------------------------------------------------------------------------ TRI Continental Film Festival - Dona Paula, Goa, Sep 28 - Oct 2, 2007
http://www.moviesgoa.org/tricontinental/tricon.htm For public viewing. Registration at The International Centre Goa. (Ph: +91-832-2452805 to 10) Online Media Partner: http://www.GOANET.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Margao 02nd October 2007 Principals accompanied by Students from various HRDF Human Resource Development Foundation Goa, institutes today gathered before the South Goa Collectorate and staged a Token Dharna from 8 am to 1200 noon demanding from the Government to conduct a judicial inquiry into the August 2007 HRDF examination scam an issue long over due. The main speaker was Prashant Naik of Goa Hitrakhan Manch who said the students have been seeking justice in a peaceful manner and reminded that past students agitations against vital issues have always been seen successful. He reminded the government that again these are Amm-Admi students who have been victimized and any Goan being denied his rights and facing discrimination from Government Officers is not acceptable and in view of which the Government should immediately appoint a new HRDF Chairman in place of Aleixo Da Costa who has proved his incompetence by being vindictive, unethical and shown gross neglect in duties. He said the Manch in the past have tackled dictatorial officers of Kala Academy and Goa Meat Complex Officials and will not hesitate to take similar action against SDCT Director if he is not removed forthwith. The Government should note that the students know to behave like Gandhi as well as Bhagat Singh if the situation so demands. Mr. Francis Braz Principal of TAME said that all the students demand is for justice and not favour. He explained in detail how the examination process has been brought to total disrespect and there is clear evidence to prove the total neglect and misconduct by the HRDF Chairman Aleixo Da Costa. He further informed the students that the latest strategy adopted by HRDF Chairman is to pressurize Mr. Raikar Asst. Labour Commissioner to declare the results so that the examination scam does not come to light. -- 2 -- Mr. Braz wondered why Mr. Aleixo da Costa was not taking interest and issuing certificates of students who have passed in 2006 which till date have yet to receive the same. He said the results were normally declared in December/ January and the students who have appeared are not dependent immediately. So please don't rush with results before inquiry is completed. Mr. Braz informed the students that HRDF institutes had full faith in the present Government of Mr. Digambar Kamat but has been misled and misinformed for which no action has come. He said the Chief Minister who is already overburned with political problems is being unnecessary troubled by Mr. Aleixo Da Costa and said that the fight for justice would continue and Truth will prevail. Need be he and the principals will go on an indefinite hunger strike to seek public awareness and sympathy. He informed that some students have planned to file a petition before the High Court if no judicial inquiry is held. Mr. Pandurang Naik Principal of Rajaram highlighted the present morale of the ITI instructors and how 4 staff have suffered of heart attack on duty due to the harassment of the SDCT Director Mr. Aleixo da Costa. He informed that HRDF institutes have been doing yeomen service to the AMM-ADMI because almost all students are gainfully employed and wondered why the HRDF Chairman is antagonizing the institutes and poor students. He requested all like minded NGO's without any political creed to support this young goan student agitation for justice and peace. The Dharna ended with students shouting slogans Students Unity Zindabad