As a journalist working in Goa. On Thursday, I read a disturbing
report " Now Peedophilia slur on Indian tourist"in the Times of India,Mumbai edition Novemeber 30, 2006, an Indian newspaper, in which Terres
des hommes (TDH) child protection officer Ms. Christa Dammermann and
Ingrid Mendonca, deputy regional co-ordinator TDH spoke to the media
about "paedophilic activities in Goa" at Pune.
There are some very disturbing points she has made to the reporters
that needs immediate attention, especially since one works in Goa. The
remarks show how ignorant the speaker is about the scenario in Goa.
Let me make it clear at the onset that my intention is not to
criticize but only to help you in Terres des hommes (TDH) task. After all, Terres des hommes is a funding agency which supports NGO's working on the issues of children
and I am a journalist who has been reporting on these issues since
last three years.
I must admit that I was shocked to read such irresponsible quotes from
individuals representing a reputed and committed organisation like
yours.
What exactly is my objection?
Christa Dammermann, who is in Pune to attend the national project
partners meeting at YMCA on children's rights said, "I taken aback to
discover that Indian tourists were indulging in child sexual abuse in
Goa. We also found that 60% of the cases involved perpetrators who
were not even 18 years of age. She said that this dispelled the
notion that only foreigners who came to Goa indulged in such acts."
MY OBJECTION: Is there any data to prove this claim? How can Ms.
Dammerman reach such a conclusion? In three years of my career as
journalist I have not come across a case wherein a domestic tourist
has been arrested for paedophilia. On the contrary three foreigners
were arrested for pedophilic activities by the police but were later
acquitted by the Children's Court in Goa for lack of evidence.
It is also impertinent to note here that majority of cases in the
Children's Court are about child sexual abuse and 80 percent of them
is not committed by foreigners or domestic tourists, but by migrant
labourers or known persons.
No one denies the fact that paedophilia is a problem in Goa, but the
extent and magnitude of the problem is not really known because there
is no study in this regard.
It is sad that without any concrete data to support the claim, TDH's
representative is making such irrational statements.
Ingrid Mendonca, deputy regional co-ordinator TDH said that during
their recent visit to Goa they found that Indian tourists were
seeking minors when they visited red light areas there.
MY OBJECTION: There can't be anything more ridiculous than this.
Anyone who has visited and studied Goa knows that Baina, the
unofficial red light area of Goa, was demolished in 2004. I don't deny
the fact that prostitution still exists in Baina, but to say that
Indian tourists seek minors when they visit the area is too much of an
exaggeration. Besides, if that was the case then why was not a single
customer seeking minors not arrested. NGO ARZ is working in the area
and must admit that they have done a commendable job in the area.
However, they are also completely ignorant of such a trend.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Villagers disunited! Mine's the culprit
Villagers disunited! Mine's the culprit
Preetu Nair
MUSHCAUREM/SULCORNA: GOA:
"I can't believe this is happening I can't believe all these people are sniffing each other & backing away teeth grinning hair raised, growling, here in the slaughtered wind…"
When James Douglas Morrison wrote these famous lines he would have hardly known that in the Pearl of the Orient, there are narrow winding roads which led to the quaint village of Mushcaurem and Sulcorna in Quepem taluka. Here mining has divided hearts and families. The villagers who once used to mingle together, with respect like milk and water, now dispute and repel from each other like water and oil.
Despite the Ganesh festive mood, the slaughtered wind has brought the death of all joy for the villagers by dividing them. Ganesh Chaturthi, once the festival of celebrating unity and togetherness is no more fun, as the disease of mutual distrust has spread in the village, thanks to the powerful mining lobby. Now for every story of courage and sacrifice in the village, there is another one of cowardice and greed. For every dream there is a nightmare and for every challenge there is a hurdle.
No one accepts it openly. But the differences are obvious. The villagers, who in the past used to celebrate the festival together by visiting each other's homes, today don't even acknowledge each other's presence. The divide is simple: on one side are those who support the mine owners and on the other side are those who don't.
"We are happy that we are working in the mines and have the support of the mine owners. We are compensated well for any crop damage and also get a decent salary for working in the mines. Besides, when there is water shortage for irrigation purpose, we inform the mine owners and they immediately do the needful," revealed Paik Gaonkar from Mushcaurem.
