Goa 123 updates

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Goa Blog

Birth Anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi celebrated in Goa
BJP wants to shed communal image, eyes Christian votes in Goa
Protecting Goa and the Goan Identity

Birth Anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi celebrated in Goa

Posted: 22 Aug 2010 03:46 AM PDT

Chief Minister of Goa, Shri. Digambar Kamat administering the oath on Sadbhavana Day on the Birth Anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi at Rajiv Gandhi Statue, Bamabolim. Also seen Philip Neri Rodrigues, Minister for Human Resources, Altinho Gomes, Gen. Secretary, GPCC, Dr. Ulhas Parab, Vice-Chairman, Khadi Board, Mrs. Ezilda Sapeco, Chairperson, Women Commission and others.

Chief Minister, Shri. Digambar Kamat, Gen. Secretary Altinho Gomes offering tribute to the portrait of Rajiv Gandhi at Congress House on the Birth Anniversary of Shri. Rajiv Gandhi, Former Prime Minister of India and The President of Indian National Congress.

BJP wants to shed communal image, eyes Christian votes in Goa

Posted: 22 Aug 2010 03:29 AM PDT

In a bid to shed its communal image and boost its minority vote base, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders will interact with Christian religious leaders, including the archbishop of Goa, the party announced Sunday. Addressing a press conference, BJP national secretary and in charge of Goa Arti Mehra, said: ‘The party feels there is a concious need to reach out to the Christian community in the state and increase its minority vote base by at least five percent.’

‘We will be having increased interactions with Christian religious leaders in order to put across the correct image of the BJP. We need to clear the misconception that the BJP is a communal party. We need such sensitisation programmes with the minority community,’ said Mehra, a former mayor of Delhi.

‘We are having an interaction with Fr Agnel ashram (a popular educational institution run by a Catholic order), where we will make a presentation to its students. We will also meet the archbishop to offer our respects,’ Mehra said, adding that the programme would reach out to the Christian community in Goa, before moving on to other minority religious groups. Mehra also said such interactions would help the BJP up its minority vote by at least five to seven percent.

‘Christians comprise nearly 30 percent of the Goan population. By our efforts and personal interactions by our leaders, we would try to increase our vote share in the minority community by at least five to seven percent,’ she said.

Courtesy: sify

Protecting Goa and the Goan Identity

Posted: 21 Aug 2010 08:18 PM PDT

Every Goa-loving Goan is disgusted by the way Goa is being ‘developed’. Every Goan politician who is involved in this ‘development’ has lost the respect of the people. This is because people today have come to know how in the guise of ‘development’ Goa’s forests, hills, fields and ecology are being destroyed by the so-called ‘developers’.

Hence, there is a hue and cry throughout the length and breadth of Goa to save Goa and to protect it from destruction. The most important question that thus comes to my mind is what is the exact interpretation of ‘Save Goa’? The thrust of the ‘Save Goa’ agitation, it appears, is to resist the cutting of hills and destruction of greenery, to oppose mega projects in villages because such mega projects, besides adversely affecting the locals due to pressure on infrastructure like roads, water, electricity, etc also changes the demography of Goa. Let us consider for the sake of argument that the ‘Save Goa‘ agitation has ended successfully.

All the selfish, greedy and corrupt politicians are defeated in the election and sincere, dedicated, honest and upright Goans are elected to run the state of Goa. Because of this, cutting of hills and destruction of greenery have been stopped totally. Mega projects in Goa have become a thing of the past. People’s power has prevailed. If such a situation happens in Goa in reality, can we conclude that Goa has been saved from destruction? For me, saving Goa is not only protecting its hills and greenery. As I understand it, saving Goa means protecting the ‘Goan Identity’ too.

