Onam Away from HOME
Preetu Nair discovers that Keralites in Goa have adapted the family-centric celebration into a community festival with Goans on the guest list
Change, it is said, is the only constant. And for the Keralite settlement in Goa, the 10-day Onam celebrations, not unlike the zealous festivities down south, are nonetheless with a spot of change.
Take, for instance, the very core of the celebrations — the family. While in Kerala, generations of families celebrate the harvest festival together, often in their ancestral home, those unable to leave Goa, have adapted.
“We always feel like going to Kerala for Onam, but rarely can. So, in Goa, Thiruonam (the most important day) is like any other day: the kids go to school, my husband goes to work. But, we try to make up for what we’re missing back home, by ensuring that we have the onasadya (feast) together and by doing pookalam (flower decorations) at home,” says Margao-based Gita Achary. While in Kerala, the flowers are hand-picked, lack of time has many Goa-based Keralites opting for a floral purchase from the market, she adds.
Ask Dinesh Cheerassery about Onam, and nostalgia fills his voice. “I miss home and the time I would spend with my siblings and mother at our ancestral home during Onam,” says the Bicholim resident. As a child, the 42-year-old remembers waiting “anxiously” for what Onam symbolised — the new dress, lavish meal and “the swing that my uncle would make for us”. Today, his siblings still meet at the ancestral home to celebrate, but Cheerassery is “unable to go”.
KRS Nair has found a way to bridge the physical gap — the idiot box. “We watch the traditional Onam celebrations in Kerala on television. Through the medium of TV, the spirit of Onam is still alive for us, even in Goa,” says the president of the Nair Service Society of Goa, who has completed almost five decades in his adopted state.
Adds Cheerassery, who has been calling Goa home for two decades, “If in Kerala Onam is celebrated with the family alone, here we celebrate it with family, friends and everyone, including Goans.”
Agrees Lalu Abraham, “The best thing about celebrating Onam in Goa is that it’s not just a family affair, but a community affair where everyone gets together, eats together and becomes one big, happy family.” Malayali groups in the state mark the festival by organizing games, flower display competitions, cultural programs, onasadya (vegetarian lunch) prepared by cooks from Kerala and even Malayalam language knowledge competitions.
But for some, the celebrations back home — gala processions, kathakali and other traditional dance performances, the snake boat race and onappottan, the visit on Thiruonam of a person dressed as Mahabali — are too endearing to miss.
Which is why, despite no Onam holiday in Goa, college student Stephy Abraham has decided she will be home for Thiruonam. “I did it last year too and this year it’s on Friday. I’m headed home.” Happy Onam. TNN
Celebrations
A grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam, is the most important among all the fervour and carnival-like celebrations of Onam
A nine course meal, it consists of 11-13 essential dishes, that are served on banana leaves. People consume it while sitting on a mat on the floor
Vallamkali or the snake boat race, is another important aspect of the celebrations. The race sees hundreds of boatmen race on the river Pampa
Most houses display Pookalam — a flower exhibit — in their front courtyards to welcome King Mahabali
Given the rich celebrations during the festival, Onam was made Kerala’s National Festival in 1961
Onam at a glance What is Onam?
A harvest festival, Onam is the biggest, most important celebration in Kerala. It is celebrated by all communities and popular legend has it that it is held to welcome King Mahabali
Legend
The story goes that during the reign of the mighty demon king Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Jealous about the king’s growing popularity, the gods used his only weakness — his ego — to end his reign. However, as Mahabali had done a lot of good, the gods granted him a boon: he could visit his people, to whom he was so attached, once a year. This visit is celebrated as Onam
Period
Onam lasts from four to 10 days. Thiruonam, which falls on September 12 this year is the most important of all days
September 11, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, September 12, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Goa records a dozen accidents a day
Goa records a dozen accidents a day
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa’s affinity with accidents continues. According to the latest data collected by the state’s traffic department, 12 accidents are reported everyday. In the first six months this year, 2,185 accidents have occurred. That’s 76 more than in the corresponding period last year.
Peruse the detailed document that registers everything—from the age of the vehicles involved to the reasons for the accidents—and the findings get worse.
The most productive age group—21 to 34 years—continues to be the chief perpetrators and often the main victims of fatal accidents.
Overspeeding and road rage, including refusal to give right of way, are the top causes of accidents, and the guilty are mostly educated, private vehicle owners who possess regular licences. The state’s internal roads and residential and open areas record the maximum accidents. Roads around institutions aren’t safe either. In the last six months 141 accidents have been reported near schools and colleges, a figure that’s in keeping with the 262 and 203 accidents recorded in the same zones in the last two years. Ironically, in areas that have police or traffic lights in control, the number of accidents have upped from 62 in 2006 to 90 last year. The majority of persons killed or grievously injured are motorcycle drivers followed by pedestrians. Alcohol consumption led to 14 accidents in the first six months of 2008, however, no one was killed. There’s a catch here, said officials.
