[Goanet] VHAG Health Awareness Campaign - Public lecture in Panjim

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This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro

  If you would like to sponsor Goanet's operations contact:

  Herman Carneiro - [EMAIL PROTECTED]


---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: 
mailto:goadesc%40sancharnet.in>desc@sancharnet.in>
--
-
VOLUNTARY HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF GOA
--
HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

PUBLIC LECTURE
BY

Dr. Gladstone D'Costa  M.B.B.S., F.R.C.S. Ed.
Consultant orthopaedic surgeon
On
"Backache"
The lecture will be followed by discussion
and opportunities for questions

DATE: Saturday, 10th March, 2007
TIME: 5.00 pm
VENUE: Goa College of Pharmacy (lecture hall 2),
18th June Road, Panjim
OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

For more information contact: 2220281
or  Email <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Organised by:
The Voluntary Health Association of Goa (VHAG)
In collaboration with Goa College of Pharmacy

Seating is limited and is on a first come basis.
The lecture shall start at 5p.m sharp

Press Release from VHAG Email:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
---
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
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[Goanet] Tivim residents pledge to protect Private Forest.

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Tivim residents pledge to protect Private Forest.
---

A meeting of the residents of Tivim and other owners of the land proposed to be 
converted from "Private Forest" and "Paddy fields" 
at Tivim-Mapusa border to a commercial purpose under the guise of 
an International Cricket Stadium was held at Tivim on Thursday 08 February, 
2007. It was unanimously decided to support the conservation of the Private 
Forests as identified by the Supreme Court directed Sawant Committee as well as 
surveyed and demarcated 
by the Forest Department of Goa.

Private owners of the land in the area had protested to the Appropriate 
Authorities immediately after the publication of the Notification 
No.23/13/2006-RD dated 21 April, 2006 under Section 4 sub-section (1) of the 
Land Acquisition Act, 1894 [LAA]on two grounds, viz. forcible dispossesion of 
the property and the meagre compensation ranging from Rs.5 to Rs.150 per 
sq.metre. A memorandum with hundreds of signatures was also given to the 
Governor of Goa, Chief Minister and other Ministers and Authorities. However, 
the Special Land Acquisition Officer [SLAO] and Deputy Collector-Bardez went 
ahead and issued a Notice No.3/11/SDO/MASP/LA/2005 dated 18 January, 2007 under 
Section 12(2) of LAA, 1894. In less than a year, the process of acquiring land 
under the British Raj law is being completed notwithstanding the 73rd and 74th 
Amendments to the Constitution of India that seek to establish the supremacy of 
the people in the planning process.

On Friday, 02 February, 2007, the SLAO summoned the owners/
inheritors of the land and obtained their signatures, ostensibly 
as proof of their attendance. However, at least one local newspaper carried a 
news item, on the very next day in its sports page, 
stating that possession of the said land had been handed over by 
the SLAO to the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs for the 
cricket stadium. 

The total land area acquired is stated to be 1,30,328 sq. m. at 
a cost of Rs67.37 lakhs or an average of Rs.50 per sq.m. including invaluable 
forest cover over half the land. It is stated that additional land would be 
later acquired for parking and other 
allied facilities. The Duler Football Ground, where now the 
parking area is proposed to be extended into the Government Agriculture Farm, 
seems to be a pilot project to test the 
methodology.

The bold action of the SAVE GOA Campaign has inspired an 
initiative by the residents of Tivim to prevent the destruction 
of 43,725 square metres of "Private Forest" in Survey Nos 404 
[27,675 sq.m.], 403/1 [5990 sq. m.] and the area around these 
survey numbers along with a paddy field at "Ambeani" [just after 
the Tivim Industrial Estate on the Tivim Road]. Part of this 
tenanted land belongs to the Communidade while the rest is 
privately owned. 

The Foundation Stone for the cricket stadium is scheduled to be 
laid on Sunday 11 February, 2007 [on the birthday of the BCCI 
Vice-President and Minister for IT, Adv. Dayanabd Narvekar.] 
The Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs is the designated 
Custodian of the property acquired by the SLAO & SDO-Bardez, 
Mahesh Corjuemkar, although the compensation is yet to be paid 
to the owners of the land, who are adamant that they will not 
sell the land of their ancestors. Hundred of trees are marked 
to be cut and some have already been felled.

About 80 persons from all walks of life and communities 
participated in the meeting was held at Tivim today. 
Vishram Talgaokar, Ladislaus Fernandes, Sheila Kalangutkar, 
Grace Coutinho, Christine Fernandes, Gurunath Malvankar, 
Elvino Noronha, Jack Lobo, Bhagwan Kerkar, Vicky Lobo, 
Leslie Pereira, Gorakhnath Naik and others participated 
in the deliberations . 

A Working Committee has been finalised from among those present 
to peruse the Notifications and other documents and chalk out 
a course of action. 

Leslie Pereira
Convenor
- 
PRESS RELEASE from <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
- 
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[Goanet] Goa Bachao Abhiyan concerned about ODPs

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This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa 
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
--
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Goa Bachao Abhiyan concerned about ODPs
--
Goa Bachao Abhiyan welcomes the State Government’s decision 
to denotify the Regional Plan 2011 with retrospective effect, 
i.e. from the day it was notified. GBA believes that this is an achievement of 
the people of Goa and the entire credit goes to 
the people of Goa,from each and every section of society, who 
came out in huge numbers to lend their support to the agitation. 
This is a true victory of democratic principles and should serve 
as a warning to all autocratic and dictatorial tendencies among 
Goan politicians. This victory is a step ahead towards achieving 
true democracy in Goa. The vibrant spirit of democracy among 
Goans was even more visible in the Gram Sabhas held all over 
the state on the 26th January. We acclaim the passing of the resolutions 
unanimously at these Gram Sabhas to scrap the 
RP 2011 with retrospective effect, 

The GBA, however, cautions all Goans to remain vigilant against violations of 
the laws enacted to protect the fragile ecology and environment of our 
beautiful state. It is also the responsibility 
of each and every citizen of Goa to ensure that any developmental plan proposed 
in the future should be transparent, with the common Goan as its focus, and 
that it provides comprehensive protection 
to Goa’s environment. The GBA also calls upon the Government to ensure that as 
per the wishes of the people of Goa, it comes out 
with a Notification denotifying the RP 2011 which leaves no 
loopholes that could be exploited by vested interests. The GBA 
will continue it’s vigil to prevent any such diabolical plans 
by the politician-developer nexus. 

The GBA will continue in its efforts to empower the people by conducting 
various training workshops at the Gram Sabha level, 
so that the people who are the decision makers and main 
stakeholders in the entire planning process are equipped while planning for 
their villages and ultimately the State as a 
whole. 

The GBA is shocked to learn through reliable sources that 
massive changes in land use and increase in FAR have been made 
in the Outline Development Plans (ODPs) of the five Cities and 
Taleigao/Durgawadi village without consultations with the local 
body as required under Section 29 of the Town and Country 
Planning Act, and warns the Government that if the ODPs are 
approved it will be forced to recommence its agitation. In 
this regard, the GBA has written to the Hon. Chief Minister 
and Town and Country Planning Minister, Chief Secretary, 
Secretary Town and Country Planning, and Chief Town Planner, objecting to final 
approval of the ODPs.  

We would also like to inform the public that as per the new arrangements made, 
henceforth all complaints of violations with respect to the changes in the 
Regional Plan, hill cutting, 
filling up of low lying lands and mangroves, burning of forests 
and CRZ Regulations, should be directed to email
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Fax No. 2228538 or mobile 9822802629.   

In order to pay homage to the Father of the Nation on his death anniversary, 
the GBA will be holding a multi-religious prayer 
service at the Gandhi Statue in Old Goa on 30th January, 2007, Tuesday at 4.30 
p.m. At this function the GBA will salute all 
the People of Goa who participated in the agitation and extended support to the 
cause, and those who, without fear, attended their 
Gram Sabha meetings on 26th January, raised their voices to pass Resolutions to 
denotify the Regional Plan 2011. Here, the GBA 
will also rededicate itself to serve the People of Goa and 
welcomes the public to join in the function 
“Light a lamp for Goa”. 

DR. OSCAR REBELLO
CONVENOR & GBA Spokesperson.

Goa Bachao Abhiyan Press Release 28/01/07 www.savegoa.com

 
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
--- 
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
---
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601 
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapus

[Goanet] Scrap Regional Plan demands Quepem Municipal Council

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This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
--
Scrap regional plan with retrospective effect, demands QMC 
--

The Quepem municipal council has unanimously passed a resolution demanding that 
the Goa Regional Plan 2011 be de-notified with retrospective effect, i.e. with 
effect from August 10, 2006 - 
the date when it was notified- and that a new regional plan be 
made after due consultations with all the municipalities and panchayats of the 
state.

The resolution moved by councilor Mr Raul Pereira found favour 
with almost all the councillors of the municipal council and 
was adopted.

While Mr Pereira voiced his concerns over the proposed Special Economic Zones 
(SEZs) that would be set up, as that would mean “municipalities losing all 
control over the industries in 
those zones”, councillor, Mr Manuel Colaco contended that 
setting up of SEZ at Quepem would help in solving the 
unemployment problem faced by the educated unemployed youth 
from the locality to a large extent.

“In fact a SEZ at Quepem was a demand of the council since 
long, as setting up of industries in this industrially backward 
area would help in the development of the town,” he said.

Injustice would be meted out to the unemployed youth from 
Quepem, if industries willing to set shop at Quepem are not 
welcomed, he said adding, “Quepem will remain forever 
underdeveloped if no attempt is made to attract industries 
here.”

Countering the argument, Mr Periera said that though industries 
are necessary for the development of Quepem, the government is fooling the 
public by setting up SEZs. “Let industries come by following the normal 
procedure and not by bypassing the 
municipal controls,” he said.
--
The Navhind Times 25/01/07 page 2
--
===
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
-
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
===

[Goanet] Goa IT parks under a cloud over land use

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This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


--
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa 
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
--
--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
-
Goa IT parks under a cloud over land use  
- 
>From Devika Sequeira 
DH News Service Panaji: 
 
With questionable real estate deals by politicians 
and power brokers in Goa coming under the scanner, 
the spotlight is now on two IT parks that are being 
set up by the Congress-led government here. 

One of the parks, to come up in two north Goa villages, 
has been temporarily stayed by the High Court after 
Goa Foundation, a green group, challenged the land 
conversion. 

Questions are now been raised over the prestigious 
Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat spread over 3,00,000 sq mt 
at Dona Paula. The park was inaugurated by UPA chairperson 
Sonia Gandhi last year. 

IT professionals and NGOs say there was no evaluation 
criteria to select 9 companies that have been allotted 
plots at the habitat, set in one of the most expensive 
seaside residential areas in Goa. 

Thirty-one companies were in the running for the 19 plots 
given out on lease basis. 

“From the list of allottees it appears that whole exercise 
was conducted to favour private real estate development and 
not IT promotion,” said former IAS officer Arvind Bhatikar 
who heads the Nittol Jinn Trust. 

Mumbai-based Technology Options (India) Pvt Ltd for instance, 
which has been given a 8,708 sq mt-plot, is owned by Goa IT 
Minister Dayanand Narvekar’s brother-in-law. 

Mr Narvekar does not deny this. Speaking to this newspaper 
he said he saw no reason why a relative should not qualify 
for an allotment. “We gave first preference to Goans and 
people of Goan origin in the selection,” he said. But IT 
consultant Samir Kelekar says very little effort was made 
to market the park to genuine IT companies. 
--
Deccan Herald 25/01/07
--
-- 
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
-- 
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
-- 
GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 
GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
-- 
 

[Goanet] Don't miss the FRIDAY BALCAO on 26th January

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  http://www.GOANET.org 


This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


--
Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO
--

Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet,

We continue with FRIDAY BALCAO
on 26th January from 4pm. to 6pm.
at Goa Desc Resource Centre
No. 11, Liberty Apartments,
Feira Alta, Mapusa Goa. 