If we succeed in halting the destruction of Goa in the guise of development but fail to preserve our Goan identity then we shall have not achieved anything. Allowing the destruction of the ‘Goan Identity’ is nothing short of permitting the ruin of the Goan soul. And a green Goa or an ideal Goa without its soul is no Goa at all. I am compelled to make this remark because numerous NGOs fighting for the cause of Goa have not shown any inclination towards saving Goa’s identity. And to save Goa’s identity each of us will have to make efforts to protect our Goan culture. By Goan culture I mean our values, norms, folklore, music, dance, drama, law and ideology. Each one of us cannot also neglect the importance of language in our culture.

All these factors constitute what is known as ‘Goan Identity’. Are there any NGOs in Goa who are combating the forces that destroy the ‘Goan Identity’? No! We are only protesting against hill-cutting, mega projects, etc. In other words, we are fighting against selfish, greedy builders and politicians. On the other hand, the ‘Goan Identity’ is being destroyed by our own acts and deeds. We are responsible for the destruction of our identity. We ape westernization at every step of our lives. Konkani language, which is the foundation of the ‘Goan Identity‘, has no place in our lives. Leave aside encouraging our children to study Konkani, we ourselves feel shy to talk and converse in Konkani. In the organization of social functions such as weddings, birthdays, etc, Konkani has no place at all. How can we say that we are fighting to save Goa? Take the other aspects of the ‘Goan Identity’.

What has happened to our value system? Does Goan folklore have any influence on the modern generation? Are Goan youth attracted to Goan music, dance and drama? The answer to all these is a big ‘NO’. Then in what way are we protecting the ‘Goan Identity’? If we are not interested in protecting Goa’s identity then we may succeed in halting mega projects, SEZs, etc in Goa but we shall never be able to save Goa in the true sense.

We must not forget that Goa cannot exist without its identity. Therefore, all those who shout at the top of their voices about protecting Goa, should give equal importance to the movement of preservation and promotion of ‘Goan Identity’ among the masses. The targets here are not the politicians and developers, but our own fellow brothers and sisters. Every citizen of Goa, poor, middle class or rich, is crazy about the English language and western culture.

There are sound reasons too for such an attitude. But should it be at the cost of despising and looking down upon your own language and culture? This mindset of today’s Goans must be changed and for that, we should fight with the same spirit with which we struggle against the destruction of Goa’s forests, hills and fields. Mind you, the ‘Save Goa’ movement can be successful only if Goa’s identity along with Goa’s environment and ecology are preserved for posterity.

Courtesy: TOI

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa tightens security after nationwide terror alert
Shantaram Naik,Goa MP opposes Nationalisation of Mines
Goa Police record statements of ragging victims
Goa: Monserratte, His Son and Former Mayor Chargesheeted by CBI

Goa tightens security after nationwide terror alert

Posted: 21 Aug 2010 08:22 AM PDT

Goa has tightened security following a nationwide alert that a terror outfit may strike during the upcoming festive season, a senior official said Saturday. State Chief Secretary Sanjiv Srivastava told reporters that the police had been asked to intensify night patrolling and beef up their presence at sensitive installations following the terror alert. ’We have issued a statewide terror alert. All the necessary steps have been taken to thwart any untoward incident in the state,’ he said. ’We have also intensified the process of intelligence gathering to ensure that we are on top of the situation,’ he said.

The union home ministry has sounded a nationwide alert, asking states to step up vigil following intelligence inputs which said that terror organisation, Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) could try to strike during the upcoming festive season. The coming few weeks are choc-a-bloc with festivities. Onam will be celebrated Aug 23, Raksha Bandhan Aug 24 and Eid-ul Fitr Sep 13.

Courtesy: sify

Shantaram Naik,Goa MP opposes Nationalisation of Mines

Posted: 21 Aug 2010 06:12 AM PDT

Mr Shantaram Naik M.P strongly opposed nationalization of mines in thecountry although, he said, he is personally inclined towards socialist policies and that in principle, he would certainly like natural resources to be in the hands of the State.

Mr Naik , who was participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha held on Friday, on the subject of illegal mining , referring to CPM leader Sitaram Yechuri who demanded nationalization of mines in the country in his speech, said that considering the mal- functioning of our public sectors and also keeping in mind corruption prevailing therein, nationalization of mines is not the ideal solution.