On the other hand, Anil Sawant, who's also from Mushcaurem alleges that unabated mining activity has polluted the drinking water and they suffer from various ailments. "The silt from the mines flow into our fields and due to this, the crop yield has also lessened in the last few years," he complained.
Differences of opinions and ideas have divided hearts in Mushcaurem and Sulcorna. In Sulcorna the situation is worse, as there are fights often within the family. A village, which was very united once, is divided now. Three powerful villagers who have more land holdings in the village have been gifted trucks by the mining lobby and this has virtually divided the villagers.
Situation worsened when a few days back, five boys who are fighting against the mining lobby were put behind bars for allegedly stealing Rs 2000 and snatching a gold chain worth Rs 15,000 from a supporter of the mining lobby.
Despite bitterness between the villagers, there is still hope in the heart of the youth that things will change and villagers will unite to fight for their rights. "I know one day all of us will get together and fight for our rights. It is just a matter of time," added Ramakant Dessai from Sulcorna.
preetu_nair@gomantaktimes.com
(Article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim, August 29,2006
Preetu Nair
MUSHCAUREM/SULCORNA: GOA:
"I can't believe this is happening I can't believe all these people are sniffing each other & backing away teeth grinning hair raised, growling, here in the slaughtered wind…"
When James Douglas Morrison wrote these famous lines he would have hardly known that in the Pearl of the Orient, there are narrow winding roads which led to the quaint village of Mushcaurem and Sulcorna in Quepem taluka. Here mining has divided hearts and families. The villagers who once used to mingle together, with respect like milk and water, now dispute and repel from each other like water and oil.
Despite the Ganesh festive mood, the slaughtered wind has brought the death of all joy for the villagers by dividing them. Ganesh Chaturthi, once the festival of celebrating unity and togetherness is no more fun, as the disease of mutual distrust has spread in the village, thanks to the powerful mining lobby. Now for every story of courage and sacrifice in the village, there is another one of cowardice and greed. For every dream there is a nightmare and for every challenge there is a hurdle.
No one accepts it openly. But the differences are obvious. The villagers, who in the past used to celebrate the festival together by visiting each other's homes, today don't even acknowledge each other's presence. The divide is simple: on one side are those who support the mine owners and on the other side are those who don't.
"We are happy that we are working in the mines and have the support of the mine owners. We are compensated well for any crop damage and also get a decent salary for working in the mines. Besides, when there is water shortage for irrigation purpose, we inform the mine owners and they immediately do the needful," revealed Paik Gaonkar from Mushcaurem.
On the other hand, Anil Sawant, who's also from Mushcaurem alleges that unabated mining activity has polluted the drinking water and they suffer from various ailments. "The silt from the mines flow into our fields and due to this, the crop yield has also lessened in the last few years," he complained.
Differences of opinions and ideas have divided hearts in Mushcaurem and Sulcorna. In Sulcorna the situation is worse, as there are fights often within the family. A village, which was very united once, is divided now. Three powerful villagers who have more land holdings in the village have been gifted trucks by the mining lobby and this has virtually divided the villagers.
Situation worsened when a few days back, five boys who are fighting against the mining lobby were put behind bars for allegedly stealing Rs 2000 and snatching a gold chain worth Rs 15,000 from a supporter of the mining lobby.
Despite bitterness between the villagers, there is still hope in the heart of the youth that things will change and villagers will unite to fight for their rights. "I know one day all of us will get together and fight for our rights. It is just a matter of time," added Ramakant Dessai from Sulcorna.
preetu_nair@gomantaktimes.com
(Article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim, August 29,2006
Workshop Tourism! In the name of Poor Kids
FIRST THE FIGURES: Nearly 12 workshops on women and child trafficking in three months. In other words, every month there are at least four workshops on trafficking of children. Besides, two training programmes to sensitise the police has been held at Police headquarters, Panjim. In September three more consultations on trafficking have already been announced.
NOW THE FACT: These workshops and conferences are increasingly becoming more about "building partnerships" and less about children or trafficked victims. Check out what is happening in the child friendly state, even as activists are busy formulating new "drafts of conduct" and "mainstreaming child rights". This is just the tip of an iceberg.