TOPIC: Village communities, planning and the Republic.
SPEAKER:Open Discussion  
   
We invite you to express your viewpoint
by attending the Friday Balcao event
but if you cannot attend, then please send your 
views and action plan suggestions by post to 
FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507
or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] 

best wishes,

Roland Martins
---
Don't miss out on the discussion. Information is power,
Share it equitably. Lets make things happen in Goa !! 
--- 
===
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
--
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
===

 

[Goanet] INVITE: Poster Exhibition at VASCO on Regional Plan, RTI & Municipal Act

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  http://www.GOANET.org 


This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


--
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED, 
The time is come for the people of Goa 
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
-
---
Poster Exhibition at VASCO on Regional Plan 
--
COME ONE, COME ALL !
POSTER EXHIBITION AND
AWARENESS CAMP on 
REGIONAL PLAN 2011
and it's impact on Goa,
NEED FOR A NEW GOA MUNICIPAL ACT
and the importance of the 74th Ammendment,
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005
and it's benefit to citizens 
DATE: Thursday 25th January 2007
VENUE: opp.MMC Bldg, Vasco
TIME:  10am – 5pm
Organised by:
Vasco Civic and Consumer Forum &
GOACAN 
in support of
SAVE GOA CAMPAIGN
GOA BACHAO ABHIYAN
www.savegoa.com
- 
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK 
- 
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
- 
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601 
GOACAN Post Box  78  Mapusa,  Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
--

[Goanet] RP2011: Countdown for 26th January Gram Sabha begins......

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This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--

Countdown for agitation begins

The countdown has begun for anti-Regional Plan activists 
to brace up and mobilise support for the total scrapping of 
Plan 2011, at the special gram sabha meetings, scheduled to 
be held across the State on January 26.

Sunday saw Salcete’s countryside reverberate with a call 
to the people, urging them approach their respective panchayats 
and say ‘no’ to the Regional Plan at the gram sabha meetings.

While impassioned appeals were made to the public through 
churches during the Sunday morning Masses — exhorting 
people to make their presence felt at the gram sabhas —  activists 
also geared up to guide the people on how to go about at the 
meetings.

GOACAN, besides civic and consumer organisations — 
supporting Goa Bachao Abhiyan’s ongoing agitation — 
have drafted resolutions to be tabled at the gram sabha 
meetings on Republic Day. 

Copies of the resolutions are being distributed to NGOs 
so that they (NGOs) put the resolutions forward at the 
meetings and subsequently get them adopted.

The draft resolution indicates that the activists will not 
only demand scrapping of the controversial Regional Plan 
2011 with retrospective effect, but also call for the common
 man’s role in the preparation of the new plan. It demands 
the participation of village panchayats and municipalities. 

The draft resolution also states that the gram sabhas should 
be consulted as required under the 73rd Constitutional 
Amendment. It (draft resolution) calls for the safety and 
preservation of village areas like forests, water bodies, 
agricultural and horticultural land etc. It will also be 
demanded that the new plan be prepared by following 
a proper planning process that will be transparent and 
accountable.
---
HERALD 22/01/07 page 1
--
 
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
--- 
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
---
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601 
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--

[Goanet] FRIDAY BALCAO:Village communities, planning and the Republic.

[goadesc]

  http://www.GOANET.org 


This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


--
Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO
--

Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet,

We continue with FRIDAY BALCAO
on 26th January from 4pm. to 6pm.
at Goa Desc Resource Centre
No. 11, Liberty Apartments,
Feira Alta, Mapusa Goa. 

TOPIC: Village communities, planning and the Republic.
SPEAKER:Open Discussion  
   
We invite you to express your viewpoint
by attending the Friday Balcao event
but if you cannot attend, then please send your
views and action plan suggestions by post to 
FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507
or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] 

best wishes,

Roland Martins
---
Don't miss out on the discussion. Information is power,
Share it equitably. Lets make things happen in Goa !! 
---
===
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
===

[Goanet] Scrapping the Regional Plan is not a Solution says GCCI President

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  http://www.GOANET.org 


This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa 
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
--
--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
--
Scrapping Regional Plan not Solution, 
Identify & Amend 'Undesirables'
--
Nitin Kunkolienkar, president of the Goa Chamber of Commerce 
and Industry in an interview with Rauf Abdul Beig talks about 
the Regional Plan 2011, its relevance and drawbacks and the 
need for infrastructural development to take Goa ahead.

What is your opinion on the Regional Plan 2011?

Basically the Regional Plan is a document which talks about 
the intentions of the state with regards to development over 
a 10-year period. The new plan has reviewed lots of aspects 
like the infrastructural development of the state, new areas 
of growth that are likely to take place in view of economic liberalisation, 
etc. Here I would like to state, that in view 
of liberalisation, demographic changes are likely to take place 
so also the pattern of land use. The experts who have formulated 
the plan have gone through all these aspects and have drawn the 
plan accordingly. I would say that this is not an individualistic document, 
though some “undesirable” things have been incorporated 
at the last moment, which I believe can easily be rectified.

What have you to say on the demand for scrapping of the plan?

First one has to understand that the plan has not been drawn overnight. It has 
been prepared after an exercise lasting over 
five to six years. According to me it should have come at least 
4 years ago. Scrapping the Regional Plan 2011 is not the solution 
to the ills within it. We have to identify the wrongs in it and correct them.

What according to you would happen if the plan is scrapped?

If planning is delayed Goa would be the loser in development, 
which would adversely affect our economic growth. Here I would 
like to state that Indian economy is growing at the rate of 10 percent and if 
we have to sustain the growth rate and be part 
of the national mainstream we have to contribute our bit to it. 
This will naturally impact the national resources including its 
land mass. Infrastructure development has been the keyword for 
the last few years. It will add to the prosperity and economic 
growth of the country as well as individual states. If we resist 
infrastructural development our economic growth and prosperity 
will be affected.

What have you to say about the ecological impact due to development?

Infrastructural development brings in prosperity but it also has 
an impact on ecology and India may not remain as green as it is today. For 
example Panaji, though it has undergone changes over 
the period is still as beautiful, green and charming as it used 
to be in the 1950s and 1960s. None of its residents are migrating because more 
concrete buildings have come up over the years. 
However, we also have to be ecologically sensitive and maintain 
our fragile ecology and not allow wholesale development. Wherever development 
has to take place it has to take place but it should 
not be abrupt.

Why do you feel that there should be more emphasis on extending 
the settlement zones?

The demography of the state is changing and there are about 2.75 
lakh houses for a population of about 14 lakh. Taking into consideration that 
there are 5 members in a family, the housing 
is not adequate. Besides the state population is likely to grow 
up to 17-18 lakh in the next 8-10 years and there would be a need 
for about 4 lakh houses. We have to make provision for construction of new 
houses to meet the future requirement right now. Here I 
would also like to state that rural areas have never remained 
rural in any part of the world and over a period of time 
urbanisation takes place. Slowly the places are getting urbanised 
all over and the pattern just cannot be reversed. Goa, that is 
50 per cent urbanised now, would have at least 65 per cent of 
its area in the urban zone over the next decade or so if one goes 
by the pattern of urbanisation in the state. People would have to understand 
the hard realities of the state before opposing any development.

Can the development not take place in the areas iden

[Goanet] Now at BETALBATIM: Poster Exhibition on Regional Plan, Gram Sabha & RTI

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  http://www.GOANET.org 


This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED, 
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
-
---
Poster Exhibition at BETALBATIM on Regional Plan 2011 
--
COME ONE, COME ALL !
POSTER EXHIBITION AND
AWARENESS CAMP
on REGIONAL PLAN 2011
and it's impact on Goa,
PANCHAYATI RAJ
and importance of Gram Sabha, 
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005
and it's benefit to citizens
DATE: Wednesday 24th January 2007
VENUE: near Panchayat Office, Betalbatim
TIME:  10am – 5pm
Organised by:
Betalbatim Civic and Consumer Forum 
& GOACAN
in support of
SAVE GOA CAMPAIGN
GOA BACHAO ABHIYAN
www.savegoa.com
- 
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
--
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
- 
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78  Mapusa,  Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
--

[Goanet] Now at CHORAO:Poster Exhibition on Regional Plan, Gram Sabha & RTI

[goadesc]

  http://www.GOANET.org 


This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa 
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
-
---
Poster Exhibition at CHORAO on Regional Plan 2011 
--
COME ONE, COME ALL !
POSTER EXHIBITION AND
AWARENESS CAMP
on REGIONAL PLAN 2011
and it's impact on Goa,
PANCHAYATI RAJ
and importance of Gram Sabha, 
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005
and it's benefit to citizens
DATE: Saturday 20th January 2007
VENUE: near Saude Chapel,Chorao
TIME:  10am – 5pm
Organised by:
Chorao Civic and Consumer Forum 
& GOACAN 
in support of
SAVE GOA CAMPAIGN
GOA BACHAO ABHIYAN
www.savegoa.com
- 
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK 
--
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
- 
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601 
GOACAN Post Box  78  Mapusa,  Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
--
 

[Goanet] Regional Plan 2011 impacts Goa:Poster Exhibition at TIVIM

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  http://www.GOANET.org 


This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa 
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
-
---
Poster Exhibition at TIVIM on Regional Plan 2011 
--
A call to parents, teachers,
students and all citizens 
Don't miss the
POSTER EXHIBITION AND
AWARENESS CAMP
on REGIONAL PLAN 2011
and it's impact on Goa,
PANCHAYATI RAJ
and importance of Gram Sabha, 
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005
and it's benefit to citizens

DATE: Friday 19th January 2007
VENUE: near Livrament Hall, Tivim
TIME:  10am – 5pm

Organised by:
Tivim Civic and Consumer Forum 
& GOACAN 
in support of
SAVE GOA CAMPAIGN
GOA BACHAO ABHIYAN
www.savegoa.com

- 
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK 
--
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
- 
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601 
GOACAN Post Box  78  Mapusa,  Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
--
 

[Goanet] Seek your MLAs' opposition to Regional Plan 2011, GBA to people

[goadesc]

  http://www.GOANET.org 


This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro


---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
---
---
Seek your MLAs' opposition to Regional Plan 2011, GBA to people 
--
Intensifying its fight against the Regional Plan 2011, the Goa 
Bachao Abhiyan today exhorted the people of Goa to gherao 
their MLAs and seek their opposition to the plan in writing, 
repeatedly restraining them until they agree to support the scraping 
of the Regional Plan by January 22.
 
The GBA unanimously resolved that Goans should attend their 
respective gram sabhas which are slated to be held on the Republic 
Day, January 26, 2007, in large number .It is the duty of each and 
everyone to ensure that the gram sabha meeting of every village passes 
a resolution demanding the scrapping of the plan.
 
Addressing a huge meeting, which was attended by over 7000 people 
including top politicians of the state, the GBA convenor, Dr Oscar 
Rebello said that the Abhiyan has called all the 40 MLAs, who he 
claimed have maintained a stoic silence, as collaborators in passing the 
Regional Plan 2011.
 
He gave a clarion call to students of Goa. He urged them to “awake, 
arise and agitate. Protect your land. This is your future. You have 
to fight for it,’’ he said. He said that assembly session begins on January 22.
 
Dr Rebello recalled that the deadline of January 15 had been given to 
the government of Goa to scrap the plan by de-notifying it. But the state 
government ignored the call of the people of Goa.He said that today the GBA was 
giving a call to the people of Goa to vehemently agitate against this most 
non-responsive, uncaring government, and 
its entire system of governance, which has failed the people of Goa.
 
He said that the people of Goa should be vigilant and stop, without fear, any 
destruction of Goa. Don’t allow any hill cutting, construction in CRZ areas, 
filling of fields, Khazan lands or saltpans, burning or chopping of forests, 
mangroves or any other, 
such activities.
 
Dr Rebello asked the people to report immediately to the collector 
(North Goa) deputy collector (South Goa) or the GBA, if they see such 
activities are being carried out.
 
Dr Francis Colaco, who presided over the public meeting, demanded 
immediate scrapping of the plan, He recalled that on December 18, 2006 
another public meeting held at Azad Maidan, Panaji had given January 
15, 2007 as the deadline to the government for withdrawing the document. 
However, so far it has not been withdrawn.
 
He asked the government to scrap the plan or else people will ‘scrap’ 
the government. He said that Goans should come together for a common 
cause. And no force will be able to stop people’s movement.
 