Refering to another suggestion of Mr Yechuri that export of mineral ore should be banned Mr Naik said that the country has not yet developed capabilities to use iron ore locally besides, he said ore extracted in a State like Goa is basically a low grade one, which has no market in the country has, therefore, necessarily to be exported.

Mr Naik questioned as to how the extracted iron ore worth thousands of rupees disappeared from Bellary and said that Commission of Inquiry is of no use since the offence of theft is already committed and said that CBI inquiry is the ideal solution to the problem.

He suggested that not only the persons who commited the theft must be arrested but the conspirators , even though he may be the highest executive of the State, must be put behind bars.

Mr Naik referred to the Minieral Policy of Government of India andsaid that , henceforth tribals will be the stakeholders in the mining operations in the country.

He also pleaded that in order to implement the new Mining Policy, the government has to carry out necessary amendments to the Mining Regulation Act and the Rules.

Goa Police record statements of ragging victims

Posted: 21 Aug 2010 01:20 AM PDT

Even as nine students of the Goa Medical College arrested for ragging were released on bail, Agassaim police on Friday recorded statements of all seven witnesses. Speaking to Deputy Superintendent of Police Deu Benaulikar, told Herald that a chargesheet against the alleged accused MBBS students will be filed shortly. He did not specify any date to filing the chargesheet, though. "We have already quizzed the accused students and also completed recording statements of the seven junior students who were ragged. A charge sheet will soon be filed after we record statements of Goa Medical College Dean Dr V N Jindal and warden of the hostel Dr C P Das," said the officer.
It is learnt that the victims told police that the senior students asked them to kneel down and salute.

The hostel building of the Goa Medical College at Bambolim in which the ragging incident took place.

Earlier, GMC authorities expelled the accused students from the hostel for ragging the first year MBBS students, on Thursday. Warden of the hostel Dr C P Das caught the nine students in action following which he intimated the authorities and subsequently lodged a complaint at Agassaim police station. All these students including those involved in ragging and victim juniors were enrolled from All India Quota, studying various courses of MBBS.

Courtesy: Herald

Goa: Monserratte, His Son and Former Mayor Chargesheeted by CBI

Posted: 21 Aug 2010 01:10 AM PDT

Goa's education minister Atanasio Monserratte and two others including then Mayor of Panaji city and Monserratte's son have been issued notices today court for attempting to take away an accused arrested by city police. Judicial Magistrate First Class, Panaji, issued the notices after Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet against trio. Monserratte's younger son, Amit and Mayor of corporation of city of Panaji Tony Rodrigues are also accused of an attempt to get away accused from police station on February 19, 2008. The attempt had followed an attack on Panaji police station by an unruly mob injuring several policemen. Monserratte, his son Amit and wife Jeniffer were amongst several people arrested for mobbing the policemen.

The court today served notices under section 353 (assault to deter public servant from discharge of duty) read with Section 34 (act done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed against threesome in Panaji police station which mentions that they tried to take away accused Mainardo alias Toto from police custody by entering in the station. "They entered the police station and attempted to take away the arrested accused and obstructed the complainant (Panaji police PI) and other police persons in discharge of their duties," the chargesheet reads.

State education minister is also facing another chargesheet for attacking a police station, which happened soon after their foiled attempt to rescue the accused. The chargesheet is filed against 37 accused including current city Mayor Caroline Po. They are charged for rioting, attack on public servants with dangerous weapons, causing mischief by damage to public property and also use of fire and explosives. Initially, the cases were inquired by state police and later handed over to CBI, which has filed the chargesheets.

Courtesy: daijiworld

Friday, August 20, 2010

Goa Blog

Congress’ frontal organisations disagree on drugs issue in Goa

Posted: 20 Aug 2010 09:24 AM PDT

Two frontal youth organisations of the Congress–NSUI and GPYCC–have differed on the crucial issue of police-drug peddler nexus in Goa. While National Students Union of India (NSUI) has launched a campaign ‘War against drugs’ the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (GPYCC) has not supported the same. “I don’t want to comment anything on the campaign started by NSUI. They are handling the issue,” GPYCC President Sankulp Amonkar said reacting to a query. Briefing media in Panaji, Amonkar said the drugs issue was not on their agenda. You can ask me question on any other issue, I am ready to reply. Its for Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) to support them.”

