

While farming activities in theState are on the decline, veg-etable cultivation is now beingvigorously pursued by an un-usual group of individuals -- pris-oners at Sada Sub-Jail in Vasco.

Not everyone may have ac-cess to the jail, but the resultsare there for everyone to see.The once barren land at the Jub-Jail has now been turned into a

green carpet of various vegeta-bles, thanks to five dedicatedprisoners at the Sada Sub jail.

The five dedicated convictsof Sada Sub jail along with a jailguard have cultivated nearly adozen varieties of vegetablesand fruits in the backyard of thejail.

In a bid to make the jail self-sufficient and to train the in-mates in farming, Assistant JailSuperintendent Bhanudas Ped-

nekar started an innovative ideaof cultivating a variety of veg-etables and fruits with the helpof the jail staff and the inmates.

Speaking to reporters, Ped-nekar said: The vegetable cul-tivation is being carried out withthe help of five dedicated con-vict prisoners and one jail staffKrishana Harmalkar, who regu-larly engage themselves in cul-tivation during working hoursof the jail.

Once these inmates are re-leased, they could well take upthe trade of farming.

This novel idea of trainingthe convicts in farming with highaspiration is that once they arereleased, the convicts will takeup this trade and be self-suffi-cient, said Pednekar.

The prisoners have con-verted the hilly terrain into alush green field by excavatingstones, dumping soil, pouringnatural fertilizers and wateringthe entire area with the help ofthe jail staff, he said.

While this forms a little por-tion of the 10,000 sq mtrs land,Pednekar plans to utilise the en-tire remaining area for vegetablecultivation.

However, the inmates havegrown vegetables and the earlierin-charges were instrumental ingrowing coconut trees, bananaplantation and mango saplings.

He further said that part ofthe produce is sold to the jailstaff at a cheaper rate and thebalance is used in the mess.

We are planning to go on alarge scale and sell some of theproduce in the open marketwhich will help the jail to earnsome revenue, said Pednekar.

Sada prisoners show skill in farming

The once barren land at Sada Sub Jail has turned into lush green cultivation due to hard work by jail in-mates. Photo by M Prabhav

1 convicted for assault

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

SANGUEM, MARCH 30

Quepem Judicial Magistrate FirstClass Bela Naik recently con-victed one Remy Vaz for assault-ing three persons.

Naik convicted Vaz for of-fences under Sections 323, 425and 506 (II) IPC and sentencedthe accused rigorous imprison-ment for one year.

In the instant case which oc-curred on February 29, 2008,accused Vaz entered into thehouse of the complainantthrough the back door armedwith bamboo sticks and as-saulted the complainant, hiswife and son and fled from thespot leaving behind the scooterat the place of offence.

The accused also threatenedthe complainant and his kin ofdire consequences and alsothreatened to set their vehicleand house on fire.

Vaz denied the charges andclaimed not guilty. During thecourse of trial, the prosecutionexamined seven witnesses andafter going through the deposi-tion of the witnesses and argu-ments advanced by APP GovindS Gaonkar convicted the accusedfor having committed all the of-fences and sentenced him to oneyear rigorous imprisonment.

Quepem SDM imposes timing restriction on

ore transportersHERALD CORRESPONDENT

SANGUEM, MARCH 30

In view of the SSC exams thatare schedule to commence onApril 1, Sub-Divisonal Magistrateand Deputy Collector QuepemAgnelo Fernandes has called forrestrictions on timings for trans-porters of mineral ore inQuepem and Sanguem regions.

Fernandes in the order statedthat there shall be no transporta-tion activity in the morning ses-sion till 10 am on April 1, 2, 5,6, 7, 8 and 9. Fernandes hascalled all transport companiesand transport contractors to fol-low the prescribed timings toenable the students to reachtheir examinations in time.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

VALPOI, MARCH 30

The North Goa Konkan RailwayAction Committee (NGKRAC) hasrequested the Union Ministerof State for Railways K H Mu-niyappa to maintain the timingof the Diva-Madgaon passengertrain.

In a memorandum, NGKRACPresident D R Kambli has statedthat the proposed change in tim-ing of the Diva-Madgaon pas-senger train would put hundredsof passengers to hardship asmany employees (working classpeople in the State) travellingto their place of work in Mapusa,Bicholim, Pernem Colvale, Por-vorim and Panjim are dependent

on the train service in the morn-ing.

The present departure timingis 7.15 am. However, suddenchange in proposed change intiming, 6.15 am from April 1,has put many employees to ahardship.

Speaking to Herald, NorthGoa Konkan Railway ActionCommittee General SecretaryK J Joy said the new proposeddeparture timing at 6.15 amfrom Margao is most inconven-ient for employees, who aredaily depending on this trainservice.

The next train departurefrom Madgaon (Mandovi Ex-press) is only at 9.30 am. As

such, it is essential to maintainthe said timing of 7.15 am inthe interest of the employees,said Joy.

The memorandum also sug-gested extending the Karwar-Madgaon passenger train upto Pernem by maintaining thepresent timing, provided noalternative is left for railwaysfor retaining the present tim-ing of Diva-Madgaon passen-ger train.