Speaking on the occasion, former IAS officer, Mr Arvind Bhatikar, said 
the plan would eventually turn the state into ashes and destroy its beauty and 
environment. He claimed that MLAs, ministers and the head of the government are 
maintaining silence over the issue. He said that the public has taken 
cognizance of serious mistakes committed by the government. People will decide 
the fate of the people, he said.
 
Demanded the scrapping of the plan, well-known fashion designer, 
Mr Wendell Rodrigues asked the people of Goa to unitedly work to 
get rid of the plan, which would invite several problems to Goans, and 
everyone who lives here. Complimenting the youth for attending the 
public meeting in large numbers, he said that the youth is a force and 
they should take note of all the bad things happening in Goa as they 
are the future leaders.
 
Mr Shridhar Kamat said that it is the considered opinion of Goans 
that the notified Regional Plan 2011 along with its surface utilisation mapping 
is disastrous and against the interests of Goa. He demanded scrapping of the 
plan. He asked the government to g e better regional plan which would envisage 
all basic facilities.
 
Other speakers who addressed the public meeting lamented that MLAs, 
ministers and the head of the government are maintaining silence over 
the issue. They observed that the public court has already thrown the 
plan into the waste paper basket.
 
Mr Roland Martins, Ms Patricia Pinto, Mr Amey Prabhudessai and 
several others spoke on the occasion. Over 7000 people from Salcete, 
Quepem, Sanguem, Canacona, Vasco and other places attended meeting. 
GBA volunteers wee seen handing out papers related to the plan a

[Goanet] ALERT:BJP to launch agitation against Regional Plan 2011

[goadesc]

  http://www.GOANET.org 


This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro



 To sponsor Goanet operations, contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]

--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
--
BJP to launch agitation against Regional Plan 2011 
---
The Bharatiya Janata Party will take up the Regional Plan 2011 
issue on the political platform from February 1, 2007 by giving 
a clarion call to Goans to save Goa for the next generation so as 
to counter the allegations made by the Goa Bachao Abhiyan that 
all the 40 MLAs are involved in the formulation of the controversial 
10-year public document.
 
The BJP agitation will begin with a public meeting in North Goa, 
on February 1, followed by another in South Goa, the next day.
 
The leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar today told the 
pressmen that the state legislature wing of the BJP, through a 
resolution of December 20, 2006, had demanded that the 
Regional Plan 2011 be scrapped and Regional Plan 2001 be 
brought into force immediately, pending finalisation of the new 
regional plan.
 
In spite of BJP’s clear-cut stand in this matter and the party’s 
unconditional as well as apolitical support to the GBA, a few 
members of the Abhiyan are time and again threatening to 
gherao all the 40 MLAs over the issue, he added.
 
“The Bharatiya Janata Party would no more take such nonsense, 
and give a fitting reply to those who are trying to stress that BJP 
is supporting the Regional Plan 2011,” the opposition leader 
cautioned.
 
Speaking further, Mr Parrikar maintained that there are a few 
black sheeps in the GBA, especially those linked to some political 
parties, who want to shield the Congress party from the heat 
generated by the Regional Plan 2011 and hence are involving the 
BJP MLAs in the formulation of the public document.
 
There are many sincere and untarnished individuals connected with 
the GBA, including its convenor, Dr Oscar Rebello, he said, “and 
they should identify such black sheeps in the Abhiyan before it is 
too late.”
 
Mr Parrikar also stated that the Congress is in no position to scrap 
the controversial regional plan as the moment it does so, the builder 
mafia from Mumbai and Delhi which has pumped crores of rupees 
into the converted land in the state would resort to extreme 
measures against the top local Congress politicians. “Even the 
thought of scrapping the regional Plan 2011 is frightening enough 
for these politicians,” he stated.
 
Coming out strongly against the recent decision of the Congress 
legislature party to keep the changes made in the Regional Plan 
2011 in abeyance and further put the 10-year document for public 
scrutiny for 60 days, Mr Parrikar said that if the plan is kept open 
for the public from today, its correction would fall in the election 
‘code of conduct’ period.
 
“Therefore no one will be able to finalise correct regional plan 
before the assembly election,” he observed, “which in turn will 
give enough time for Congress to escape from the public fury 
during the polls.”
 
The BJP had initially decided to cross all political boundaries 
for the benefit of the state, and not draw political mileage out 
of the Regional Plan 2011, the leader of the opposition said, 
“but now unnecessarily involving the BJP MLAs into the 
controversy has made the party think otherwise.”
 
Mr Parrikar also said that ‘Save Goa for the next generation’ 
will be the main issue in the BJP’s election campaign.
--
The Navhind Times 18/01/07
--
==
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
-
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
==

[Goanet] INVITE:Poster Exhibition at Alto Porvorim on Regional Plan 2011

[goadesc]

  http://www.GOANET.org 


This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro



 To sponsor Goanet operations, contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]

-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. 
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa 
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
-
---
Poster Exhibition at Alto Porvorim on Regional Plan 2011 
--
COME ONE, COME ALL !
POSTER EXHIBITION AND
AWARENESS CAMP
on REGIONAL PLAN 2011
and it's impact on Goa,
PANCHAYATI RAJ
and importance of Gram Sabha, 
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005
and it's benefit to citizens
DATE: Thursday 18th January 2007
VENUE: Opp. Clergy Home, Alto Porvorim 
TIME:  10am – 5pm
Organised by:
Socorro Civic and Consumer Forum
& GOACAN 
in support of
SAVE GOA CAMPAIGN
GOA BACHAO ABHIYAN
www.savegoa.com
- 
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
--
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa 
- 
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78  Mapusa,  Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
--

 

[Goanet] GOACAN intensifies its drive against fake helmets

[Goadesc]

-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!

-
GOACAN intensifies its drive against fake helmets
as part of its "Road Safety Campaign"
 

Volunteers of GOACAN succeeded in seizing a total
of 26 fake helmets from helmet sellers in South
Goa along the road side of the National Highway
17 in two separate raids from 3 different sellers.
 The helmets which were seized from road
side sellers near Verna Industrial Estate were
later handed over alongwith a complaint to Mr.
D.G.P. Angle, Police Inspector, Traffic Cell Margao.

The complaint which highlights the modus operandi
of the seller to shift their base from Panjim to
Verna in South Goa has been copied to DGP, SDPO
Margao, SDPO Vasco, SP Traffic, Director of Civil
Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Controller Legal
Metrology, Director of Transport, Asst. Director
of Transport (Enf.), Margao and the Police
Inspector, Verna. Since launching its drive
against fake helmets during the Road Safety Week
last year GOACAN has reported a total of five cases
in Panjim, one in Porvorim and now two in South Goa.

The use of helmets has been emphasized for
motorcycle riders in Goa as an integral part of
road safety, it is mandatory that the rider uses
a helmet that is safe and follows certain
manufacturing standards. The helmet must have the
ISI mark and when in use the strap must always be
in place. As Road Safety and Traffic Management
is a priority for all Consumer Forums, GOACAN has
taken the initiative to weed out fake helmets
from the market as one of its priorities through
a combination of letters, discussions with
consumers as well as booking of complaints on
sale of such helmets with the appropriate authorities.

Interestingly, after the Traffic Police and the
officials of the Directorate of Transport started
issuing challans for non use of helmets on
highways, there has been an increase in the sale of
these fake helmets along the highways. These substandard
helmets are in fact FAKE as they do not possess
the ISI mark, and just consist of thermacol
lining provided to a thin sheet of fibre-glass.
In fact it is this cheap material that is used
that allows these helmets to be sold for as
little as Rs.100 to 200. Further bargaining on
the price is possible depending on the "brand
names" such as LML Freedom, Bajaj CT100, Hero
Honda, Pulsar, Gold, Reebok and Ambition.

GOACAN has been campaigning amongst consumers
that if they are convinced that they must use a
helmet for safety reasons then they must use ISI
marked helmets and use them properly which means
wearing the helmet strap as well. Consumers have
also been cautioned that the roadside sellers
also have ISI Mark stickers which are available
for Rs.50 extra. It may be noted that the ISI
mark includes two specific numbers - one being
the number for the product (helmets in this case)
and other is the licence number given to the
manufacturer by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The roadside sellers have an excellent marketing
strategy wherein they convince consumers that
their products brought from Delhi are the best as
they call them "formality helmets". These they
say when used by a rider will help to hoodwink
the Traffic Police and Transport Department
officials in Goa waiting along the highways to
issue challans for non-use of helmets.
>
They also say that if a rider buys their
"formality helmet" there are also other benefits
such as there is no ISI Mark and so there are no
extra costs and any way this extra costs only go
> to tax authorities so why contribute to the Govt.
treasury and the other benefit is in case the
> helmet gets stolen then the rider only losses
Rs.100/ to Rs.200 while if it were a proper
helmet the loss would Rs.800/- and above.

GOACAN volunteers also noticed that these
roadside sellers have been briefed as to how they
can beat the police system for example in the
last two complaints the seller was identified
near the old Mandovi bridge where in before the
police Control Room van could arrive he simply
abandoned the helmets and disappeared under the
bridge while in another case as there was police
patrolling near the bridge due to the Assembly
session the sellers had moved to selling the helmets
below the bridge.

The other trick adopted by the sellers is to
stay out of a certain police jurisdiction to
avoid being caught, as one seller explained to
the consumer activists on condition of anonymity
" the police personnel advised us to sell the helmets
beyond the Heera Petrol Pump at Panaji as that area
falls within the jurisdiction of the Old Goa
Police Station and the Pa

[Goanet] SAVE GOA:Bambolim locals aghast over rampant hill cutting

[Goadesc]

--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
---
Bambolim locals aghast over rampant hill cutting
---
Chaos reigned supreme at Bambolim village today as members
of the Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) rushed to the site where a
massive hill cutting exercise is being undertaken.

Members of the GBA told the press that the villagers in the area are being
harassed by the builders and after receiving calls from the villagers the GBA
members rushed to the site. Considering the massive hill cutting which the
builders have undertaken in the area, convenor of the GBA Dr Oscar Rebello
said "this is a place where there is savage destruction."

The project in-charge was also called to the site and asked to show the
various permissions and clearances for the project. However, he was not able
to produce the same at the moment. Members of the GBA also called the local
MLA, Francis Silveira, but due to other appointments the MLA did not come.

The Additional Collector, Swapnil Naik also visited the site. Later 
the members

of the GBA assembled at the Additional Collectors Office at Panjim. The
Additional Collector asked the project in-charge for the clearances 
and approvals

from the Forest Department, TCP department and the CRZ clearances.

When Herald contacted Naik later in the evening, he said the project in-charge
showed the Forest Department approval for tree cutting and the TCP approval
of the project plan. However, the CRZ approvals were yet to be seen without
which the Collector could not spell out any decision on the matter.

Earlier, Dr Oscar Rebello, had told the press that the GBA has planned to have
a public meeting at the site in Bambolim on December 26.
--
HERALD 23/12/06 page 1
---

---
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
---
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
--
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--


--
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[Goanet] The Smallest Goan and the Global Market

[goadesc]

   * * *  2006  ANNUAL  GOANETTERS MEET - GOA  * * *

WHERE: Foodland Cafe - Miramar Residency - Miramar, Goa

WHEN: December 21, 2006 @ 4:00pm

More info:

http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2006-December/051747.html
-
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: 
-

The Smallest Goan and the Global Market

The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsing Rane’s pledge on Goa’s Liberation Day to work 
towards ending the unevenness in growth within Goa should hopefully be 
reflected in the government’s current and future plans. The unevenness in 
growth within the state is evident from the gaps that exist in all respects 
between the major cities and the smaller towns and rural parts. Take for 
instance, drinking water. Several parts of Goa do not have adequate drinking 
water supplies. In several other parts, public taps exist that supply water at 
certain hours, thus gathering long queues. A number of people still depend on 
traditional wells, but then the water level in many parts is going down owing 
to constructions and other ecological changes.

In power, too, the rural parts are discriminated. They are not adequately 
served, either in terms of supply or service in case of breakdowns. So is 
health care. The primary health centres that are supposed to serve these parts 
in the absence of hospitals do not provide them adequate health care. Even 
though distances in Goa are physically small, they turn larger when it comes to 
the treatment of wounded or seriously ill people in the smaller towns and rural 
parts, because they have to travel to the hospitals in the main cities. Then 
the roads in smaller towns and rural parts are not as good as in the main 
cities, which makes faster travel difficult.