“When a fatal accident occurs and the driver is drunk, he normally runs away from the spot and surrenders the next day. By the time the police sends the person for a medical examination there is no trace of alcohol,” said SP (traffic) Arvind Gawas.
Explaining the increase in accidents, he added, “If a fatal accident occurs, nothing deterrent happens to the driver. Neither does the accused go to jail nor does he have to pay compensation to the deceased or injured’s family nor does he lose his driving license.”
ROAD TO PERDITION
Majority of perpetrators as well as victims of fatal accidents are from the most productive age group of 21 to 34 years
Overspeeding and road rage most common causes. Guilty are mostly educated, private vehicle owners The bitter truth about ACCIDENTS
With 12 accidents registered everyday, the traffic cell’s latest report is sobering, finds
Preetu Nair
The myths have been cleared. Accidents are not weather, time or road condition specific alone. In fact, contrary to popular belief, most mishaps in the last few years have occurred when the weather’s been splendid, the sun’s been shining and the roads good.
In fact, the causes of accidents, on the rise according to the latest traffic department report, are more driver and age related. In case of the latter, of both the driver and the vehicle. And the pointer is tilted heavily towards young.
Take the perpetrators of accidents for instance. Those aged between 21 and 34 years caused accidents for reasons most associated with “young blood” — overspeeding and ego. In fact, road rage among this age group, has shot up alarmingly from 129 (119 dead) in 2006 to 141 (28 dead) in 2007 and 67 (39 dead) in the first half of this year.
Sadly, most of the victims killed were in the same age group, and the vehicles involved were young — between one and four years — as well.
Incidentally, The rise in fatal accidents — from 235 in 2003 to 322 in 2007 — and in accidents in general — from 3,707 in 2006 to 4,020 in 2007 and 2185 till June this year — has led traffic police to step up vigilance.
Till June this year, 9,748 persons have been fined for overspeeding. That’s a massive leap from the 4,178 fined for the same offence in 2007. Driving under the influence of alcohol has also attracted 967 fines this year, as compared to just 73 in 2007.
The fines however, haven’t deterred the number of accidents. On the contrary, mishaps recorded in the first half of this year are 76 more than the 2109 recorded in the corresponding period last year.
Explaining the disparity, Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Arvind Gawas said the deterrents weren’t strong enough.
While overspeeding carried a maximum fine of Rs 400, drunk drivers were fined Rs 2,000 and could spend up to 6 months in prison.
“If a fatal accident occurs, nothing deterrent happens to the driver. Neither does the accused go to jail nor does he have to pay compensation to the deceased or injured’s family, and nor does he lose his driving license,” said Gawas.
Meanwhile, clearing misconceptions, the weather was perfect when 2046 accidents that killed 166 persons occurred this year. The driver was at fault — as against the road being bad or animals straying onto tarmac — in 1593 accidents recorded till June. And contrary to popular belief that lack of visibility at night causes accidents, most mishaps occurred during lunch time and twilight (rush hour in cities) when natural light is dim and headlights often malfunction. TNN
ROAD RATTLE
Lunch time and twilight — rush hour in urban areas — are when most accidents occur
Internal city and village roads, and open areas, record the most number of accidents
Roads near schools and colleges are not very safe either with 141 accidents being recorded in these zones till June this year
With 403 (42 dead) accidents registered, January has been the most accident prone month for the first half of this year. The month of May has carried the infamy for the last two years
September 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa’s affinity with accidents continues. According to the latest data collected by the state’s traffic department, 12 accidents are reported everyday. In the first six months this year, 2,185 accidents have occurred. That’s 76 more than in the corresponding period last year.
Peruse the detailed document that registers everything—from the age of the vehicles involved to the reasons for the accidents—and the findings get worse.
The most productive age group—21 to 34 years—continues to be the chief perpetrators and often the main victims of fatal accidents.
Overspeeding and road rage, including refusal to give right of way, are the top causes of accidents, and the guilty are mostly educated, private vehicle owners who possess regular licences. The state’s internal roads and residential and open areas record the maximum accidents. Roads around institutions aren’t safe either. In the last six months 141 accidents have been reported near schools and colleges, a figure that’s in keeping with the 262 and 203 accidents recorded in the same zones in the last two years. Ironically, in areas that have police or traffic lights in control, the number of accidents have upped from 62 in 2006 to 90 last year. The majority of persons killed or grievously injured are motorcycle drivers followed by pedestrians. Alcohol consumption led to 14 accidents in the first six months of 2008, however, no one was killed. There’s a catch here, said officials.
“When a fatal accident occurs and the driver is drunk, he normally runs away from the spot and surrenders the next day. By the time the police sends the person for a medical examination there is no trace of alcohol,” said SP (traffic) Arvind Gawas.