The trafficked victims of Baina are still awaiting rehabilitation. A minor girl from Mohana, Orissa is trafficked to Goa and employed as a domestic help at a Public Prosecutor's (PP) house in Margao. She is rescued from the PP's house (cupboard to be precise) and sent to Apna Ghar. But no action is taken against the PP, though he is a government employee.
The state government gives an in-country adoption license to Preet Mandir and the child activists hardly react. Finally, media activism forces state government to suspend license.
This is a clear indicator that somewhere, something has gone wrong. "Training, legislation and sensitisation programmes are important. At the moment there is an overdose of consultations on the same subject. Moreover, reaching out to victims and providing services to them is far more important," explains Arun Pandey, ARZ.
Audrey Pinto, CRG, argues, "It helps to sensitise to a certain extent. There is an awareness created through these conferences and workshops." But Bernie D'Souza, Jan Ugahi, calls this "Workshop Tourism", where expenditures, energies and time spent far outweigh the real benefits to the children or other target groups.
The greatest irony is that majority of these meets are in five-star or three star resorts, where delegates sitting in AC rooms talk about poverty and trafficked victims. Incidentally, the amount spent on one cup of coffee in a five star resort can actually feed a child for two days. However, Sujay Pati from WISE, which has maximum number of meetings at five-star resorts argues, "What you are saying is ethically correct, but it is just not logical as we work with the hotel industry and holding meetings at five star resorts is a matter of convenience."
Sources reveal that there is a sudden focus on trafficking in Goa because 3 million dollars has been sanctioned for Goa by UNIFEM. However, Archana Tamang, Chief, Women's Human Rights and Human Security Unit rubbished it. "We have a small budget and have been trying to make optimum use of it by leveraging broad bases. Perhaps this is the reason why it looks like as though we have spent a lot of money in Goa," said Tamang.
She added, "The figure sources have quoted is almost 5 times greater than our Goa Program budget".
FLURRY OF WORKSHOPS
SINCE JUNE 2006: 12 + two training programme to sensitise police
TOPIC OF DISCUSSION: Trafficking of women and children and child rights
NGO'S ORGANSING IT: WISE, CRG, Sangath, Shaktivahini (Delhi based NGO), Bagla Natak and Childline.
(Article appeared in GT on Friday, September 1, 2006)
NOW THE FACT: These workshops and conferences are increasingly becoming more about "building partnerships" and less about children or trafficked victims. Check out what is happening in the child friendly state, even as activists are busy formulating new "drafts of conduct" and "mainstreaming child rights". This is just the tip of an iceberg.
The trafficked victims of Baina are still awaiting rehabilitation. A minor girl from Mohana, Orissa is trafficked to Goa and employed as a domestic help at a Public Prosecutor's (PP) house in Margao. She is rescued from the PP's house (cupboard to be precise) and sent to Apna Ghar. But no action is taken against the PP, though he is a government employee.
The state government gives an in-country adoption license to Preet Mandir and the child activists hardly react. Finally, media activism forces state government to suspend license.
This is a clear indicator that somewhere, something has gone wrong. "Training, legislation and sensitisation programmes are important. At the moment there is an overdose of consultations on the same subject. Moreover, reaching out to victims and providing services to them is far more important," explains Arun Pandey, ARZ.
Audrey Pinto, CRG, argues, "It helps to sensitise to a certain extent. There is an awareness created through these conferences and workshops." But Bernie D'Souza, Jan Ugahi, calls this "Workshop Tourism", where expenditures, energies and time spent far outweigh the real benefits to the children or other target groups.
The greatest irony is that majority of these meets are in five-star or three star resorts, where delegates sitting in AC rooms talk about poverty and trafficked victims. Incidentally, the amount spent on one cup of coffee in a five star resort can actually feed a child for two days. However, Sujay Pati from WISE, which has maximum number of meetings at five-star resorts argues, "What you are saying is ethically correct, but it is just not logical as we work with the hotel industry and holding meetings at five star resorts is a matter of convenience."
Sources reveal that there is a sudden focus on trafficking in Goa because 3 million dollars has been sanctioned for Goa by UNIFEM. However, Archana Tamang, Chief, Women's Human Rights and Human Security Unit rubbished it. "We have a small budget and have been trying to make optimum use of it by leveraging broad bases. Perhaps this is the reason why it looks like as though we have spent a lot of money in Goa," said Tamang.