The unevenness is evident not only in these public services, but also in 
economic growth. As a matter of fact, economic growth depends on several of 
those factors, like power and roads. The industrial estates that have been set 
up in the rural parts have not fully served the objectives for which they were 
set up. They have continued to exist like enclaves, without any organic 
relationship with the communities in the neighbourhood. The best way to end the 
unevenness in development would be to set up active, profitable relationship 
between the local products and skills and the industrial estates. The state 
government might, for example, try to set up an industrial estate entirely 
dedicated to food and fruit processing whose enterprises will be supplied by 
the produce from the neighbouring communities.

What is lacking today is economic and employment opportunities for the people 
in rural parts. This is the reason why farmers, horticulturists, artisans and 
fishermen and their younger generations are turning to the bigger cities. There 
has to be a movement back from the bigger cities to the villages. The economic 
and employment opportunities must re-migrate to the rural parts. If the 
opportunities exist only in bigger cities a still larger number of people will 
leave the rural parts to seek those opportunities in the bigger cities. And we 
can’t blame the shetkar or his chedo for converting his land to commercial use, 
selling it and migrating to the city. The social activists who are opposed to 
conversion of agricultural land do not have any right to ask the shetkars and 
their chedos to deny themselves the right to sell their lands and migrate to 
the city. If opportunities are there in the cities what will the shetkars and 
their chedos do in the villages? The shetkars and thei
 r chedos
  may turn around and say, “We will also register an NGO, seek funds, mouth and 
scribble the right phrases and get more and be rich, just as you are doing in 
the big cities”. And the NGOs will have to keep mum, because they cannot ask 
the shetkars and their younger generations to “go and perish in your kheden”.

Nor has our government the right to ask them to do that. Opportunities have to 
be created in the rural parts for an even development. So, when the government 
talks of ending the unevenness, they should not just plan for providing the 
rural parts city-like amenities—adequate power, water, transport, and so on—but 
for using these services to develop agriculture, trade and industry in those 
parts in an organic manner. Communities in rural parts must become producers of 
goods and services that are linked to local enterprises that could use them, 
add value and market them to other regions. This system cannot work without a 
market orientation. The smallest man in the villa

[Goanet] Casino Culture and the future of Goan Society

[Goadesc]

* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

Spread the Christmas cheer - even when you're not here!
  Send Christmas Greetings to your loved ones in Goa.
   2006 Christmas - Two Packages available from EXPRESSIONS

  http://www.goa-world.com/expressions/xmas/

-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!

--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
--
Casino Culture: Losing much more than we earn
--
The Goa government has raised the fees and fixed a limitation
on the number for casinos. This shows that the government wants
more revenue from casinos but is also conscious of the dangers to
society and economy on account of proliferation of them.

We wonder why the consciousness of the dangers cannot be the
supreme guiding principle of the government in the matter of casinos.
The number of floating( or land-based) casinos may be limited, but the
culture they will introduce and spread cannot be contained within the
confines of a boat or a building.

Take for instance, online gambling. In recent years, there has been a
proliferation of online gambling globally. Many people who do not go to
floating or brick-and-mortar casinos are sucked into online gambling
which they can do from their home or office. There are about 3,000
Web sites worldwide available today for online gambling to people.
They offer betting, gaming and poker bids and a variety of other stakes.
The online gambling through them goes on without much legal restriction
or restraint. The situation is so alarming and uncontrolled that many legal
experts are advocating for the legalization of online gambling. But others
have expressed fears that such legalization would create a new sector in
gambling beyond the land-based or floating casino industry.

Let the Goa government be warned that if floating or land-based casinos
grow, it will gradually have a popular spread by word of mouth or
camouflaged advertisements, encouraging people who cannot or do not
want to come to floating or land-based casinos to search for 'entertainment
outlets' on the Net.

As a matter of fact, many of them might already without any surveillance or
detection by the law enforcement authorities be gambling online. We may
better pay attention to this sector and regulate people here or elsewhere who
advertise or profit from online gambling or aid and abet online casinos in any
manner. In the United States, the federal government, in a recent endeavour
to check offshore gambling, has prohibited the use of credit cards for online
wagering, even though credit cards are legally allowed for licensed land-based
casinos.

The trouble that the state's law enforcement authorities might face is that
online gambling is legal in more than 50 countries in Europe and the
Caribbean. The modus operandi used by the operators of online casinos is
that they disguise their origins and operations: an online casino may be
located in Germany but its operations handled from a city in South America.
What might encourage online gambling is the easy availability of personal
computers at home.

With the per capita income in Goa being very high, many households already
had personal computers when the government scheme for distribution of
computers to students made it even more ubiquitous. All you need in online
gambling is a personal computer with Internet connection to connect to one
of the thousands of Web sites offering gambling opportunities. These
opportunities could include bets for racing and sporting events; government or
private lotteries; games such as poker, blackjack and roulette. You can and
place your wager using real money.

All you need is a credit card with international transaction 
credentials to place
your bet and an account to receive through Net transfer any money you might
win. Such credit cards are now being offered at your doorstep. And as far as
Internet connection goes, Goa is covered by Broadband, and even villages will
be covered with the mega connectivity project the state government has
assigned to a private party.

It is very crucial for a proper and constructive building of the 
future Goan so

[Goanet] Cansaulim Consumer Forum meeting on Saturday 16th Dec.

[Goadesc]

* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

Spread the Christmas cheer - even when you're not here!
  Send Christmas Greetings to your loved ones in Goa.
   2006 Christmas - Two Packages available from EXPRESSIONS

  http://www.goa-world.com/expressions/xmas/

-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!

--
Cansaulim Consumer Forum meeting on Saturday 16th Dec.
--
The Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim Residents and Consumer Forum (CACRCF)
will have its general meeting of consumers on Saturday 16th December
at  5.00pm at the  St. Thomas High School, Cansaulim.

Among the issues to be discussed are impacts of the Regional Plan 2011,
use of Right To Information Act , procedure for filing complaints to
Consumer Conciliation Committee, impact of  proposed Coastal Security
Police Station, service related problems of PWD water supply, Electricity,
Bus Transport, Post Office, Cable TV, LPG cylinder supply , BSNL telephones
and preparation of Identity cards for Senior Citizens.

Consumers of  Cansaulim, Arossim and Cuelim are invited to attend the meeting
and participate in the deliberations.


---
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
---
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
--
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--


Goanet supports BMX, the alumni network of Britto's, St Mary's and
Xavier's -- three prominent institutions in Mapusa, Goa. Events 
scheduled from Dec 16 to 21, 2006

For more details visit http://www.bmxgoa.com

[Goanet] Rape and Murder of Goa

[Goadesc]

* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

Spread the Christmas cheer - even when you're not here!
  Send Christmas Greetings to your loved ones in Goa.
   2006 Christmas - Two Packages available from EXPRESSIONS

  http://www.goa-world.com/expressions/xmas/

--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
--
Rape and Murder of Goa
--

by Bevinda Colaco

Typically the common man or woman is not really bothered about the
Goa Regional Plan 2011. A school teacher said, "Eh, who knows about politics,
I don't follow it. They're all crooks." A film columnist of Goan 
origin from Mumbai here
for the IFFI, said "If the Congress government is doing it, it cannot 
be bad. The BJP
is bad." Locals I have met and spoken with about the Plan, make all 
the right noises,
but you can see the bewilderment in their eyes. They don't understand 
what the fuss
is all about. "That Monserrate no? He only's doing all this things."

The Save Goa forum was launched last week with a panel of passionate speakers,
but one among them had a very simple message. Take our current 
problems he said,
waste disposal, sewerage, electricity, roads, traffic management, 
vector borne diseases,
abysmal public transport and finally potable water. These are sectors 
that seem to be
barely adequate for 13,00,000 people, but are currently falling apart 
with the influx of
tourists and migrants which more than double the standing population 
of Goa. That is
the pathetic condition today. Imagine the chaos tomorrow.

The projects that are being welcomed into Goa are non-polluting. They 
are deluxe
starred hotels, luxury housing projects, non-polluting industrial 
estates, golf courses etc.
There will be a continuous stream of people coming into Goa to stay, 
migrants and
professionals. The housing colonies that are coming up will be 
islands of luxury,
guzzling water, power increasing in number with no plans for garbage disposal.
The Regional Plan makes no provision for sewerage or waste disposal. 
Huge areas
of green forest land will be bulldozed and turned into concrete. The 
climate of this state
will change. The initial burst of construction activity gave Goa 
varieties of malaria and
encephalitis. Now we have been introduced to chikungunya and dengue. What next?

The ancient rhythms of Goa which had disappeared in areas like 
Calangute and Mapusa
will die out all together if Goa's hinterland turns into luxury 
playgrounds for the rich and
infamous. Our living spaces will shrink; the famous gracious Goan 
lifestyle will be relegated
to a few glossy coffee table books. Our children will curse us for 
allowing this Regional Plan
of 2011 to see the light of day.

"The Plan is a deliberate, brutal and savage rape and murder on your 
daughter." said an angry
Dr. Oscar Rebello. " We want three answers to three questions: For 
whom is this development
taking place? If it is not for us, sorry gentlemen, we don't want it. 
How fast is this development
taking place? There is a pace for everything in life. When you are 
this fast you are wrong and
you are trying to hide something. But however fast you run, we will 
catch you. What kind of
development do we want?

Once those projects are up there, once the land is devastated, once 
the hills are cut, then it
will be too late for Goans to stand up and shout. This is a political 
battle with the survival of
Goa at stake. We have to protest and protest loudly. Everyone is a 
Goan, who have the good
of Goa at heart and out there is the anti-Goan who is also made up of 
Goans born in this soil,
who are eager to sell out this land and destroy it.

The very secrecy in conjuring up a Plan for the destruction of Goa as 
we know it should act
as a Red Alert for us as a people. The people of Goa have a right to 
know and the people of
Goa have a right to say, "No".

Herald 10/12/06   page 12

--
SAVE GOA - Chalo Azad Maidan, Panjim on Monday 18th December - 3pm
Join the Rally and say NO to the Goa Regional Plan 2011
for more information visit www.savegoa.com
-

---
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
---

[Goanet] Goa Regional Plan 2011 to Crucify Natural Heritage

[goadesc]

* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

Spread the Christmas cheer - even when you're not here!
  Send Christmas Greetings to your loved ones in Goa.
   2006 Christmas - Two Packages available from EXPRESSIONS

  http://www.goa-world.com/expressions/xmas/

Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!


Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
---
Regional Plan 2011 to Crucify Natural Heritage 
---

by Prajal Sakhardande 

Natural History is a very important branch of History. 
Natural Heritage naturally follows from there. Our 
destructive, unscrupulous, hasty, malicious, vicious, 
greedy vermins that is the politicians of Goa need to 
be educated in these two branches of history and our 
electorate needs to be literate and educated about them. 

Wake up to the fact that they don’t love us neither 
they have Goa in their heart and hence the destructive 
regional Plan 2011. They have therefore “planned” to 
systematically deface Goa. Remember they are all 
hand-in-glove. Goa is being sold by them. Our mother 
green Goa is for sale. As our angry young doctor 
Oscar Rebello puts it “Goa is being raped by them.” 
An architect perceives this Regional Plan-2011 
as a huge “Land Scam”.

In ancient times kings amassed huge booties and the 
war spoils were distributed between the king and his 
ministers. The 21st century Goan political scene is 
no different. Here the “King” and his “Kingpins” will 
enjoy the spoil of the Regional Plan-2011. Should we 
sleep over this land scam nee the Regional Plan 2011. 

Builders from Goa, Mumbai, Dubai hand-in-glove with 
our ministers and bureaucrats are out to roll 
earthmovers on our beautiful green hills at Betim, 
Baga, Arpora, Terekhol and at various prime hills 
in practically all the talukas of Goa. 

Thanks to the Regional Plan 2011 Goa will wear a ugly 
look. Our natural beauty, our mangroves, coastal belt, 
agriculture, trees will be axed to satisfy the 
unsatiated greed of the politician and the builder. 