Explaining the increase in accidents, he added, “If a fatal accident occurs, nothing deterrent happens to the driver. Neither does the accused go to jail nor does he have to pay compensation to the deceased or injured’s family nor does he lose his driving license.”
ROAD TO PERDITION
Majority of perpetrators as well as victims of fatal accidents are from the most productive age group of 21 to 34 years
Overspeeding and road rage most common causes. Guilty are mostly educated, private vehicle owners The bitter truth about ACCIDENTS
With 12 accidents registered everyday, the traffic cell’s latest report is sobering, finds
Preetu Nair
The myths have been cleared. Accidents are not weather, time or road condition specific alone. In fact, contrary to popular belief, most mishaps in the last few years have occurred when the weather’s been splendid, the sun’s been shining and the roads good.
In fact, the causes of accidents, on the rise according to the latest traffic department report, are more driver and age related. In case of the latter, of both the driver and the vehicle. And the pointer is tilted heavily towards young.
Take the perpetrators of accidents for instance. Those aged between 21 and 34 years caused accidents for reasons most associated with “young blood” — overspeeding and ego. In fact, road rage among this age group, has shot up alarmingly from 129 (119 dead) in 2006 to 141 (28 dead) in 2007 and 67 (39 dead) in the first half of this year.
Sadly, most of the victims killed were in the same age group, and the vehicles involved were young — between one and four years — as well.
Incidentally, The rise in fatal accidents — from 235 in 2003 to 322 in 2007 — and in accidents in general — from 3,707 in 2006 to 4,020 in 2007 and 2185 till June this year — has led traffic police to step up vigilance.
Till June this year, 9,748 persons have been fined for overspeeding. That’s a massive leap from the 4,178 fined for the same offence in 2007. Driving under the influence of alcohol has also attracted 967 fines this year, as compared to just 73 in 2007.
The fines however, haven’t deterred the number of accidents. On the contrary, mishaps recorded in the first half of this year are 76 more than the 2109 recorded in the corresponding period last year.
Explaining the disparity, Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Arvind Gawas said the deterrents weren’t strong enough.
While overspeeding carried a maximum fine of Rs 400, drunk drivers were fined Rs 2,000 and could spend up to 6 months in prison.
“If a fatal accident occurs, nothing deterrent happens to the driver. Neither does the accused go to jail nor does he have to pay compensation to the deceased or injured’s family, and nor does he lose his driving license,” said Gawas.
Meanwhile, clearing misconceptions, the weather was perfect when 2046 accidents that killed 166 persons occurred this year. The driver was at fault — as against the road being bad or animals straying onto tarmac — in 1593 accidents recorded till June. And contrary to popular belief that lack of visibility at night causes accidents, most mishaps occurred during lunch time and twilight (rush hour in cities) when natural light is dim and headlights often malfunction. TNN
ROAD RATTLE
Lunch time and twilight — rush hour in urban areas — are when most accidents occur
Internal city and village roads, and open areas, record the most number of accidents
Roads near schools and colleges are not very safe either with 141 accidents being recorded in these zones till June this year
With 403 (42 dead) accidents registered, January has been the most accident prone month for the first half of this year. The month of May has carried the infamy for the last two years
September 9, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Army doc’s death: Dad suspects murder
Army doc’s death: Dad suspects murder
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: With the army doctor Manu Yadav’s father still insisting that his son was ‘murdered in a well-planned manner’, the police are now sending the viscera to ascertain whether any sedative, hypnotics or anaesthetic drugs can be detected which may point to homicidal hanging.
The 26-year-old army doctor was found hanging in his bathroom around 9.15 am on August 8. Three days after the body was found hanging from a nylon rope in the bathroom, his father Dr Hariram Yadav had alleged foul play and said that his son would have never committed suicide.
The police surgeon’s autopsy report also didn’t suggest whether the death was suicidal or homicidal.
The report states that the death of Dr Manu occurred due to constriction of the neck caused by partial hanging (one of the deceased’s legs was touching a stool) and no opinion as to the manner of death has been given.
However, after going through the autopsy report, the father raised several questions and said that the details in the report suggest murder. In a letter to the police, he alleged that the abrasion marks on his son, the pateheal hemorrhage on the left and right leg and injury of the elbow suggests strangulation.
As a result of this, the Goa police wrote to the the forensic department head Dr Silvano Sapeco to constitute a board to look into the queries raised by the father. The 2 member board headed by Dr Sapeco, in their report stated that after discussing the queries raised by the father they have come to a conclusion that it may be a suicidal or homicidal death.
The report mentioned: “Whenever in doubt, rely more on circumstances of every individual case to prove or disprove a case by an investigating agency”.
“The report submitted by the board doesn’t indicate anything. We can’t conclude that it is murder relying on what the father is alleging,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
He added, “In his suicide note, Dr Manu has clearly stated that he was committing suicide because he felt guilty. There must have been an abetment to suicide, but it’s definitely not murder. If any incriminating evidence comes to light, we will take cognizance to murder”.