NSUI on July 9, this year, began a campaign against rampant drug trade in the coastal state demanding action against policemen involved in pushing drugs into the market. The youth wing also met All India Congress Committee General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on July 16 briefing him on the vexed drugs issue, which also got state home minister Ravi Naik’s son into a major controversy. NSUI’s Goa State president Sunil Kawthankar who led the campaign was attacked by unknown people on July 23 when he was on his way to get signatures in support of the cause.

The Youth Congress, however, has kept mum on the matter. “We are happy that someone from Congress is doing it. We will react at the right time,” Paresh Dhadani, National Youth Congress General Secretary and Goa desk in charge said. NSUI on the other hand has decided to go ahead with their campaign. “I am not getting the support whatever expected from them (Youth Congress),” Kawthankar said. He said at least in future, the Youth Congress should come out in support of NSUI as the campaign is for the welfare of youths, who are suffering due to drug addiction.

Courtesy: hindustantimes

Monday, August 16, 2010

Goa Blog

Rs.331.60 Lakh for renovation of Churches in Goa :Goa, MP

Posted: 16 Aug 2010 03:00 AM PDT

Union Minister of State in the ministry of Tourism Shri Sultan Ahmed informed Mr. Shantaram Naik, M.P. in the Rajya Sabha today that during the last three years an expenditure of Rs.331.60 lakhs has been incurred by Goa Circle of Archaeological Survey of India on renovation and up gradation of churches and convents in Goa.

Apart from this, State Government of Goa has also incurred an expenditure of Rs.4.11 lakh for renovation of St. Jacinto Church, Vasco during 2009-10, minister said.

Further, the minister said that the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned a project for Integrated Development of Infrastructure of Heritage and Hinterland Tourism in Goa for Rs.43.09 crore during 2008-09 to the State Government of Goa.

He further said that implementation of projects sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism is the responsibility of the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administrations. The Ministry of Tourism monitors the progress of implementation through site visits and review meetings from time to time.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Goa Blog

Actress Prachi Desai to promote Goa Tourism

Posted: 12 Aug 2010 01:57 AM PDT

Television soap artist turned Bollywood actress, Prachi Desai, is all set to promote Goa tourism with a target buzzword ‘youth’. The brand icon Prachi is expected to attract more Indian youth for a popular tourism destination Goa.

Of course, Goa will be set as a family holiday destination along with targeting the affluent youth, who are a growing segment in India, said state tourism secretary M. M Modassir at a press conference.

Well, it may be a part of honour for Parchi Desai to be the face of the most popular tourist destination Goa, who is recently seen in the controversial movie ‘Once upon a time in Mumbai’ after her debutant film `Rock On’.

According to the Goa tourism officials, Prachi is the perfect face who looks fresh and young with her television soap background can be able to make impact on youth with her representation at the domestic market.

Besides, the Goa tourism will follow certain strategies like a multi-pronged campaign that will span mediums such as TV, press, online and retail activation.

Courtesy:BNOnline

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Mapusa District Hospital, For sale to highest bidder
Infringement of Trade Mark affects comman man too: Shantaram Naik
No suitable person in Goa for govt jobs?
Goa Tourism Stall Baas First Prize at Kolkata Travel & Tourism Fair
Basic facilities, not film fest must be priority in Goa: Remo Fernandes

Goa Mapusa District Hospital, For sale to highest bidder

Posted: 11 Aug 2010 08:33 AM PDT

The District Hospital at Mapusa was completed in all respects two years ago. When we talk about the hospital being completed, we do not speak only of the building of the hospital. The Mapusa District Hospital is fully equipped with state-of -the-art facilities. It has a CT scan which is if anything, su¬perior to that of even the Goa Medical College Hospital.