Goa has a rich wealth of natural heritage. Our 
beaches like Morjim, Harmal, Mandrem, Kerim in the 
Pednem taluka, coastline of Bardez, Salcette, Murgao, 
Canacona will be victims of this dubious Regional 
plan. The Heritage trees of Panaji were axed at 
Tambdi-Mati-St Inez in the name of beautification. 
Nowhere in the world beautification takes place 
by cutting trees. Trees add beauty to the city. 
The historic rain tree avenue of Panaji at Campal 
is our unique heritage. 

At Candolim-Orda a hill is being cut. The Calangute 
hill will wear an ugly crown not of green olives 
like the Greeks did but a crown made of concrete. 
Have a look at the ugly Tata eyesore at Betim over
looking Panaji. The entire stretch of the Betim-Verem 
hills will be a eyesore, thanks to the Town and 
Country Planning Dept, Government of Goa. The 
governments we elect to serve us finally turn out 
to be our greatest enemies. 

The very existence of Goa is at stake. All our NGOs 
have come together to fight the Draconian Regional 
Plan-2011. The whole of Goa should rise to this 
historic occasion and be there in large numbers on 
December 18, 2006 at Panaji to oppose the Regional 
Plan 2011. 

We have to save our Natural Heritage of Goa, 
her beautiful beaches, her hills, her mangroves, 
her agricultural lands, her trees. We also need 
to save our Mhadei from being diverted by the 
Karnataka government. 

We need to save our heritage temples, Old Goa 
world heritage site from the proposed garbage 
treatment plant. With noted conservation architect 
Ms Poonam Verma in tow we went to dialogue with 
the temple committee of Navadurga temple at 
Paigunium in the Canacona taluka to save the 
heritage of the said temple. 

We have to fight and fight and fight! 
Let us unitedly fight to save Goa. Save Goa’s 
timeless natural history and natural heritage. 
---
--
The Navhind Times 10/12/06 PANORAMA page 3
--
visit www.savegoa.com 
==
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
---

[Goanet] Velim Civic & Consumer Forum meeting on Sunday

[Goadesc]

   * * *  2006  ANNUAL  GOANETTERS MEET - GOA  * * *

WHERE: Foodland Cafe - Miramar Residency - Miramar, Goa

WHEN: December 21, 2006 @ 4:00pm

More info:

http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2006-December/051412.html

-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
--
-
Velim Civic & Consumer Forum meeting on Sunday
--
The Velim Civic and Consumer Forum will have its
monthly general meeting of consumers on Sunday 10th December
at 10.30 am at St. Xavier's High School, Velim.

Among the issues to be discussed are Senior Citizen's Week,
19th December Gram Sabha Proposals and Panchayat issues,
Women's Rights, Regional Plan 2011, Developmental plans for
the village and Law & Order, service related problems of LPG,
Electricity, Transport, Post Office, PWD water supply, BSNL
telephones and any other grievances of consumers.

Consumers of Velim are invited to attend the meeting and
participate in the deliberations.

Ramona Almeida
(Convenor)
-
Velim Civic and Consumer Forum <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


---
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
---
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
--
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--


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[Goanet] REGIONAL PLAN 2011:Save Goa Campaign appeal

[Goadesc]

   * * *  2006  ANNUAL  GOANETTERS MEET - GOA  * * *

WHERE: Foodland Cafe - Miramar Residency - Miramar, Goa

WHEN: December 21, 2006 @ 4:00pm

More info:

http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2006-December/051412.html

-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!

---
GOA BACHAO ABHIYAN
Save Goa Campaign"
Opp. Kala Academy, E-74, Campal, Panaji, Goa - 403001,
Tel: 9822160493, 2225493
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED], 
[EMAIL PROTECTED],
7th December, 2006.

As Convenor of the "Save Goa Campaign", I fervently appeal,
with utmost humility and sincerity to each and everyone of you
and your conscience.

Goa, today is at the crossroads of her very existence. Her soul;
Her identity and Her beauty is being mercilessly sold off, all for the
petty gains of a petty few, in the guise of the monstrous, evasive
and sinister: Goa Regional Plan 2011.

Besides the calamitous destruction of Goa's natural beauty,
her culture and her heritage, we are set to witness an unprecedented
social disaster if mega 5 star projects like townships, condominiums,
golf courses, resorts, etc. take root in our precious land.

Besides, being greedily resource intensive, all these megalomaniac
projects envisaged in the "Regional Plan 2011" will trigger of a wealthy
and powerful new wave of migrant influx who have the potential to relegate
indigenous and already settled Goans into a politically irrelevant minority
in their own land. Also Goa's already over-burdened infrastructure, garbage
and sewerage disposal and law and order situation will collapse if this plan
comes into effect.

The "Regional Plan 2011" must not be seen as merely a dishonour to our
mother Goa or a desecration of our ancestral land or the defilement of
Parshuram's legendary arrow struck across the Sahyadris. These views
are benignly romantic. It must be seen for what it truly is.
THE SAVAGE & BRUTAL ASSAULT, RAPE & MURDER
OF OUR DAUGHTER. And if we do not have the guts to protect our daughters,
we really will have no soil left to bury our heads in shame.

To register our horrified indignation and loudly declare our protest at this
agonizing destruction of our land, we plan to organise a massive
public rally on December 18, 2006 at 3.00 pm at Azad Maidan, Panjim
to liberate ourselves and free Goa from this tyrannical "Regional Plan 2011."

I implore and beseech all organizations - social and religious;
all political parties, student unions, tiatrists and various samajs from Goa
(Kerala, Bengal, A.P., Gujarat, etc.), artists, activists, the media, 
the GCCI,
indeed every single "Niz Goenkar" to lend your helping hand and desperately
required moral support to this urgent cause.

The war cry that must resonate in every single village of Goa must be
"AAMCHEM GOEM AMKA PARAT ZAI "
GIVE BACK OUR GREEN GOA.

Dr. Oscar Rebello
(Convenor)

visit www.savegoa. com and get connected.

---
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
---
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
--
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--


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For more details visit http://www.bmxgoa.com

[Goanet] Entertainment Society of Goa to issue NOC's for Shooting of films in Goa

[Goadesc]

--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
-
Entertainment Society of Goa to issue
NOC's for Shooting of films in Goa
-
NOTIFICATION
-

Government of Goa
Department of Home
Home-General Division
Notification 4/3/87-HD(G)/Vol.II

Whereas, the film producers and their authorised agents
have approached the Government for grant of No Objection
Certificates for shooting of their films in the State of Goa.

And whereas, the site selected by such film producers
come under the jurisdiction of different Departments of the
Government and therefore the film producers or their
authorised agents find it difficult to obtain requisite No Objection
Certificates, as the different departments follow different procedures
for issuing the same;

Now, therefore, the Government of Goa has decided to issue such
No Objection Certificates through Single Window and hence issue
following guidelines governing rant of such No Objection Certificates,
namely:-

(1)The film producers or their authorised agents desiring to have film
shooting in the State of Goa shall submit three sets of application in
form appended hereto to the Entertainment Society of Goa 

(2) The film producer or their authorised agents applying
for film shooting shall pay the following fees in the office of the
Entertainment Society of Goa:-

(i) Fees of Rs.6000/- per day and Rs.3000/- per half day for shooting
on the selected site.

(ii) The Police protection may be made available to the film producer
or his authorised agent at the shooting site on payment of following
charges:-

Category of Police Officer Rates of charges payable
(per day of 5 hours or per 
night of 4 hours)
(1)  Inspector  Rs. 500/-
(2)  Sub Inspector   Rs. 450/-
(3)  Assistant Inspector   Rs. 350/-
(4)  Head ConstableRs. 250/-
(5)  Constable Rs. 230/-

The aforesaid charges shall be doubled where the duty is more than the
above specified hours per day/night. The party seeking Police Protection
shall make an estimate of quantum of Police Force required. This will then
be checked by the Police Department, and if a different quantum of deployment
is required, then the Police Department shall indicate it in its 
report. On the
basis of Police report, charges shall be deposited by the film producer or his
authorised agent in advance, in the Entertainment Society of Goa.

(3).

(9).


The above guideline will come into force with effect from the date of issue
of this notification. This issues in supersession to all the Notification
issued earlier in this regard.

by order in the name of the Governor of Goa
Maria J.R. Pires, Under Secretary (Home)
Porvorim 31st October 2006
-
Extracts from Gazette Notification published in Official Gazette
Series No.1 No.33 dated 16th November 2006 pages  841& 842
-

==
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
===



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scheduled from Dec 16 to 21, 2006

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[Goanet] GRAM SABHA FEEDBACK:Socorro villager assaulted

[Goadesc]

-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
--
--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
-
Socorro villager assaulted after Gram Sabha

Of late, village gram sabhas in the state seem to have become less
of a people's forum and more so the personal fiefdom of antisocial
elements protected by politicians.

Barely a month after a citizen of Chicalim was attacked by the village
sarpanch, a similar incident took place after the Socorro gram sabha
on Sunday. When Mahendre Kenavdekar, a gram sabha member raised
pertinent questions about a long-pending road work, he became the victim
of brutal violence allegedly by another member, Rajesh Kauthankar, of
Ambevadi- Zoswaddo, Socorro. Incidentally, this is not the first time that
Kenavdekar, who suffers from epilepsy, has been attacked for speaking
his mind out. He has been attacked on previous occasions also.

"He suffers from some ailment, and may speak too much sometimes,
but he certainly knows his rights and fights for it time and again. But,
everytime he does it, he is ridiculed," says a villager who attended the
meeting.

Villagers further say that Kauthankar is a known henchman of Agnelo Lobo,
the ex-sarpanch, who is the de facto ruler of the panchayat through his wife,
Ditosa Lobo. Meanwhile, the victim of the violence immediately lodged a
complaint at the Porvorim police station on the same afternoon and was
taken to Asilo for a medical examination.

Villagers, who attended the meeting, say that this dastardly act of violence
was perpertrated after the meeting ended, and it was planned to avoid
inclusion of any adverse remarks in the confidential report of the BDO
observer, Mahesh Raut.

Trouble started right from the beginning when some members objected to the
change in venue from the panchayat ghar to Socorro church hall at very short
notice of four days. Villagers claim that the sarpanch refused to 
apologise and
the rest of the meeting was far from pleasant, with some elements shouting,
making cat-calls, insulting even women members with dirty remarks so as to
discourage any member from raising questions or giving proposals.

"One of the panch members, Anand Mandrekar, also tried to physically
abuse me after the meeting after unsuccessfully trying to prevent me from
photographing the proceedings during the meeting," said Valentine Coelho,
a member

Incidentally, a few months earlier, a similar incident occured, when Coelho
raised questions on the proposed IT park during the village gram sabha. The
next day, he found his car smashed with all four tyres punctured. The culprits
even damaged his son's scooter. The incidents reflect, that these acts of
violence are only unsuccessful attempts by certain elements to stifle the
voice of the people, and these acts have gone futile.
---
GOMANTAK TIMES 29/11/06 page A2


---
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
---
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
--
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--


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Goanet supports BMX, the alumni network of Britto's, St Mary's and
Xavier's -- three prominent institutions in Mapusa, Goa. Events 
scheduled from Dec 16 to 21, 2006

For more details visit http://www.bmxgoa.com

[Goanet] GOACAN to observe Childrens Civic & Consumer Rights Week

[Goadesc]

--
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!

---
GOACAN to observe Childrens Civic & Consumer Rights Week
--

The Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) will observe
Childrens Civic & Consumer Rights Week from 14th to 20th November 2006
with a  view to create awareness on the civic & consumer rights of children
at the Village, Taluka, District and State level.

During the week which will commence on Childrens Day and will end
on the United Nations Child Rights Day, GOACAN will network with the
village based Consumer Forums to promote awareness & provide information
on the Civic & Consumer Rights of children in the local area.

GOACAN will highlight the salient points of the Consumer Protection Act
1986  and the Goa Childrens Act 2003, the importance of the Village Child
Committees and the role of the community in promotion and protection of the
civic & consumer rights of children.

During the week GOACAN will also write to various High Schools
encouraging them to set up Consumer Welfare Clubs in their
educational institutions with a view to promote awareness among
children on their civic and consumer rights.