September 7, 2008, The Times of India , Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: With the army doctor Manu Yadav’s father still insisting that his son was ‘murdered in a well-planned manner’, the police are now sending the viscera to ascertain whether any sedative, hypnotics or anaesthetic drugs can be detected which may point to homicidal hanging.
The 26-year-old army doctor was found hanging in his bathroom around 9.15 am on August 8. Three days after the body was found hanging from a nylon rope in the bathroom, his father Dr Hariram Yadav had alleged foul play and said that his son would have never committed suicide.
The police surgeon’s autopsy report also didn’t suggest whether the death was suicidal or homicidal.
The report states that the death of Dr Manu occurred due to constriction of the neck caused by partial hanging (one of the deceased’s legs was touching a stool) and no opinion as to the manner of death has been given.
However, after going through the autopsy report, the father raised several questions and said that the details in the report suggest murder. In a letter to the police, he alleged that the abrasion marks on his son, the pateheal hemorrhage on the left and right leg and injury of the elbow suggests strangulation.
As a result of this, the Goa police wrote to the the forensic department head Dr Silvano Sapeco to constitute a board to look into the queries raised by the father. The 2 member board headed by Dr Sapeco, in their report stated that after discussing the queries raised by the father they have come to a conclusion that it may be a suicidal or homicidal death.
The report mentioned: “Whenever in doubt, rely more on circumstances of every individual case to prove or disprove a case by an investigating agency”.
“The report submitted by the board doesn’t indicate anything. We can’t conclude that it is murder relying on what the father is alleging,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
He added, “In his suicide note, Dr Manu has clearly stated that he was committing suicide because he felt guilty. There must have been an abetment to suicide, but it’s definitely not murder. If any incriminating evidence comes to light, we will take cognizance to murder”.
September 7, 2008, The Times of India , Goa edition
Friday, September 05, 2008
Goa State’s private forests on the decline
Vanishing act: State’s private forests on the decline
According To Survey Some Areas Don’t Satisfy Classification Criteria
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With Goa’s coastal areas becoming prime property, the forest cover over them is fast disappearing. Take the case of Reis Magos in North Goa or Agonda in South Goa, where huge chunks of private forests have disappeared.
“A good deal of the forest has been illegally felled or burnt. Forest department officials say that they can only control what happens on government forests,” said environmentalist Claude Alvares. However, under the Trees Act, 1984, the department does have the power to intervene in private properties if trees are cut. But this is rarely done.
“If Goa continues to lose its greenery, we will lose tourists. We want development but there cannot be blatant cutting of the trees and destruction of natural resources,” said former president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), Charles Bonifacio.
Of the total 7031.2 hectares identified as private forest land in the Sawant and Karapurkar committee reports prepared in 1999 and 2002, about 2887 hectares no more fall within the private forest area.
Rubbishing allegations of destruction of private forests to construct homes, president of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India, Goa, Datta Naik said, “We will treat private forests as eco-sensitive zones. However, there is confusion regarding private forest areas as the survey is incomplete and is ambiguous. But once the area is earmarked, we will definitely adhere to the rules and regulations”.
Data submitted by the forest department in the high court reveals that while in Siolim 133 hectares were identified as private forest by Sawant and Karapurkar committees, only 4.40 hectares remain. In Arpora, of 50 hectares, only 3.9 are now earmarked as private forest land. In Pernem, of the 10 hectares earmarked as private forest, nothing remains. The same is the case with Agonda which had 15 hectares of private forest.
Of the 120 hectares private forest land at Pomburpa only 8.16 hectares remain, while in Siridao of the 44 hectares identified, only 2 hectares are now identified as private forest.
The situation in rural Goa is not very good either. In Poinguinim, of the 385 hectares earmarked as private forest, only 106 hectares remain. In Bainguinim, of the 50 hectares, now 19 hectares come under private forest area. Of the 60 hectares private forest in Pilerne, only 20 hectares remain. In Raia, of the 25 hectares earmarked by Sawant and Karapurkar committee, only 6.80 hectares forest has been identified. Loutolim, Sulcorna and several other villages have lost more than half of their private forest cover.
According to forest officials, a survey of several private forest areas revealed that they were found to be non-forest areas as they didn’t satisfy the criteria for classification as forest land. But environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar alleged, “Private forests have been destroyed to give way to development projects and siltation will soon increase”.
However, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nitin Kunkolienker said, “To state that private forests have been destroyed for construction would be wrong. Earlier, wrong data of private forests was given. But after the survey, the correct picture is coming forward,” he added.
September 5, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
According To Survey Some Areas Don’t Satisfy Classification Criteria
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With Goa’s coastal areas becoming prime property, the forest cover over them is fast disappearing. Take the case of Reis Magos in North Goa or Agonda in South Goa, where huge chunks of private forests have disappeared.