The memorandum copy hasbeen sent to Chief MinisterDigambar Kamat, South Goa MPFrancisco Sardinha, Rajya SabhaMP Shantaram Naik and seniorregional traffic manager KonkanRailway, Madgaon.

Maintain Diva-Madgaon traintiming, urges NGKRAC

Interview for data entry operator

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, MARCH 30

Candidates who have appearedfor computer literacy test for thepost of data entry operator andthose who have qualified in thetest, are shortlisted and theirnames are displayed on the no-tice board of Collectorate ofNorth Goa at Panjim. The oralinterview of the shortlisted can-didates has been fixed on April1 and April 2. The call letters toappear for oral interview havebeen dispatched. In case anyqualifying candidate have not re-ceived the intimation he/she maycontact the office between 10am to 1 pm and between 2 pmto 5 pm on any working days.

Hats off ParrikarClaudius Fernandes, Quepem

The demand of Leader of OppositionManohar Parrikar to cap the amount of oreextracted and the request to governmentto come out with a policy stating the max-imum quantity of ore that could be trans-ported, is his visionary perception that cansee the affection in the hearts of Goans,who oppose unabated mining and live inthe mining belt. The commencement ofanother 68 mining sites in Sanguem and25 in Quepem talukas respectively, wouldbring more misery to the residents. Besidesdeforestation on a large scale due to thispurpose, more migrants will arrive in thestate to work as truck drivers or miningworkers. It will also strengthen the votebank of the Minister/MLA. Parrikars plans

are undoubtedly in the interest of the peo-ple, and he is expected to keep the presentgovernment on its toes so that any excessesare dealt with firmly.

Language issueRichard Zackaria, Quepem

This is in reference to the language issue.We have studied in English primary classesand then options were there to choseKonkani or Marathi in the secondary class.Parents know that English is a must in thestate and even abroad. So why doesnt thegovernment make English a subject in theprimary section? I know people who havestudied well and know how to read Englishbut dont speak it. They speak in theirnative language. Does our governmentwant this to happen in Goa in the not too-distant future?

Woes of a parentBrenda Passanha, Cavelossim

A few days ago, people from all walks oflife gathered at Azad Maidan to pitch, inone voice, for English as the medium ofinstruction. People of Goa have always livedtogether in harmony. It is only some ele-ments who are out to gain popularity, bydividing people on the medium of instruc-tion issue.

Ironically, children of VIPs including min-isters shift their children to English mediumschools as they can afford to pay the hugeamount of donations and fees.

So aam admi government, please changethe medium of instruction to English withone subject in the regional language, fromthe primary level. Let us, poor people,also benefit from your policy.

Outrageous suggestionAllwyn George, Carmona

This has reference to the letter by AdelmoFernandes (Herald, 29 March) suggestingrenaming Goa to Goem. His suggestionis outrageous and absurd in nature. Perhapsit is his way of attracting readers attention.It would be wise on his part to suggest re-naming Vasco first in Konkani or Marathiand then try to suggest renaming Goa. Hisideas might be very innovative to the

Marathi lobby of Shashikala and the Dhav-likar brothers, who are already sufferingfrom political oblivion.

Goan parents prioritiesArwin Mesquita, UAE

It was interesting to see a very large gath-ering of people, for the recently held meet-ing at Azad Maidan on the Medium ofInstruction. I want to ask these parents, ifthis Medium of Instruction is the only thingthey hold important for their children. Arethey not concerned about the rapid rateof destruction of Goa, its land, culture, andidentity? It appears that we Goans are gen-erally a selfish and narrow-minded lot, whoare unable to see the bigger picture andthe wider threat to Goa and Goans.

Portuguese languageVicente E Do Rego, Dubai

This has reference to B V S Priolkars letterGrants for Portuguese (Herald, 29 March).I fully accept his views. Portuguese languageshould have been part and on par withKonkani language.

I wish the government takes a wise ini-tiative in this process, considering the vastliterature and documents that are still inuse now.

Revise O Maria timingsJonas Correia, Aldona

Congratulations to Rajendra Talak and histeam for the successful screening of OMaria for a hundred days. It is a beautifulmovie which is worth watching.

The sad part is that there is only oneshow in the evening at 6.45pm. Peoplewithout transport of their own find it dif-ficult to return home after the show ends.The Inox management should screen atleast one matinee show on a Sunday or al-ternatively, advance the show to 1.45pmfor the benefit of Goans.

Righteous should reignSantana Nazareth, Saligao

A big bravo and hats off to the administratorof north zone communidade, Sabaji Shetyefor taking stern action against the old com-mittee of communidade of Saligao and

handing over the charge to the new more-effective committee headed by Eric Reme-dios.

We also congratulate Eric Remedios, thenewly elected president of Saligao com-munidade and are looking forward to hisinitiatives in rectifying the wrongs/illegal-ities done by the ex-committee. We alsowish him all the very best.