She added, "The figure sources have quoted is almost 5 times greater than our Goa Program budget".
FLURRY OF WORKSHOPS
SINCE JUNE 2006: 12 + two training programme to sensitise police
TOPIC OF DISCUSSION: Trafficking of women and children and child rights
NGO'S ORGANSING IT: WISE, CRG, Sangath, Shaktivahini (Delhi based NGO), Bagla Natak and Childline.
(Article appeared in GT on Friday, September 1, 2006)
Angela's death: Sports Authority of Goa on slushy ground!
CHANDOR: "Lord thank you for the gift of my life with football… My final goal scored is towards your celestial home". These words that best describes the life and times of Angela Gomes, catches your attention the moment you enter her home. It is also a reminder that Angelica, who played and read the game of football at a different pace, failed to read her destiny. Quick, brave and always optimistic, she got tired of departmental apathy and finally lost the will to live.
"One of the best footballer of her times, she entered the field with the aim to win every match but unfortunately lost the game of life,” revealed coach Marino Dias, who first noticed her talent and approached her at the age of 10.
Angela, who always approached the game of football with passion and excitement, couldn’t understand the games the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) officials were playing with her. She joined SAG as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in 1999 on daily wages, but was asked to coach upcoming sportspersons at Panjim. A year later she was transferred to Margao to coach young footballers under the guidance of Arjuna Award winner Brahmanand Sancoalcar.
"Even as a child she would compete with grown up men and beat them. She was a brave and good humoured footballer on the field and real life," revealed her uncle Anthony Fernandes.
But things began to change in 2002, when the services of six people, who joined after her were regularized, while she continued to be a daily wage earner. From then started a long struggle. " The effort, which started in February 16, 2000, became a routine. Every month she would write letters to SAG requesting them to regularise her services and change her designation and duties, but all in vain. There was no response. In desperation, she would approach the higher authorities, but they would be non-committal. This further frustrated and tired her," revealed Seby Gomes, Angela's younger brother.
Incidentally, though in the official records her name figures as a LDC, she was even sent as a coach (Goa team) for the tenth National Women's Football Tournament in 2002, organized by All India Football Federation.
Add to these her personal woes. The sole earning member in the family, she had to take care of her ailing mother and jobless younger brother. Every week, Angelica had to arrange for Rs 6000 for her mother's dialysis. “She was under tremendous pressure as she was debt ridden. She had borrowed more than Rs 3.5 lakh from friends and as was always worried about returning the money,” added Anthony. And on one Friday night, in a moment of frustration, she ate rat poison. When she was taken to the hospital, she insisted that it was a case of food poisoning. By the time she admitted to her uncle on Tuesday, it was too late. Her system had collapsed. "But she was repentant and wanted to live. She cried bitterly and said that she took the extreme step as she was depressed and frustrated with life. She profusely prayed to God asking for forgiveness, begging God to cure her, but it was too late," revealed an emotional Anthony.
The pathetic condition in which committee sportspersons like Angelica live is best revealed when her coach Dias added, "Football was her life and ultimately her life destroyed her will to live. SAG was just not interested in helping a dedicated and committed footballer like her. Her death is a big loss to football."
(Article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim, October 26,2006)
"One of the best footballer of her times, she entered the field with the aim to win every match but unfortunately lost the game of life,” revealed coach Marino Dias, who first noticed her talent and approached her at the age of 10.
Angela, who always approached the game of football with passion and excitement, couldn’t understand the games the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) officials were playing with her. She joined SAG as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in 1999 on daily wages, but was asked to coach upcoming sportspersons at Panjim. A year later she was transferred to Margao to coach young footballers under the guidance of Arjuna Award winner Brahmanand Sancoalcar.
"Even as a child she would compete with grown up men and beat them. She was a brave and good humoured footballer on the field and real life," revealed her uncle Anthony Fernandes.
But things began to change in 2002, when the services of six people, who joined after her were regularized, while she continued to be a daily wage earner. From then started a long struggle. " The effort, which started in February 16, 2000, became a routine. Every month she would write letters to SAG requesting them to regularise her services and change her designation and duties, but all in vain. There was no response. In desperation, she would approach the higher authorities, but they would be non-committal. This further frustrated and tired her," revealed Seby Gomes, Angela's younger brother.