“A good deal of the forest has been illegally felled or burnt. Forest department officials say that they can only control what happens on government forests,” said environmentalist Claude Alvares. However, under the Trees Act, 1984, the department does have the power to intervene in private properties if trees are cut. But this is rarely done.
“If Goa continues to lose its greenery, we will lose tourists. We want development but there cannot be blatant cutting of the trees and destruction of natural resources,” said former president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), Charles Bonifacio.
Of the total 7031.2 hectares identified as private forest land in the Sawant and Karapurkar committee reports prepared in 1999 and 2002, about 2887 hectares no more fall within the private forest area.
Rubbishing allegations of destruction of private forests to construct homes, president of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India, Goa, Datta Naik said, “We will treat private forests as eco-sensitive zones. However, there is confusion regarding private forest areas as the survey is incomplete and is ambiguous. But once the area is earmarked, we will definitely adhere to the rules and regulations”.
Data submitted by the forest department in the high court reveals that while in Siolim 133 hectares were identified as private forest by Sawant and Karapurkar committees, only 4.40 hectares remain. In Arpora, of 50 hectares, only 3.9 are now earmarked as private forest land. In Pernem, of the 10 hectares earmarked as private forest, nothing remains. The same is the case with Agonda which had 15 hectares of private forest.
Of the 120 hectares private forest land at Pomburpa only 8.16 hectares remain, while in Siridao of the 44 hectares identified, only 2 hectares are now identified as private forest.
The situation in rural Goa is not very good either. In Poinguinim, of the 385 hectares earmarked as private forest, only 106 hectares remain. In Bainguinim, of the 50 hectares, now 19 hectares come under private forest area. Of the 60 hectares private forest in Pilerne, only 20 hectares remain. In Raia, of the 25 hectares earmarked by Sawant and Karapurkar committee, only 6.80 hectares forest has been identified. Loutolim, Sulcorna and several other villages have lost more than half of their private forest cover.
According to forest officials, a survey of several private forest areas revealed that they were found to be non-forest areas as they didn’t satisfy the criteria for classification as forest land. But environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar alleged, “Private forests have been destroyed to give way to development projects and siltation will soon increase”.
However, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nitin Kunkolienker said, “To state that private forests have been destroyed for construction would be wrong. Earlier, wrong data of private forests was given. But after the survey, the correct picture is coming forward,” he added.
September 5, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Raheja borewells at Verna under scanner
ALL’S NOT WELL
Raheja borewells at Verna under scanner
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Four borewells dug by SEZ developer K Raheja Corp at the Verna industrial estate to meet their construction water needs got them a show cause notice from the water resources department, asking why action shouldn’t be initiated against them for violating the Goa Ground Water Regulation Act.
In response, Raheja has admitted to digging the bore wells and said the four borewells were dug, “before the notification of the scheduled area.”
Confirming this, executive engineer and ground water officer, Margao, H M Rangaraju said, “We had issued show cause notices to two companies, one of them being Raheja, as they had dug bore wells without permission. Raheja later obtained permission from the Goa Industrial Development Corporation and has submitted an application to us to register the same. But we are yet to decide on this.”
Raheja spokesperson Shabbir Kanchwala stated that they are currently buying ready mix concrete and so require less water and once the factory is operational they will be recycling water. “We will create water bodies like ponds, water falls and fountains in our campus. We will use recycled water and will not discharge it into existing waste or storm water lines. Besides, bottled water will be provided for drinking. This will not burden the existing water discharge infrastructure in the state.”
The Raheja move has upset the Loutolim village panchayat members, who have passed a resolution demanding the closure or capping of these bore wells which have dried up the natural spring in the village.
They informed the water resources department on June 4, 2008 about this and requested the department, “To take immediate steps to revoke all permission issued and stop issuing any further NOCs for sinking bore wells in Verna industrial estate.”
Raheja also plan to harvest rainwater. “We will utilise the topography scientifically to recharge the ground water table with run off water from the monsoons. In addition to above, all our IT buildings will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified green buildings. Hence we will promote economical use of water and power,” said Kanchwala.
It is pertinent to note that Raheja, in their application to GIDC, had stated that they would require 40 lakh litres of water a day. In the lease deal, GIDC had stated that they shall not be liable or responsible for the supply of water to the SEZ and the company should make their own arrangement for water during the construction stage.
September 2, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Raheja borewells at Verna under scanner
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Four borewells dug by SEZ developer K Raheja Corp at the Verna industrial estate to meet their construction water needs got them a show cause notice from the water resources department, asking why action shouldn’t be initiated against them for violating the Goa Ground Water Regulation Act.
In response, Raheja has admitted to digging the bore wells and said the four borewells were dug, “before the notification of the scheduled area.”
Confirming this, executive engineer and ground water officer, Margao, H M Rangaraju said, “We had issued show cause notices to two companies, one of them being Raheja, as they had dug bore wells without permission. Raheja later obtained permission from the Goa Industrial Development Corporation and has submitted an application to us to register the same. But we are yet to decide on this.”