Tragic accidentMarcos Alemao, by email

The tragic accident that took place at Mar-gao yesterday which terminated the life ofVinod Naik from Orlim and Amonkar fromBetalbatim, should be condemned. Thedriver may have consumed alcohol or wasbusy on his mobile while driving. The rea-son cited as brake failure is unbelievable.How can the bakes of a new bus fail withina short time of three months?

Many motorists speak on their mobileswhilst driving. This has become very com-mon but traffic cops do not take cognizanceof this serious offence. The RTA has passedstrict measures to curb this menace; butmany fearlessly use mobiles while riding/dri-ving. I have seen many talking on mobileswhile riding/driving in front of the copsnoses, but they fail to stop and fine them.The government should impose severefines and impose a complete ban of mobilesand alcohol while driving.

Liberation felicitationsMelson F M Louis, Margao

Goa completes 50 years of liberation on19 December 2011 from colonial rule. TheGoa Tourism department could introduceson-et lumiere (Sound and Light) show as apermanent programme in the premises ofthe historic Fort Aguada jail for the benefitof tourists who wish to know about theheroic deeds and tortures meted out tothe freedom fighters who were lodged inthe jail, in their struggle for liberation ofGoa.

Apart from the freedom fighters thathave made it to the history books, weshould at least try to pay tributes to thebrave hearts who have sacrificed their livesfor the cause of liberation of Goas libera-tion against Portuguese rule.

Goa is celebrating 50 years of Liberationfrom Portuguese colonial rule and 24 yearsof statehood, but, unfortunately, the state

is yet to learn the basic lesson of disposing itsgarbage and sewage in a scientific manner. Infact, the increasing stench of cesspools of filthand putrefying garbage, with mix of recyclablematerial, plastic and perishable refuse all around,is severely disfiguring Goas once pristine land-scape and destroying its environment.

Failure on the part of various civic authoritiesto dispose off garbage and sewage in an adequateand safe manner, is posing a major health hazardto the people of Goa, particularly to those livingin the urban as well as semi-urban (coastal) areasof the state. For decades, sanitation in Goa hasbeen treated like, well, a dirty word. Civic bodies,riddled with rampant corruption and inefficiency,have bloated work forces. Garbage disposal fleetsoperate to a third of their capacity and there isa total lack of motivation to tackle even the mostbasic sanitation needs of the states overcrowdedurban as well as semi-urban areas. The rapidspread of unauthorised slums in already overcongested urban areas and the lack of civic senseamong most of us, add to the growing moundsof filth and disease in the state.

Both, in urban as well as in rural areas, thereis a visible lack of civic sense among us. Conse-quently, we have been witnessing garbage andfilth strewn almost everywhere. It is our tendencyto accept the filth as part of daily life that is re-sponsible for our towns and villages remainingdirty all the time. Households do not dumpgarbage at the right places and the civic workersadd to the problem by not collecting it regularly,thereby leaving it to rot and spread diseases.

Mere statistics, alarming as they are, do littleto reflect the sanitation crisis and its collateraldamage to the states health and environment.Urban and rural areas together produce enormousamounts of garbage and sewage. Even at thestate government level, there is an utter lack ofunderstanding of what sanitation means, as wellas poor co-ordination between the various agen-cies responsible in the matter.

This lack of co-ordination between the urbanand rural development authorities, the healthauthorities, the Goa State Pollution Control Board,etc, is the major reason for the deterioration ofsanitation in the state. Consequently, Goa wit-

nesses regular outbreaks of communicable dis-eases which take a toll of human life every year.The major causes are diarrhoea, diphtheria, TB,tetanus, measles and various viral infections,mostly as a result of poor sanitary conditions.Besides, during each monsoon, malaria and gas-troenteritis are common ailments across the state.Stagnant water and unhygienic conditions leadto the breeding of flies, mosquitoes, etc. As a re-sult, thousands of malaria and gastroenteritiscases have been reported in the past few years.Hundreds of people die annually of vector-bornediseases alone, mainly in slum areas. More thanhalf of the battle against these diseases wouldhave been won, if people were more responsiveto the need for cleanliness in the surroundings.

Only when all communicable diseases are erad-icated, can sanitation levels be considered satis-factory. But for this, all aspects of sanitation haveto be tackled together, from human excreta andgarbage, to personal and environmental or com-munity hygiene. The basic problem is obvious;excessive urbanisation and the resultant formationof slums in cities and towns. The problem is ag-gravated by local politicians, for whom the slumloads of migrants are a captive vote-bank. Thepromise of regularising these slum colonies andensuring that no civic action is taken, are part ofthe local elections manifestos. This only encour-ages mushrooming of more slums.

Today, 30 per cent of Goas population - aroundfour lakh people live in slums. In towns like Mar-gao, Vasco, Ponda, Mapusa and Sancoale, thepercentages are even higher. Slum dwellers live,sleep and cook in unhygienic shanties and defe-cate in the open - a problem faced by all majortowns and several industrialised areas of thestate. The slums have little or no garbage collec-tion, few sanitary toilets, and open drains serveas sewers.

The result is that slum dwellers, many of whomwork as domestic servants in regular housingcolonies, contract diseases because of the unhy-gienic conditions and pass them on to others atwork. The lack of hygienic sense is not restri