Consumer Forum volunteers will organise phone in's and visits to various
Departments and offices of other Govt. & Non-Govt.organizations to inquire
about various facilities available & procedures to be followed to achieve the
civic and consumer rights of children.

During the week consumer activists will also publicize the postal address,
telephone & fax numbers and email id of various authorities concerned with
the care & development of children such as Department for Women & Child
Development, Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Goa State
Commission for Children, Childrens Welfare Committee (CWC) and the
Education Department.

Children, Parents, Guardians and PTA members are requested to send
copies of their suggestions/complaints on the implementation of the civic
and consumer rights of children by post to GOACAN Post Box 187, Margao
Goa 403 601 or by email to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> during this week.

---
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
---
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
--
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--


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[Goanet] 10th November FRIDAY BALCAO to focus on the Regional Plan 2011 & ODP's

[Goadesc]

--
Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO
--

Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet,

Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event
to be held on 10th November will focus on the
implications of Goa's Regional Plan 2011 & ODP's.

If one would take a closer look at the Final Regional Plan 2011
for Goa one immediately gets the impression that there is a
determined effort to transform Goa into a Hawaii on the west coast
of the country.

That the Regional Plan is tourism driven is obvious with the
converting of large tracts of forest, orchard and agricultural
land into settlement zones for the purpose of new Townships,
luxury condominiums, 5 star hotels and Golf courses.

Lest we forget, in 1987 almost 20 years ago the Goa Govt.
tried to push the Tourism Master Plan which had a similar
agenda as the present Regional Plan but had to shelve
the same after massive peoples protest.

Were the Village Panchayats, Zilla Panchayats and Municipal
Councils consulted before finalizing the Regional Plan ? Will the
Government of Goa discuss the Regional Plan in the Legislative
Assembly before its implementation ?

What will be implications for the Environment, Ecology and Identity
of  Goa ? Has the Govt. taken into account the carrying capacity of Goa
when embarking on such a course to convert Goa into a tourism
State? Will the Central Government proposals to declare Goa as a
(STA) Special Tourism Area or convert the State into a Free Port
be revived ?

What are options of the local governing bodies, community
organisations, environment groups and NGO's to get the Regional
Plan 2011 withdrawn ?

The Balcao discussion will cover these questions and
also evolve an agenda for action by citizens on the issue.

Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm
at the Goa Desc Resource Centre
No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta,
Mapusa and is open to members of the public.

We invite you to attend the Friday Balcao event
but if you cannot attend, then please send your
views by post to FRIDAY BALCAO
Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507
or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]

best wishes,

Roland Martins
===
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
---
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
===

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[Goanet] Regional Plan for Goa: Then and Now

[Goadesc]

-
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!
--
--
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
---
Regional Plan for Goa: Then and Now
---
by Nandkumar Kamat

The force behind systematic spatial planning in Goa was the first town
and country planning minister of Goa, Mr Paratapsingh Rane. During
his first ever tenure as Chief minister he provided the necessary impetus
to carry forward the task. In that he was ably assisted by a young team
of town planners led by architect, Mr S P Deshpande.

Town and Country Planning Act, 1974 has not changed much in the past
32 years. But there is a vast difference in the process which led to the
preparation of the previous regional plan and the latest regional plan.
The previous regional plan draft had received green signal from the TCP
board in December 1981. In February 1982, it was notified under section
13 of the act for inviting public objections and suggestions. The draft plan
had been given extensive publicity. The officials of the town and country
planning (TCP) department had attended special gramsabha meetings in
all the village panchayats throughout Goa.

Goa did not then have a Panchayat Raj Act. The 73rd and 74th
constitutional amendments were 10 years away. The regional plan was
finally approved by the TCP board in June 1985. The government
approved it in October. In December 1985, the plan was gazette. In
November 1988, the regional plan for Goa, 2001 AD proposals, was
printed and made available to the public alongwith with a large map
depicting the state’s surface utilization policy.

The regional plan had a very long perspective-about 15 years ( compared
to a short span of just four years for the new one). The plan was influenced
by the report of the task force on ecodevelopment of Goa constituted
by the central Planning commission under Dr M S Swaminathan in
1981-82.

An impartial and objective analysis of the regional plan 2001 AD shows that
a majority of its’ guidelines were breached and 
the spirit of its’ proposals and
recommendations was compromised. This plan was an in-house exercise
without engaging any external private consultant. There was no political
interference in its’ preparation. Then why the plan was not implemented?.

One reason was the period of political instability which began from March
1990 and continued till October 2000. Allegedly, 
certain real estate speculators,
playing kingmakers brought pressure on the government to sideline the plan in
bargain for catapulting various ruling groups to power.

By 1997-98, the government had understood the urgency of setting in motion
the process to prepare a new regional plan till 2011 AD. A private firm,
Consulting Engineering Services (CES) Ltd, New Delhi was contracted to
prepare the new regional plan as well as the Master plan for tourism. This
changed the full context of the process of preparing the regional plan.
CES had no experience in such matters. It had difficulties in collecting and
analyzing the data.

In October 1998, the chief town planner (CTP) realized that in view of the
constitutional amendment act, 1996 (73 rd and 74 th amendments) the
TCP Act, 1974 had become redundant. He organized a day long technical
convention –“ Goa beyond 2000’ to discuss the new regional plan for Goa
and the Model town and country planning act. As a delegate for that
convention I remember the speeches made by the politicians who were
hesitant to proceed with the new model act. The draft act had been circulated
but the politicians afraid of devolving the land 
use planning powers to the local
bodies conveniently put it in cold storage where it lies at present.

Without any reference to the above convention and the draft act, CES
prepared the basic information report (BIR) which was circulated to a few
stakeholders by the CTP. This was followed by the Draft Sectoral Report
(DSR) in May 2000. Mr Ray had sent me a copy of DSR for comments
which I submitted in July, 2000. I could see that the CES was not following
the process as was followed for regional plan 2001 AD. The government
was procrastinating on grassroots level stake holders consultations. In the
meantime some megaprojects involving thousands of hectares of land got
mysteriously included in the final draft report (FDR) which CES submitted
in September 2003.

To my knowledge between 1999-2002, CES had not spoken a word
about these changes or the megaprojects. Between 2000 to 2002 the
changes included – ‘Goa heritag

[Goanet] FRIDAY BALCAO:Final Regional Plan 2011 & ODP's - Implications for Goa

[Goadesc]

* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May
 There is no better, value for money, guest house.
  Confirm your bookings early or miss-out

  Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation.

---
Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO


Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet,

We continue with FRIDAY BALCAO
on 10th November from 4pm. to 6pm.
at Goa Desc Resource Centre
No. 11, Liberty Apartments,
Feira Alta, Mapusa Goa.

TOPIC: Final Regional Plan 2011 & ODP's - Implications for Goa
SPEAKER: Open Discussion

We invite you to express your viewpoint
by attending the Friday Balcao event
but if you cannot attend, then please send your
views and action plan suggestions by post to
FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507
or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]

best wishes,

Roland Martins
-
Don't miss out on the discussion. Information is power,
Share it equitably. Lets make things happen in Goa !!
--

GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
-
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
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[Goanet] Vincent Xavier Verodiano Awards to be conferred on 4th Nov

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* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May
 There is no better, value for money, guest house.
  Confirm your bookings early or miss-out

  Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation.

---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
---

Verodiano award for Dr. Jindal
---
The prestigious 2006 Vincent Xavier Verodiano Award
will be conferred on Dr.V.N. Jindal - Dean of Goa Medical
College, Cause of Our Joy and Ramesh Gawas
at a function to be held on Saturday November 4th at
5.30pm at Swami Vivekanand Hall, 7th Floor, Junta House,
Panjim. Senior journalist Jagdish Wagh will be the Chief Guest.
--
Gomantak Times 03/11/06 page 3
--

==
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
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mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
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[Goanet] IMPACT:Proposed Chicalim shipyard runs into rough weather

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* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May
 There is no better, value for money, guest house.
  Confirm your bookings early or miss-out

  Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation.

---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--

Proposed Chicalim shipyard runs into rough weather

The Coastal Regulatory Zone Management  Authority (CRZMA)
has clamped down on the controversial shipyard project at Chicalim
by ordering the stoppage of work, seizure of  material and issuing of
a show cause notice under the CRZ to the shipyard.

This action initiated earlier this week was today announced by the
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment Dr Wilfred de Souza
at a press briefing on Tuesday evening.

Dr de Souza told the media today that the matter was  brought to his
notice on Sunday following which he spoke to the chief secretary who
  was seized of the issue and acted on the same immediately.

Dr de Souza  said that the South Goa Collector was directed to inspect
the site and submit a  report which indicated that the  proposed project
was a threat to the  ecology and in particular marine life, mangroves and
would affect the  livelihood of the fishing community.

Following  the report from the South Goa Collector, the Chief Secretary
issued  orders that the work be stopped immediately under section 5
of the CRZ Act and  has directed the Collector South to enforce the order.
A  show cause notice is also to be issued to Pinky Shipyard and a hearing
is scheduled to be held within the next 10 days.

When asked if the proposal for  having a training institute would be allowed
at the same site instead of a shipyard, Dr de Souza said, Whatever it is,
nothing can come in the area. The deputy chief minister also said that no
industry harmful to the States ecology should be allowed.

Herald in its editorial Listen to the People on October 30, 2006 had 
highlighted
the dangers of the shipyard and the ill-effects it would have on khazan lands.

The Chicalim Villagers Action Committee today said that they had also put
forth a  proposal to the deputy chief minister for declaring Chicalim as Goas
heritage village.

Advisor to the CVAC Cyril Fernandes pointed out that Chicalim had various
features relating to ecological and archival heritage making a strong case for
Chicalim to be a heritage village from the tourism perspective as well.
Fernandes also impressed upon the environment minister to have a study
conducted on the over Rs 2,000 crore industry based investments made in
Goa and its impact on Goas  environment.

Chief Secretary J P Singh told Herald that the land for the proposed project
cannot be converted as it is khazan land.
--
HERALD 01/11/06 page 1
-

==
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[Goanet] 27th October FRIDAY BALCAO to focus on Goa's three new Coastal Police Stations.

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* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

  House for Sale: Recently restored and renovated 350 sq. mtr
   Antique Type House on 1,125 sq mtr property in Coimavaddo, Aldona
  No brokerage offered. Serious buyers only

 Visit http://www.goa-world.com/goa/aldonahouse for details

--
Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO
--

Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet,

Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event
to be held on 27th October will focus on the
implications of Goa's three new Coastal Police Stations.

The announcement of the setting up of three new Coastal
Police Stations in Goa appeared in a single column of the
Official Gazette Series 1 No.25 on page 534 on 21st September
2006.

The 3 coastal police stations have been named Siolim, Harbour
and Mobor will have an interesting area of  jurisdiction which would
be 12 nautical miles in the sea and 200 metres from the High Tide Line
covering the CRZ area all along the coast from Keri in Pernem Taluka
to Polem in Canacona Taluka.

These police stations will cover the sensitive ecologically fragile areas
being used for tourism, water sports, fishing and which also come
under the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA).

These Coastal Police Stations are supposed to have been created
as measure to deal with terrorism if we consider the statements of
various Police Officers of the IPS cadre. It is a proposal endorsed
by the Union Home Minister and Union Home Secretary.

These coastal areas are pre dominantly used by people involved
in the traditional occupations like Ramponkars, toddytappers besides
those involved in tourism like shack owners, bars, restaurant & hotel
owners and other services offered in tourism like disco clubs and
water sports.

Did the Government of Goa discuss this matter in the Legislative
Assembly before finalising this proposal ? Were the Village Panchayats,
Zilla Panchayats and Municipal Councils consulted before finalising this
important matter ? Could the strengthening of the Marine Police not be
good enough a measure to deal with coastal security ?

What impact will these police stations have on the cash rich coastal
belt especially in the context of offences committed by foreign and
domestic tourists like over staying, foreign exchange violations, narcotics,
assaults, traffic offences, murders etc.? What will be the level of political
interference with regards appointments & transfers of police officers
and handling of cases on a daily basis ?