Raheja spokesperson Shabbir Kanchwala stated that they are currently buying ready mix concrete and so require less water and once the factory is operational they will be recycling water. “We will create water bodies like ponds, water falls and fountains in our campus. We will use recycled water and will not discharge it into existing waste or storm water lines. Besides, bottled water will be provided for drinking. This will not burden the existing water discharge infrastructure in the state.”
The Raheja move has upset the Loutolim village panchayat members, who have passed a resolution demanding the closure or capping of these bore wells which have dried up the natural spring in the village.
They informed the water resources department on June 4, 2008 about this and requested the department, “To take immediate steps to revoke all permission issued and stop issuing any further NOCs for sinking bore wells in Verna industrial estate.”
Raheja also plan to harvest rainwater. “We will utilise the topography scientifically to recharge the ground water table with run off water from the monsoons. In addition to above, all our IT buildings will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified green buildings. Hence we will promote economical use of water and power,” said Kanchwala.
It is pertinent to note that Raheja, in their application to GIDC, had stated that they would require 40 lakh litres of water a day. In the lease deal, GIDC had stated that they shall not be liable or responsible for the supply of water to the SEZ and the company should make their own arrangement for water during the construction stage.
September 2, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Goa:Erring hotel owners to be pulled up
Erring hotel owners to be pulled up
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The North Goa collector will issue show cause notices to 42 hotel and lodge owners who have rented their premises without furnishing the particulars of the tenants to the police inspector of the concerned police station.
This is the first time that the authorities will initiate action on erring establishments, who have failed to follow the North Goa district magistrate’s order dated June 27, 2008. The order directed that landlords, owners of houses and property intending to rent accommodation to any person should do so after furnishing information to the police. The collector’s office will take action based on a report submitted by the police.
“We have proposed to issue a show cause notice to 42 establishments for violation of the magistrate’s order. Under section 188 of the IPC, we can take action against such erring establishments,” said North Goa additional collector Swapnil Naik.
The order was issued with an aim to maintain a check on renting of premises as it was felt that the possibility of terrorists, anti social elements in guise of tenants seeking hide outs in residential areas
was high and also because there was a likelihood of such types of individuals creating a breach of peace, disturbing public tranquility and endangering human life and property especially during the tourist season.
The report was prepared by each police station with a request to initiate action under section 144 CrPC against erring hoteliers and lodge owners for failing to produce a copy of photo identity cards in respect of guests who check into their premises. Of the 42 establishments, 24 in Mapusa and 4 in Calangute had rented their premises. Besides, 10 hotels and 3 lodges in Calangute had allowed people to stay in their property without furnishing information about the guests. In Anjuna, one shack had allowed guests to reside there without asking for identity proof.
“We have sent details to the collector for further action”, said SP North Bosco George. The police, in their report said, “Some people don’t cooperate in furnishing information of their tenants, thus causing hardships” and have called for strict action from the collector to ensure that no one is allowed to reside in a rented premise without providing photo identity proof.
August 31, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The North Goa collector will issue show cause notices to 42 hotel and lodge owners who have rented their premises without furnishing the particulars of the tenants to the police inspector of the concerned police station.
This is the first time that the authorities will initiate action on erring establishments, who have failed to follow the North Goa district magistrate’s order dated June 27, 2008. The order directed that landlords, owners of houses and property intending to rent accommodation to any person should do so after furnishing information to the police. The collector’s office will take action based on a report submitted by the police.
“We have proposed to issue a show cause notice to 42 establishments for violation of the magistrate’s order. Under section 188 of the IPC, we can take action against such erring establishments,” said North Goa additional collector Swapnil Naik.
The order was issued with an aim to maintain a check on renting of premises as it was felt that the possibility of terrorists, anti social elements in guise of tenants seeking hide outs in residential areas
was high and also because there was a likelihood of such types of individuals creating a breach of peace, disturbing public tranquility and endangering human life and property especially during the tourist season.
The report was prepared by each police station with a request to initiate action under section 144 CrPC against erring hoteliers and lodge owners for failing to produce a copy of photo identity cards in respect of guests who check into their premises. Of the 42 establishments, 24 in Mapusa and 4 in Calangute had rented their premises. Besides, 10 hotels and 3 lodges in Calangute had allowed people to stay in their property without furnishing information about the guests. In Anjuna, one shack had allowed guests to reside there without asking for identity proof.
“We have sent details to the collector for further action”, said SP North Bosco George. The police, in their report said, “Some people don’t cooperate in furnishing information of their tenants, thus causing hardships” and have called for strict action from the collector to ensure that no one is allowed to reside in a rented premise without providing photo identity proof.