Incidentally, though in the official records her name figures as a LDC, she was even sent as a coach (Goa team) for the tenth National Women's Football Tournament in 2002, organized by All India Football Federation.
Add to these her personal woes. The sole earning member in the family, she had to take care of her ailing mother and jobless younger brother. Every week, Angelica had to arrange for Rs 6000 for her mother's dialysis. “She was under tremendous pressure as she was debt ridden. She had borrowed more than Rs 3.5 lakh from friends and as was always worried about returning the money,” added Anthony. And on one Friday night, in a moment of frustration, she ate rat poison. When she was taken to the hospital, she insisted that it was a case of food poisoning. By the time she admitted to her uncle on Tuesday, it was too late. Her system had collapsed. "But she was repentant and wanted to live. She cried bitterly and said that she took the extreme step as she was depressed and frustrated with life. She profusely prayed to God asking for forgiveness, begging God to cure her, but it was too late," revealed an emotional Anthony.
The pathetic condition in which committee sportspersons like Angelica live is best revealed when her coach Dias added, "Football was her life and ultimately her life destroyed her will to live. SAG was just not interested in helping a dedicated and committed footballer like her. Her death is a big loss to football."
(Article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim, October 26,2006)
Misery SEZ it all
The Goa government's mega plan to set up the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) shatters many dreams in Cortalim, report PREETU NAIR and JOAQUIM GRACIAS
PANJIM: When Savita Naik approached the Cortalim panchayat with a proposal to construct a residential cum commercial building in the 330 sq metres of land in Survey No 134/1, Plot No 27 at Cortalim village on September 11, 2006, she was hoping that the family would be reunited soon.
"My husband is employed in a hotel in Bahrain and earns anything between Rs 16,000 to 17,000 a month. We had decided that once the structure is ready he would return to the country and set up some business along with my son. He is tired of working in the Gulf," revealed Savita. Two years back the couple had invested their earnings of the last 22 years in the plot.
However, she got a shock when she received a letter from S P Surlakar, Deputy Town Planner, Town and Country Planning (TCP) department, Mormugao stating, "the proposal falls in the SEZ as per the Regional Plan for Goa 2011 and hence construction of residential cum commercial building is not permitted."
The family's little dreams have been crushed under Goa government's mega plans to set up the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) inorder to attract industries and create new jobs for Goans.
"I can't sleep at night. We have lost our hard earned money. When we purchased the land, we never knew that the government is planning to convert the area into SEZ," added Savita. She is reluctant to sell her land and a sword of uncertainty is hanging above her head.
Like Savita, there are many more people who are vigorously opposing the government's idea of converting the settlement areas in Mormugao as SEZ in the new Regional Plan for Goa 2011. Sources at TCP department reveal that there are already 25 constructed houses in the area earmarked for SEZ. "We took a loan of Rs 16 lakh to build a residential cum commercial building a year back and are now paying Rs 30,000 a month as installment. How can the government that talks about welfare of its people convert the settlement area into SEZ without thinking about our welfare," questioned Ermelia D'Souza e Fernandes.
What people fail to understand is how their deed of sale was registered in the office of the sub-Registrar of Mormugao if the government was planning to convert the area into SEZ.
Mario Almeida purchased some land in November 26, 2004 thinking that it was area earmarked as settlement area. He had no idea that the government would go ahead and earmark the area as SEZ despite people's opposition. "I had brought 302 sq metres of plot after paying Rs 3,08,000 by a deed of sale dated November 25, 2004, which was registered in the office of the sub-Registrar of Mormugao," he said.
And even as the officials at TCP department continuously claim that past commitments are going to be honored, people like Mario are apprehensive about it.
Interestingly, the Cortalim-Quelossim gram sabha passed a resolution on November 26 demanding with the Chief Town Planner to change back the marked SEZ land in Cortalim and Quelossim to settlement area. It was also resolved "that no land should be acquired in future for any industry", and that if a decision needs to be taken, it should be in consultation with the gram sabha.
Further, it was also highlighted at the gram sabha that villagers in Cortalim and Quelossim at present face acute water and power shortage. Also stated in the gram sabha resolution was that "If more industries are allowed in the village the problem will worsen. That industries that have come in the village has in no way benefit locals".