Are the threats of terrorist attacks & bomb blasts a justifiable reason
to set up such police stations especially when they will be greatly
responsible for permanently changing the face of Goa's coastal areas ?

The Balcao discussion will cover these questions and
also evolve an agenda for action by citizens on the issue.

Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm
at the Goa Desc Resource Centre
No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta,
Mapusa and is open to members of the public.

We invite you to attend the Friday Balcao event
but if you cannot attend, then please send your
views by post to FRIDAY BALCAO
Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507
or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]

best wishes,

Roland Martins
===
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
---
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
===

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[Goanet] FRIDAY BALCAO:Implications of Goa's three new Coastal Police Stations

[Goadesc]

* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

  House for Sale: Recently restored and renovated 350 sq. mtr
   Antique Type House on 1,125 sq mtr property in Coimavaddo, Aldona
  No brokerage offered. Serious buyers only

 Visit http://www.goa-world.com/goa/aldonahouse for details

---
Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO
---

Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet,

We continue with FRIDAY BALCAO
on 27th October from 4pm. to 6pm.
at Goa Desc Resource Centre
No. 11, Liberty Apartments,
Feira Alta, Mapusa Goa.

TOPIC:Implications of Goa's three new Coastal Police Stations.
SPEAKER: Open Discussion

We invite you to express your viewpoint
by attending the Friday Balcao event
but if you cannot attend, then please send your
views and action plan suggestions by post to
FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507
or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]

best wishes,

Roland Martins
-
Don't miss out on the discussion. Information is power,
Share it equitably. Lets make things happen in Goa !!
--

GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
-
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
=

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[Goanet] GOA SPORTS:Former football player died a daily wage earner of SAG

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* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

  House for Sale: Recently restored and renovated 350 sq. mtr
   Antique Type House on 1,125 sq mtr property in Coimavaddo, Aldona
  No brokerage offered. Serious buyers only

 Visit http://www.goa-world.com/goa/aldonahouse for details

---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--

Angela to be laid to rest today

The body of former football player turned coach
Angela Gomes, who expired on Tuesday will be laid to
rest today.

The funeral procession will leave her Chandor residence
at 2pm to Our Lady of Bellem Church, Chandor for mass
followed by burial.

Several sports personalities and top football players are
expected to attend the funeral.

Angela, who represented the state seven times for the
national championship, was working in the Sports Authority
of Goa (SAG) at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda for more than nine
years on daily wage basis.

Despite several reminders highlighting her case she was not
regularized till the unfortunate end.

According to the autopsy reports, consumption of Ratol
(rat poison) was the cause of death.
-
Gomantak Times 21/10/06 page B3


==
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
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[Goanet] GOACAN protests against corruption at KVIC office

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--
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!

---
GOACAN protests against corruption at KVIC office
---
Volunteers of GOACAN today held a protest demonstration in the city
to demand a thorough inquiry into the affairs of the Goa State Office of
Khadi and Village Industries Commission and the immediate termination
of the Dy. Director S.K.Kajal who has been arrested by the Central Bureau
of Investigation (CBI).

Holding placards and shouting slogans the consumer forum activists
highlighted their demand that S.K.Kajal should not be allowed to
resume duty at the KVIC office, a full fledged inquiry into the affairs
of the KVIC office in Goa, a thorough investigation into the expenditure
incurred by KVIC on various exhibitions and the immediate release
of the margin money to beneficiaries of the Rural Employment Generation
Programme (REGP)

It may be recalled that the Central Bureau of Investigation sleuths in Goa
caught red-handed S K Kajal, the state Dy .Director of Khadi and
Village Industries Commission and Manager of Khadi Gramudyog
Bhavan, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 45,000.
Mr Kajal demanded the amount from the contractor, who had carried out
repair and interior works of the Khadi Gramudyog Bhavan in the city,
for releasing his balance amount of Rs 75,600 for the works carried out
by the contractor.

Following the demand for bribe, the contractor had approached the CBI
and a trap was laid to nab the corrupt official of this central government
agency. The KVIC official was arrested in a city hotel while money
exchanged hands, as Mr Kajal agreed to accept Rs 20,000 in cash and
a bearer cheque of Rs 25,000.

GOACAN as part of its Drive Against Bribes through the use of the Right
To Information  Act 2005 had received a complaint from Mr. Epifanio
Fernandes a consumer from Tivim and a beneficiary of REGP that
Mr.Kajal was delaying the release of the margin money of over Rs. 2 lakh
by giving lame excuses from March 2006. Moreover attempts to get
information from the KVIC office in Panaji were resisted.

In the month of August GOACAN volunteers met S.K.Kajal and inquired
about the Tivim case and were told that a special Inspection team has
to come from Mumbai to verify the project under REGP and only then will
the margin money be released. He also sought to blame the nationalised
banks for the delay in the inspection.

After GOACAN volunteers collected information about the KVIC procedures
from various sources, it became evident that S.K.Kajal's modus operandi
was to delay the release of the margin money thereby causing hardship to
the benficiary who would eventually part with some amount of the margin
money to the official.

GOACAN volunteers also inspected the exhibitions organised in Panjim,
Vasco and Margao by the KVIC Goa Office and found that undue publicity
was being given through expensive advertisements while the organisation
of the exhibitions did not match the standards and certain stalls were found
to be violative of the provisions of Consumer Protection Act 1986 as well as
the Packaged Commodities Rules. When confronted S.K.Kajal refused to
accept these facts nor provide the mandatory suggestion cum complaint book
at these exhibitions.

In view of the decision to suspend S.K.Kajal as Dy. Director KVIC State Office
after being remanded to four days CBI custody and the appointment of a new
Dy. Director from the Ranchi office of the KVIC, GOACAN has decided to pursue
the matter with KVIC Head Office as well as send a detailed representation to
the nationalised banks involved  in the REGP Margin Money Scheme with the
copies to the Chief Secretary Mr. J. P. Singh  and Mr. S.C. Jamir 
Governor of Goa.

---
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
---
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
--
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--

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[Goanet] ALERT:Goa ranks 7th with suicides being 16.38 per 10,000

[Goadesc]

--
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!

---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
--
Building Awareness - Reducing Risk: Mental Illness and Suicide
--
by Karl Pinto de Sousa

Since 1992, October 10 has been observed the world over
as World Mental Health Day.  It is an annual activity of
the World Federation for Mental Health, and aims to promote
mental health advocacy and educate the public.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as a state
of physical mental and social well being. Whereas Physical
health refers to the absence a) Objective signs which prevent
the body from functioning properly like high Blood pressure or
b)Subjective signs such as pain or nausea.

Mental health is defined as the capacity of the individual, the
group and the environment to interact with one another in ways
that promote subjective well-being, the optimal development and
use of mental abilities (cognitive, affective and relational), the
achievement of individual and collective goals consistent with
justice and the attainment and preservation of conditions of
fundamental equality.

A mental health problem may spring from external causes, such
as the existence of harsh environmental conditions, unjust
social structures, tensions within the community or a biological
factor.

Barriers to effective treatment of mental illness include lack
of recognition of the seriousness of mental illness and lack
of understanding about the benefits of services. Policy makers,
insurance companies, health and labour policies, and the
public at large - all discriminate between physical and mental
problems.

Every year the theme of the World Mental Health Day changes.
This year the focus is on Suicide as a leading cause of premature
and preventable death. The theme is "Building Awareness -
Reducing Risk: Mental Illness and Suicide".

To understand the magnitude of the problem of suicide let us look
at some facts.

The bare facts: 450 million people worldwide are affected by mental,
neurological or behavioural problems at any time. About 873,000
people die by suicide every year. In this new century there have been
more than 5 million suicide deaths worldwide. This toll is higher than
the total number of world deaths each year from war and homicide
combined.

Suicides in India
(Data taken from Maithri and NGO dealing with suicide prevention)

  It is estimated that over 100,000 people die by suicide in India every
year. India alone contributes to more than 10% of suicides in the world.

The suicide rate in has been increasing steadily and has reached 11.2
(per 100,000 of population) in 1999 registering a 78% increase over
the value of 1980.

Majority of suicides occur among men and in younger
age groups.

Out of every three cases of suicide reported every 15 minutes in India,
one is committed by a youth in the age group of 15 to 29.

In 2002, there were 10,982 suicides in Tamil Nadu, 11,300 in Kerala,
10,934 in Karnataka, and 9,433 in Andhra Pradesh. This is roughly
about 30% of the suicides in India.

Between 1993 and 2003, over 10 bankrupt Indian farmers
committed suicide.

Kerala, has the highest number of suicides. Some 32 people commit
suicide in Kerala every day, thrice the rate in India as a whole.

Goa ranks a high 7th  with the number of suicides being 16.38 per
10,000 compared with Nagaland 0.92 and Kerala 30.48. Bihar has
a figure of only 1.82

By profession the break-ups were housewives 21% students
5% farmers 15%, Unemployed 9%, Self Employed 24% , Salaried 13%
others 13%.

CAUSES
Suicidal behaviour is a complex issue, with multiple and inter-related
causes. Mental illness is the most important factor that predisposes
people to suicidal behaviour. People with mental illness have a 10-fold
increased risk of suicide compared with people without such illness.
Furthermore, having a problem of alcohol or drug abuse along with
another mental disorder greatly increases the risk of suicidal behaviour.
People who have made a previous suicide attempt have increased risks
of making further suicide attempts and of dying by suicide, especially in
the first 6 to 12 months after an attempt. People having chronic or
fatal diseases like HIV/ AIDS, cancer are also associated with suicidal
behaviour.

In India some of the leading causes include:
-Academic failures, or

[Goanet] Tivim Civic and Consumer Forum meeting on Saturday

[Goadesc]

--
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!

-
Tivim Civic and Consumer Forum meeting on Saturday
-
The Tivim Civic and Consumer Forum will have its
monthly general meeting of consumers on Saturday 14th October
at 4.30 pm at St. Anne's High School.

Among the issues to be discussed are proposals for the forth coming
Village Gram Sabha,  facilities for Senior Citizens, use of Right To
Information Act , procedure for filing complaints to Consumer Conciliation
Committee,  review of the LPG, Electricity, Bus Transport, BSNL Telephones,
PWD Water Supply, Banks and Postal Services.

Consumers of Tivim are invited to attend the meeting and
participate in the deliberations.
-

---
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
---
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
--
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--

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[Goanet] GRP2011 is a ‘Plan’ to destroy green Goa

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--
Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your
family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Help others be BETTER INFORMED,
The time is come for the people of Goa
to ORGANISE not AGONISE !!

---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

--
Scrap Regional Plan: experts, environmentalists
---
Goa’s Regional Plan for the coming years upto 2011 has not only
sought to create new urbanised areas but also would turn green cover
into concrete jungle in many talukas.

While Opposition parties have not raised a finger, environmentalists,
activists and professionals have analysed the Plan and describing it as
anti-Goa, anti-people and anti-environment, have strongly called for
scrapping of the Plan.

Tracts of green areas ­ orchard, forest and hills ­ in Canacona, Poinguinim,
Mandrem, Tiswadi, Bardez will be turned into settlement zones. Settlements
are proposed on Baga hill, along the entire coastline in Calangute and
Candolim, along Tiswadi riverbank in Siridao, Bambolim, Santa Cruz and
even on mangroves off River Zuari.

Besides, 90 hactares of industrial area is being shown on Serula plateau
in Bardez in alleged violation of forested area. Similar markings are shown
in Poinguinim.

What is worse is that the, Final Regional Plan which has been notified by
the government, contains several major changes from the draft plan.

The activists and professionals held a meeting in 
the city calling for scrapping
of the plan, on Wednesday. The key speakers included Dean D’Cruz from the
Indian Institute of Architects - Goa Chapter, Rahul Goswami – writer,
Heta Pandit – Goa Heritage Action Group, Patricia Pinto – People’s Movement
for Civic Action.

D’Cruz pointed out to drastic changes in the final document of the Regional
Plan as against the draft Plan. He pointed out to the lakhs of square meters
of land under the Plan for settlement, which allegedly threaten forest land,
mangroves, fields, etc. “This is all against development,” he said.

D’Cruz pointed out to alleged proposed destruction of green cover at Baga,
Canacona and Morjim. “All this is going to change the face of Goa,” he
explained.