The Mapusa District Hospital has sophisticated ultrasound systems with colour dopplers. It has state-of-the-art opera¬tion theatres, a central sterile supply department and is fully air-conditioned. The hospital is also fully comput¬erized and has mobile X-ray systems. It is not vulnerable to power fluctuations, unlike the GMC, because an under¬ground cable has been laid from the substation to the Mapusa District Hospital.

Mapusa District Hospital has a sewage treatment plant with an elevated tank platform. It has a morgue, unlike the dys¬functional morgue at Hospicio Hospital. All the beds are in place. It has geysers and water purifiers, which are in short supply even at the Goa Medical College Hospital. All the equipment in the hospital, including the software and the hardware, have been tested and commissioned. The Hospital built at a cost of over `40 crores more than two years ago has the entire infrastructure that is needed for it to start admitting patients im¬mediately. In fact it was ready to start functioning two years ago. The only thing that the District Hospital at Mapusa does not have is patients and doctors and nurses and other staff needed for the functioning as a full-fledged state-of-the-art public medical facility

Infringement of Trade Mark affects comman man too: Shantaram Naik

Posted: 11 Aug 2010 06:22 AM PDT

Relevance of trade mark is not restricted to the owners of the trade mark but it is the common man who is most affected if a reputed trade mark is misused and spurious drugs and other consumer commodities are sold to the public, said Mr Shantaram Naik in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Mr Naik who was initiation a discussion on behalf of Congress Party on the Trade Marks( Amendment) Bill, 2010 said that the authoriries under Consumer Protection Act should sou motto take cognizance of the misuse of trade marks in order to protect common consumer.

One can get any number of fans marked as Usha, Khaitan, Bajaj in the market. United Sindhi Association (U.S.A) are well known for manufacturing fake goods.

Mr Naik referring to the remarks made by U.S. Senator Mr Charles Schumer calling Infosys Technologies as Chop Shop, said when U.S was under economic recession we could have called America as banana republic, considering the situation prevailing there, but no one in India said so.

Mr Naik further said that if Infosys was a chop shop then, Union Carbide could be called a slaughter house.

Mr Naik explaining the provisions of the bill said that at present a person desirious of obtaining registration of his trade mark in other countries has to make separate applications in different languages and pay different fee .

The present bill will permit registration of trade mark by filing a single application in applicant's country which will then be transmitted to other 84 countries who have signed Madrid Protocol., he said.

Mr Naik said that a trade mark is a symbol of honour of a company,a family honour, a symbol of emotions and it can be valued and, it can, at the same time, be priceless too for some.

Mr Naik said that there are some "Well known Trade Marks" like Tatas, Bajaj,Maruti Suzuki,Mercedes Benz , Omega, Rolex in whose case the owners of the trade marks can sue others for infringement even if trade mark is not registered. Mr Naik said that Trade Mark litigations are increasing and quoted certain famous cases.

No suitable person in Goa for govt jobs?

Posted: 11 Aug 2010 06:05 AM PDT

The government is giving extensions to retired employees on contract basis on the ground that there is no suitable person for the same post in that department. One such person has been in office for four years after retirement and will continue for the next two years. It is a similar story in various other government departments. It is amazing that when Goans are shining in every field and there many intellectuals, the government cannot find suitable candidates for various posts. This is a matter of serious concern as it is not a healthy sign and needs serious investigation.

It appears that the government is basically fooling the people and wants its chosen persons in positions of power. There is every possibility that this is being done intentionally for somebody’s personal gain rather than in the overall interests of Goa. The affected staff has no say as they are bound by conduct rules. Retired persons are continuing in service and are deprived of promotional avenues.

Courtesy:TOI

Goa Tourism Stall Baas First Prize at Kolkata Travel & Tourism Fair

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 10:12 AM PDT

Department of Tourism, Government of Goa added another feather to its cap as it won the trophy for the best designed stall at the Kolkata Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) that was held from July 31 to August 2.

