-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goanetters annual meet in Goa is scheduled for Dec 27, 2005 @ 4pm | | | | Watch this space for more details | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22/12/2005
Dear Non Resident Indians (Goans), We are aware that the Goan diaspora spread world wide seldom, unless dire circumstances demand --- detach themselves from their umbilical cord - their motherland. Even otherwise while you are physically away mentally you are wedded to Goa and the cause of Goans - Through the internet it has now as never before become possible to come to grips with the changing face of Goa -- a Goa post Liberation 1961 --- which is surely and sadly changing its social ambience, its culture, its God gifted land ,scenic natural beauty, and its people by the demographic composition which is indeed alarming as we move to the second half of the first decade of this century. This is not because the Goans themselves have sanctioned such a change but sadly because our Goan politicos and the ruling dispensation has its say in more than one ways. Whether sanctioning the rampant land grab for all and sundry, whether throwing the check posts open for all and sundry for others to enter the State merely to fortify their (political) vote banks; ----in a country where first past the post is elected ---- unlike many countries world over --- where an elected representative needs to poll 50 % of the votes polled... there is not much Goans can do single handedly with the electoral system which breeds and hoists such politicos on the treasury benches --- But through your support --exchange of views we can make our POLTICAL MASTERS subservient to our NEEDS and reverse the present trend of being subservient to our POLITICAL MASTERS. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT -- AND MAKE IT WE MUST. YOU, ME, ALL, -- FOR GOA AND GOANS. The third two day "GOMANT VISHWA SAMMELAN " - WORLD GOANS CONVENTION on 3rd and 4th January 2006, to focus on "strengthening the cultural roots" of Goans within their homeland by "providing them a forum" to explore and develop ways for developing Goa into a prosperous state, will be held at the Kala Academy, Panaji Goa. The programme thus far a)Inaugural by Governor of Goa Mr S C Jamir b)Interactive session, presided by Dy C M Dr Wilfred D'Souza c)Deliberations on tourism, economic, industrial sectors by the EDC Economic Development Corpn Industrial Development Corpn (IDC) d)Interaction with delgates CM Pratapsing R Rane and Leader of Opposition Mr Manohar Parrikar. It must be understood clearly that whatever assurances are given to you NRI Goans at such conventions (a similar convention of the Indian diaspora is held at New Delhi organised by the Government of India ) it NEEDS to be " reflected in the Union Budget or State Budget" for the fiscal year in view viz; 2005-06 or so on. Also it is incumbent upon the Governments concerned to show its sincerity on such assurances by formulating policies and passed on the floor of the House (PARLIAMENT or the LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY) for the Executive to implement. In its absence such assurances could best be ignored or dumped as hogwash. To make sure that you benefit at this Sammelan/Convention we at South Goa Public Interest Action Group (SGPIAG) a registered NGO based in Margao,Salcete, South Goa District ,with jurisdiction, at present, over the entire South Goa Parliamentary Constituency, closely associated with such Conventions since inception make this humble request, as in the past, to each and every Goan to first browse through the websites www.goagovt.nic.in & www.goidirectory.nic.in to understand the BUDGET SPEECHES and the POLICIES of the Government on industry, health care, education etc as of date. Having done that this you will be see that in most States (except Kerala ) there no policies or mention in any of the Budget Speeches of HOW THE GOVERNMENTS INTENDS TO a) HELP YOU THE NRIS OR b) INVITE YOU THE NRIS TO INVEST IN INDIA considering your generous contribution to your country. It is here that we at SGPIAG request you the NRIs at this Convention to DEMAND from the Govt. of Goa a) the presence of all the Ministers of the Govt of Goa for this session alongwith the Secretaries of the Government of Goa, the Directors of the respective Departments, besides your lected representatives to be present and interact with you at the Sammelan (NB: most of the Ministers/MLA's prefer to avoid these Sammelans /Convention for fear of being exposed of their false promises made when they seek your hospitality during their visit to your country) b) the "ACTION TAKEN REPORT" (ATR) (in writing ) on the issues raised by the NRI'S in the past CONVENTIONS / SAMMELANS. If the Govt of Goa is unable to present such an ATR then you as as individuals,should petition the Government with specific demands and get an undertaking, in writing, in the form of a Joint Communique signed by the CM the Leader of the Opposition and the Chairman of the NRI Cell and announced at a Press Confernece before you leave the Sammelan/Convention to ensure that the same will be reflected in the BUDGET SPEECH FOR 2006-07 and POLICIES FORMULATED and approved on the floor of the Parliament or Legislative Assembly before the next Sammelan. We at SGPIAG would also advise caution --- not to fall prey to those who seek only your foreign exchange earnings. Several fly-by-night opertors have duped your bretheren and the endless litigation in the Courts are a pointer to this malaise. It is wiser to learn by experience rather than go by word of mouth and mere trust. We assure you of our presence at the Sammelan/Convention as your ambassadors to pursue your expectations from the Government of India and Goa. Your comments may be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED] (CM Goa) or [EMAIL PROTECTED] (nri cell) For SOUTH GOA PUBLIC INTEREST ACTION GROUP Regd No 171/GOA/2000 dt 12.12.2000 sd/- TERENCE MAZARELO PRESIDENT (SGPIAG) 1st Flr Benlix Bldg Opp Fatima Convent Margao Goa India [EMAIL PROTECTED] weblink http://mumbai.sancharnet.in/manojnd FAX +91 832 2712430 HELPLINE (24 hrs) 9822158584 Tel +91 832 2731373 (O) Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------