However, thanks to the writ petition filed by the Goa Heritage Action Group on the Regional Plan 2011, people here have got some relief . After the submission made by the special government counsel on November 28, 2006 in the High Court of Mumbai at Panjmi, Morad Ahmad, Chief Town Planner sent a note to all district and taluka level officers of the TCP department. In the note he stated, "No permissions/NOCs for development, recommendation of conversion under Land Revenue Code and permissions/reports etc in any form shall be granted/issued based on the new areas shown for development in Regional Plan 2011 till further orders."
Probably, a moment of relief before the Congress government sets up islands of affluence over a sea of deprivation.
(Article appeared in GT Weekender,December 3,2006)
PANJIM: When Savita Naik approached the Cortalim panchayat with a proposal to construct a residential cum commercial building in the 330 sq metres of land in Survey No 134/1, Plot No 27 at Cortalim village on September 11, 2006, she was hoping that the family would be reunited soon.
"My husband is employed in a hotel in Bahrain and earns anything between Rs 16,000 to 17,000 a month. We had decided that once the structure is ready he would return to the country and set up some business along with my son. He is tired of working in the Gulf," revealed Savita. Two years back the couple had invested their earnings of the last 22 years in the plot.
However, she got a shock when she received a letter from S P Surlakar, Deputy Town Planner, Town and Country Planning (TCP) department, Mormugao stating, "the proposal falls in the SEZ as per the Regional Plan for Goa 2011 and hence construction of residential cum commercial building is not permitted."
The family's little dreams have been crushed under Goa government's mega plans to set up the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) inorder to attract industries and create new jobs for Goans.
"I can't sleep at night. We have lost our hard earned money. When we purchased the land, we never knew that the government is planning to convert the area into SEZ," added Savita. She is reluctant to sell her land and a sword of uncertainty is hanging above her head.
Like Savita, there are many more people who are vigorously opposing the government's idea of converting the settlement areas in Mormugao as SEZ in the new Regional Plan for Goa 2011. Sources at TCP department reveal that there are already 25 constructed houses in the area earmarked for SEZ. "We took a loan of Rs 16 lakh to build a residential cum commercial building a year back and are now paying Rs 30,000 a month as installment. How can the government that talks about welfare of its people convert the settlement area into SEZ without thinking about our welfare," questioned Ermelia D'Souza e Fernandes.
What people fail to understand is how their deed of sale was registered in the office of the sub-Registrar of Mormugao if the government was planning to convert the area into SEZ.
Mario Almeida purchased some land in November 26, 2004 thinking that it was area earmarked as settlement area. He had no idea that the government would go ahead and earmark the area as SEZ despite people's opposition. "I had brought 302 sq metres of plot after paying Rs 3,08,000 by a deed of sale dated November 25, 2004, which was registered in the office of the sub-Registrar of Mormugao," he said.
And even as the officials at TCP department continuously claim that past commitments are going to be honored, people like Mario are apprehensive about it.
Interestingly, the Cortalim-Quelossim gram sabha passed a resolution on November 26 demanding with the Chief Town Planner to change back the marked SEZ land in Cortalim and Quelossim to settlement area. It was also resolved "that no land should be acquired in future for any industry", and that if a decision needs to be taken, it should be in consultation with the gram sabha.
Further, it was also highlighted at the gram sabha that villagers in Cortalim and Quelossim at present face acute water and power shortage. Also stated in the gram sabha resolution was that "If more industries are allowed in the village the problem will worsen. That industries that have come in the village has in no way benefit locals".
However, thanks to the writ petition filed by the Goa Heritage Action Group on the Regional Plan 2011, people here have got some relief . After the submission made by the special government counsel on November 28, 2006 in the High Court of Mumbai at Panjmi, Morad Ahmad, Chief Town Planner sent a note to all district and taluka level officers of the TCP department. In the note he stated, "No permissions/NOCs for development, recommendation of conversion under Land Revenue Code and permissions/reports etc in any form shall be granted/issued based on the new areas shown for development in Regional Plan 2011 till further orders."
Probably, a moment of relief before the Congress government sets up islands of affluence over a sea of deprivation.
(Article appeared in GT Weekender,December 3,2006)
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