The fair was a one-stop travel and vacation planner highlighting national and international destinations and offered good deals in travel and holiday packages for the upcoming festive season.

The three-day fair was inaugurated at the hands of Mr Manabendra Mukherjee, West Bengal Minister for Tourism, in the presence of Mr Madan Kaushik, Uttarakhand Minister for Tourism, and Mr Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fairfest Media Ltd, on July 31.

TTF Kolkata had over 300 participants from within the country and abroad. Besides state and national tourism bodies, TTF-Kolkata also saw the participation of a large number of hotels, resorts, travel agents, tour-operators, cruise-lines, railways, travel portals and publications among others.

On all three days of the exhibition, the Goa Tourism stall invoked an immense response from the scores of visitors, who thronged the pavilion for information on Goa. The stall was vividly embellished to showcase beaches, churches, cultural heritage, cuisine and other places of tourist interest in Goa. Visitors to the stall were also provided with comprehensive details on the variety of experiences that Goa has to offer. The stall was designed and executed by Vinsan Graphics, on behalf of the Department of Tourism.

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Basic facilities, not film fest must be priority in Goa: Remo Fernandes

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 09:57 AM PDT

Noted music composer and singer Remo Fernandes, who is expected to walk the red carpet for the next edition of IFFI in Goa, feels that basic infrastructure and facilities should take precedence over hosting of film festival in the state. ”What should be the priority for Goa is, proper health and educational infrastructure. If we are spending Rs120 crore for the film festival, then an equal amount should be spent on facilities like health and education in the state.

You cannot have posh INOX (multiplexes) on one side and blood-stained bedsheets in hospitals on the other,” he told reporters here. The veteran musician was speaking to media persons on the announcement of a Konkani film O Maria, for which he has composed songs. This is the first time that the Goa-based singer, who shot to fame with Humma Humma in Mani Ratnam’s Bombay is lending music for a Konkani movie.

Director Rajendra Talak said the film will be ready before IFFI 2010 and efforts are on to premier it during the festival held in November-December. In 2004, when the festival began in Goa, Remo had voiced his concern over the expenditure on film infrastructure in the backdrop of poor basic facilities in the state. ”When I spoke in 2004, everybody misunderstood me. My objection was not for the film festival. I wanted that the state government should spend equal money on basic facilities,” he asserted.

“Nothing has changed in Goa after that. There are always powerful people exploiting smaller people,” he alleged asking “why I alone should be talking about this? What are you (media) doing ?.”

Courtesy: dnaindia

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Goa Blog

Freedom film festival in Panaji, Margao,Goa

Posted: 09 Aug 2010 11:56 PM PDT

The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) in collaboration with the directorate of education and Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, is organizing the second edition of the Spirit of Freedom Film Festival from August 11 to 13, to evoke a sense of patriotism among the younger generation, a press note states.

Award-winning films like Border , The Legend of Bhagat Singh , Haqeeqat and Sardar will be screened at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, and Maquinez Palace, Panaji.

As a special initiative, special shows will be screened for school children in the mornings at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

India to make ship owners pay for Mumbai oil spill

Posted: 09 Aug 2010 07:11 PM PDT

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called for a report from the Shipping Ministry on the oil spill that continues to ooze out of Panamanian cargo vessel MSC Chitra which collided with another cargo vessel MSC Khalijia on Saturday.

The Centre said legal action has been initiated against the owners of the two cargo ships.

“Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board has already initiated legal action against the owners of the ships,” Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour while responding to members’ concerns over the issue.He said the government would make a detailed statement on the issue in Parliament tomorrow.

Two Panamanian cargo ships - MSC Chitra and Merchant Vessel Khalijia - collided off the Mumbai coast on Saturday causing an oil-spill from Chitra.

Raising the issue, Shantaram Luxman Naik (Congress) said the incident has put the fishing community of the area in “deep trouble” and asked why there was not even a preliminary statement from the concerned authority.

Courtesy:Indianexpress