August 31, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Death too is a lonely affair for HIV+ in Goa
Death too is a lonely affair for HIV+ in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The discovery of the body of 45-year-old Vasco resident, Ajay, at the bus stop near Goa Medical College and Hospital on August 21, 2008 has emphasized the discrimination HIV positive persons face in Goa.
Agassaim police, who shifted the body to the GMC morgue said that Ajay, who had made the bus stop his home since the second week of August, was probably abandoned by his relatives.
Ajay’s is not an isolated case. “Once family members know of a relative’s HIV status they abandon them. Very often relatives don’t even claim the body after death,” said GMC dean Dr V N Jindal.
“We continue to live with stigma and face discrimination from an indifferent society and unsympathetic relatives. Many of us live without dignity and die stigmatised,” says Jafar Inamdar, president of Positive Lives Foundation.
If life after infection isn’t easy, death is also a lonely affair. Take the case of Abdul from Panaji, who was admitted to GMC on July 27 and expired on August 3, 2008. Till date no one has come forward to claim the body.
“Often relatives furnish fake details while admitting a HIV positive patient at GMC. Once the patient dies, the police have difficulty in obtaining a no objection certificate to dispose off the body,” said forensic department head, Dr Silvano Sapeco.
Despite awareness campaigns and programmes to dispel myths about HIV/AIDS, the stigma attached to the disease continues to haunt patients. Dr Jindal added that people still fear that “HIV/AIDS can spread through touch.”
Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) project director Dr Pradeep Padwal agrees that despite efforts to dispel the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, people are still scared. “Its not easy to change the mindset. People are aware about HIV, but find it difficult to accept if a family member is infected with HIV,” said Padwal.
August 26, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The discovery of the body of 45-year-old Vasco resident, Ajay, at the bus stop near Goa Medical College and Hospital on August 21, 2008 has emphasized the discrimination HIV positive persons face in Goa.
Agassaim police, who shifted the body to the GMC morgue said that Ajay, who had made the bus stop his home since the second week of August, was probably abandoned by his relatives.
Ajay’s is not an isolated case. “Once family members know of a relative’s HIV status they abandon them. Very often relatives don’t even claim the body after death,” said GMC dean Dr V N Jindal.
“We continue to live with stigma and face discrimination from an indifferent society and unsympathetic relatives. Many of us live without dignity and die stigmatised,” says Jafar Inamdar, president of Positive Lives Foundation.
If life after infection isn’t easy, death is also a lonely affair. Take the case of Abdul from Panaji, who was admitted to GMC on July 27 and expired on August 3, 2008. Till date no one has come forward to claim the body.
“Often relatives furnish fake details while admitting a HIV positive patient at GMC. Once the patient dies, the police have difficulty in obtaining a no objection certificate to dispose off the body,” said forensic department head, Dr Silvano Sapeco.
Despite awareness campaigns and programmes to dispel myths about HIV/AIDS, the stigma attached to the disease continues to haunt patients. Dr Jindal added that people still fear that “HIV/AIDS can spread through touch.”
Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) project director Dr Pradeep Padwal agrees that despite efforts to dispel the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, people are still scared. “Its not easy to change the mindset. People are aware about HIV, but find it difficult to accept if a family member is infected with HIV,” said Padwal.
August 26, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
GOA:FOR A PIECE OF PARADISE
FOR A PIECE OF PARADISE
UK balm for Britons caught in bad realty deals in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Alarmed by the increasing incidents of Britishers being duped by unscrupulous estate agents and developers, the UK government is trying to help its citizens by providing them a list of local lawyers who they could employ.
“Although we cannot get involved in individual legal disputes, we can assist British citizens in troubled deals by furnishing them with a list of independent local lawyers,” said a spokesperson of the British High Commission, Mumbai.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has already issued an advisory to British citizens to “make careful enquiries before buying property in Goa”.
Many Britishers are waking up to the fact that the lease agreements they had entered into in the hope of owning a home in Goa does not give them ownership rights. A 60-year-old, who requested that his name be withheld, said he entered into a lease agreement with a Goan builder’s agent in Eton to purchase a villa in Cavelossim on May 31, 2006.
“We were told that entering into a lease agreement would be our means to owning a ‘registered’ home in Goa once we stay for 182 days in India. We paid the Rs 15 lakh they asked for and the builder promised to transfer the property to our name within the lease period of 32 months,” said his wife.
According to the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 2000 a person gets residential status once he completes 182 days in the country.
Two years down the line, the couple have realised that they may never be able to own the house they “purchased” as they have failed to validate their property rights. “Property prices have skyrocketed in Goa and the builder is refusing to do a sale deed now, stating that the law doesn’t permit it,” the Briton said. “The builder is willing to give us a refund but only after deduction of costs. When we refused, he threatened that if we try to fight we may not get anything once the lease is over,” his wife added. Builders deny duping foreigners
Panaji: It is not only Britishers, but also Germans, Russians and Italians who are finding themselves in a soup being duped by unscrupulous estate agents and developers. “Local builders as well as those with offices in the UK have consistently been assuring buyers directly and through professionals that everything is in order and there is no legal hurdle in purchasing property in India. With such strong assurances, often a buyer is led to parting with all his hard earned money,” said advocate Vikram Varma, who is dealing with several such complaints.