Rahul Goswami said that his analysis of the Regional Plan 2011 indicated
a clear violation of the process of planning. “The Plan is not based on
fieldwork but outdated data,” he explained. He also pointed out that the Plan,
which should have been out in 2001 has instead come five years late and
four years before work on the next Plan could begin. He described it as a
mockery, bad in law and violating the planning process.

While Dean D’Cruz earlier pointed out that the Plan makes no provision for
the much talked about Mopa airport, Patricia Pinto also pointed out that the
Regional Plan 2011 does not make provisions for garbage waste processing
sites. “It does not look at basic infrastructure 
to cope with the future,” she said.
“Instead of planning there has been a painting of the Plan,” she decried.

Samir Mehta of the Bombay Heritage Action Group also criticised the Regional
Plan 2011 saying it lacked the basic requirement 
of a vision plan for Goa. In his
opinion the plan focuses on drawing tourists at the cost of the people and
environment.

HERALD 12/10/06 page 1


---
GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK
---
promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa
--
GOACAN Post Box  187 Margao,  Goa 403 601
GOACAN Post Box  78   Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--

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[Goanet] GOACAN ALERT:CBI arrests KVIC's Goa director for taking bribe

[Goadesc]

---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

-
CBI arrests KVIC's Goa director for taking bribe
-
The Central Bureau of Investigation sleuths from the state today
caught red-handed Mr S K Kajal, the state director of Khadi and
Village Industries Commission and manager of Khadi Gramudyog
Bhavan, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 45,000.

According to sources in the Goa CBI, Mr Kajal demanded the amount
from the contractor, who had carried out repair and interior works of the
Khadi Gramudyog Bhavan in the city, for releasing his balance amount
of Rs 75,600 for the works carried out by the contractor.

Following the demand for bribe, the contractor approached the CBI and
a trap was laid by its official to nab the corrupt official of the central
government agency. The KVIC state chief was arrested in a city hotel
while money exchanged hands, said the sources adding that Mr Kajal
agreed to accept Rs 20,000 in cash and a bearer cheque of Rs 25,000.

Mr Kajal was arrested and lodged in CBI custody. He would be produced
before CBI court tomorrow, said the sources adding that further
investigations in the case were on.

The Navhind Times 12/10/06 page 1


==
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[Goanet] An appeal from CURE to observe October 11th as - Say No To Ragging Day

[Goadesc]

---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]


Observe October 11th - Say No To Ragging Day


Hi all,

This is to remind all of you that last year Amit Sahai, a first year
student of NIT Jalandhar committed suicide by jumping in front of
a running train because of severe ragging with him. In last five years
19 lives have been lost due to ragging besides several cases of
sexual abuse, hospitalisation and thousands of students dropping
out of college.

 From this year onwards CURE has decided to mark October 11th
as "Say No To Ragging Day" all across India, to remember all the
ragging victims who lost their lives or dropped out of college due
to severe ragging.

I would request all of you to please spread this message to your
friends and family and sensitise people towards this cause so that
no other student has to loose his/her life due to ragging. Lets hope,
like the west one day Indian educational system would also be free
from this evil tradition and have a better and friendlier ways of
interaction.

Harsh Agarwal

Coalition to Uproot Ragging from Education (CURE)
http://www.noragging.com

==
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
---
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[Goanet] 13th October FRIDAY BALCAO to focus on tackling Suicides and Mental illness in Goa

[Goadesc]

--
Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO
--

Dear  Cybergaonkars on Goanet,

Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event
to be held on 13th October will focus on
tackling Suicides and Mental illness in Goa.

In the recent past there have been a spate of suicides
in Goa making it one of the states in the country with a higher
rate considering its population.

While there are many causes for suicides and mental illness
is one of them, evolving a strategy for prevention is crucial
and must involve the community.

What kind of an awareness drive can be undertaken to promote
a proactive attitude to mental illness in Goa ? What role can educational
institutions, service clubs, NGO's, SHG's, trade unions and the media
play in preventing suicides in Goa ?

What specific role can the Institute for Human Behaviour and Psychiatry
(IPHB) play in evolving an effective prevention program linked to the
Primary Health Centres (PHC's) at the village level ?

What policy changes are required from the Govt. of Goa and how can
the village Panchayats and Municipal Councils play a significant role ?

The Balcao discussion will cover these questions and
also evolve an agenda for action by citizens on the issue.

Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm
at the Goa Desc Resource Centre
No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta,
Mapusa and is open to members of the public.

We invite you to attend the Friday Balcao event
but if you cannot attend, then please send your
views by post to FRIDAY BALCAO
Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507
or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]

best wishes,

Roland Martins
===
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
---
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
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[Goanet] A readers viewpoint on Journalism & Newspapers in Goa

[Goadesc]

* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May
 There is no better, value for money, guest house.
  Confirm your bookings early or miss-out

  Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation.

---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--

The Right Message
---
by Amit Tamba

The face of politics, crime, corruption and society has changed
significantly in the last few decades, but our style of journalism
has remained constant. This is what the newspapers do:
Collect information and disseminate the same to readers.

While this methodology was certainly adequate at one point of time,
I would like to argue that we need a new form of news reporting today.
To anyone who has seen the glut of information available through the
Internet and other media, it will be evident that the collection of 
information
is no longer a priority. Numerous news agencies perform the task of
collecting information. All that the journalist needs to do is to assemble
a story from the raw bits of information that arc piped to him by these
organizations. A story need not be in a classic essay format. It should,
however, make its reader fully aware of the cause and the repercussions
of the story.

A free press is the essential element for success of a vibrant democracy.
The people of the land are only privy to the political actions that are
correctly analysed by their media. Over the years, the fine art of journalism
has been reduced to the act of typing out the words spoken by a politician.
The memory of voters is very short, but this problem is compounded when
newspapers merely report raw facts. Individual incidents that occur a few
months apart are quickly forgotten by the readers, and unless the journalist
takes the pain to provide all references to related news, the news story
holds no value to its reader.

I recently wrote an article that questioned the change of heart of the
government on coal power in Goa. In June '06 the discussion was closed
because Dr Wilfred D'Souza claimed that coal power would cause too much
pollution. Three months later, the discussion was reopened for consideration.
Now, granting credit to the Environment Minister, Dr D'Souza for having a
good reason to oppose the plan three months ago, wouldn't the journalist
be fair in questioning why this issue had returned to the table? In addition,
considering the amount of money this decision would affect, would not the
journalist be justified in analysing the motives of the decision-makers?

Instead of presenting this analysis, the newspapers directly quoted various
ministers in articles that provided no context for the reported news. The
burden of analysis was left entirely upon the readers. Journalists have a
responsibility towards their readers to analyse the news and provide the
readers with a well-rounded story that analyses the issues that are affected
by the story in hand.

I do not intend this article to be a criticism of journalists, who, no doubt,
do the best work possible within the given environment. Instead, I am merely
suggesting an alternative method of news reporting that can help keep the
readers better informed about the happenings in Goa.

The Navhind Times 22/9/06 page 10


==
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
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[Goanet] Technology to fight corruption presented at FRIDAY BALCAO

[Goadesc]

* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May
 There is no better, value for money, guest house.
  Confirm your bookings early or miss-out

  Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation.

--
Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO
--

Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet,

Thanks to all those who wrote in and expressed interest in the
Friday Balcao  discussion on the need for citizens to
leverage technology to push democracy & transparency.

For those interested in writing in to Dr. Samir Kelekar
and who asked for his email id, you can write in to
Samir Kelekar <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

You may also be interested in checking out the
technology to fight corruption which was presented
at the Friday Balcao, the Wireless PenCam System
introduced by Teknotrends Systems
at http://www.teknotrends.net
or email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

best wishes,

Roland Martins

==
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
===


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[Goanet] 8th Sept. FRIDAY BALCAO on International Literacy Day

[goadesc]

* G * O * A * N * E * T  C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S *

Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May
 There is no better, value for money, guest house.
  Confirm your bookings early or miss-out

  Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation.

--
Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO
--

Dear Cybergaonkars on Goanet,

On the occasion of International Literacy Day, 
we continue with FRIDAY BALCAO
on 8th September from 4pm. to 6pm.
at Goa Desc Resource Centre
No. 11, Liberty Apartments,
Feira Alta, Mapusa Goa. 

TOPIC: an alternative perspective on Literacy and Education 
SPEAKER: Stanley Fernandes - Panjim  
   
We invite you to express your viewpoint
by attending the Friday Balcao event
but if you cannot attend, then please send your
views and action plan suggestions by post to 
FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507
or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] 

best wishes,

Roland Martins
---
Don't miss out on the discussion. Information is power,
Share it equitably. Lets make things happen in Goa !! 
---
=
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
==




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[Goanet] Green and Stinking in Goa

[goadesc]

---
Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
---
Green and Stinking
---
The garbage problem has lingered for almost two years 
in the state, with the latest solution coming in the 
form of spat between the Deputy Chief Minister, 
Dr Wilfred de Souza and the Urban Development Minister, 
Mr Joaquim Alemao on the best proposal for garbage 
disposal. Both of them have separate plans on their 
stoves, with people who are supposed to benefit having 
little idea about what is best for them and the green 
Goa state. Together with the state, politics too has 
become garbage-ridden.

Ever since the militant resistance by the villagers 
of Curca to the dumping of garbage from Panaji – 
which witnessed burning down of heavy equipment and 
blockading of municipal trucks after the wall of the 
dump collapsed, spilling garbage into the village 
last year – no solution has been found. 

One reason has been that following the example of Curca, 
residents of other villages have also opposed the dumping 
of garbage from Panaji and other cities. In a village 
where garbage was dumped by night, people attacked a 
senior official.The problem still remains unresolved.

Several times ministers and officials have given the 
impression that they have found the solution. But the 
fact remains that the government and the municipal 
authorities are yet to identify landfill sites to 
dump garbage generated by the five major cities of 
Panaji, Mapusa, Margao, Vasco and Ponda. Perhaps, 
the government has not made a very sincere effort. 

There was suggestion made that the government get 
the panchayats to help locate and identify landfill 
sites, but we have heard more about panchas expressing 
themselves against garbage dumping than agreeing to 
work for the solution of the common problem of 
garbage disposal. 

The Urban Development Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao 
some time back announced government plans to set up 
mini-garbage plants in the cities of Panaji, Mapusa, 
Margao and Ponda. Whoever heard of them later!

The latest acrimonious debate between the Deputy 
Chief Minister, Dr Wilfred de Souza and the Urban 
Development Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao leaves 
little scope for collecting thinking which is what 
is required to solve the problem. In the cities of  
western countries, garbage disposal problems are 
solved by intense discussions among the general 
public, businesses, civic authorities and waste 
haulers. 

Only after they have reached a consensus on all 
the aspects of convenient and effective waste 
disposal and recycling, including the landfill 
sites, the work is taken up. Since all parties 
are taken into confidence – nay, are active 
partners – the work goes on smoothly, and no 
public anger is experienced by the men or machines 
hauling the garbage.

It is the collective duty of the state government, 
political parties, the panchayats, the civic bodies, 
and the general public to find landfill sites for 
the disposal of garbage from the major cities of Goa. 
Garbage disposal is no more a dumping job: there are 
separations for solid and other wastes. There is a 
range of technologies for recycling and for the use 
of garbage for natural fertilisation. 

The differences between the two ministers are over 
which type of the garbage disposal plan will be most 
beneficial and economical. Let there be a collective 
brainstorming – and the sooner, the better – on which 
plan is the best.

There is sufficient data on the current and projected 
quantities of household waste needing to be disposed 
of in the major cities of the state. Once the best 
project is identified, the next task will be to 
finalise a site of the required acre-size. The size 
should be such as to be able to serve one or more 
cities’ waste disposal needs for many years to come. 

The state and local government authorities must ensure 
that all loads of material transported to local waste 
facilities have protection from littering or are 
covered well. This should apply to all vehicles such 
as pickup trucks, trailers, drop-boxes and packer 
trucks. There should be a penalty for non-compliance. 
This, together with recycling programmes at the 
landfill, could go a long way in satisfying not 
only the residents near the site but also the people 
living along the routes of waste transporation.

Editorial in the The Navhind Times 07/07/06 page 10

=
GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
-
Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
===