Take the case of Barbara, a woman from Brimingham, who entered into a lease agreement with a builder. She had several meetings with an UKbased estate agent who markets Goan homes.
She also consulted an advocate before entering into a construction-cum-lease agreement in August 2005 for a villa in Sernabatim. She was promised that once the building was ready, the property would be transferred or handed over to her. But now after
three years, she is yet to get the property transferred in her name.
“The agent who persuaded us to invest in Goa has shut shop and our lawyer has expressed helplessness. We just don’t know where to go and what to do,” lamented Barbara.
“The crime of these foreigners is that they trusted the people who assured them of the legal position of their purchase,” said Varma.
However, assistant solicitor general Carlos Ferreira believes the foreigners are also to blame.
“An agreement for lease is essentially an agreement to enjoy a property for a fixed period of time, subject to the terms and conditions. Lease can never be understood to mean an agreement to sell or a right to acquire a property,” he said.
If a lease agreement had been executed to camouflage the real intention of acquisition of property, the law can’t protect such unscrupulous people, unless there is a clause binding on the builder to sell the property to the foreigner, he said. But this can only be done if there is no other impediment in any other law, he added.
The problem of builders reneging on their agreements aggravated recently after the Goa government decided to amend the laws governing registration of property so that foreigners could not easily acquire real estate in the state.
Builders deny any wrongdoing on their part. The lack of clarity on the law is preventing them from executing sale deeds in the last few months, they claim.
Datta Naik, president of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India, Goa, said, “Earlier we used to lease out a property to a foreigner for a period of less than 60 months during which he would either establish a proof of business or finish more than 182 days in the country. After that we would execute the sale deed.”
But now, he says, there is no clear instruction from the government.
“We had written to the state government about the legal status of such sale deeds but got conflicting signals from the administration. Because of this we have not been executing any sale deed with foreigners for the last one year. We don’t want to land up on the wrong side of the law,” he said.
August 24, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
UK balm for Britons caught in bad realty deals in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Alarmed by the increasing incidents of Britishers being duped by unscrupulous estate agents and developers, the UK government is trying to help its citizens by providing them a list of local lawyers who they could employ.
“Although we cannot get involved in individual legal disputes, we can assist British citizens in troubled deals by furnishing them with a list of independent local lawyers,” said a spokesperson of the British High Commission, Mumbai.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has already issued an advisory to British citizens to “make careful enquiries before buying property in Goa”.
Many Britishers are waking up to the fact that the lease agreements they had entered into in the hope of owning a home in Goa does not give them ownership rights. A 60-year-old, who requested that his name be withheld, said he entered into a lease agreement with a Goan builder’s agent in Eton to purchase a villa in Cavelossim on May 31, 2006.
“We were told that entering into a lease agreement would be our means to owning a ‘registered’ home in Goa once we stay for 182 days in India. We paid the Rs 15 lakh they asked for and the builder promised to transfer the property to our name within the lease period of 32 months,” said his wife.
According to the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 2000 a person gets residential status once he completes 182 days in the country.
Two years down the line, the couple have realised that they may never be able to own the house they “purchased” as they have failed to validate their property rights. “Property prices have skyrocketed in Goa and the builder is refusing to do a sale deed now, stating that the law doesn’t permit it,” the Briton said. “The builder is willing to give us a refund but only after deduction of costs. When we refused, he threatened that if we try to fight we may not get anything once the lease is over,” his wife added. Builders deny duping foreigners
Panaji: It is not only Britishers, but also Germans, Russians and Italians who are finding themselves in a soup being duped by unscrupulous estate agents and developers. “Local builders as well as those with offices in the UK have consistently been assuring buyers directly and through professionals that everything is in order and there is no legal hurdle in purchasing property in India. With such strong assurances, often a buyer is led to parting with all his hard earned money,” said advocate Vikram Varma, who is dealing with several such complaints.
Take the case of Barbara, a woman from Brimingham, who entered into a lease agreement with a builder. She had several meetings with an UKbased estate agent who markets Goan homes.
She also consulted an advocate before entering into a construction-cum-lease agreement in August 2005 for a villa in Sernabatim. She was promised that once the building was ready, the property would be transferred or handed over to her. But now after
three years, she is yet to get the property transferred in her name.
“The agent who persuaded us to invest in Goa has shut shop and our lawyer has expressed helplessness. We just don’t know where to go and what to do,” lamented Barbara.
“The crime of these foreigners is that they trusted the people who assured them of the legal position of their purchase,” said Varma.
However, assistant solicitor general Carlos Ferreira believes the foreigners are also to blame.
“An agreement for lease is essentially an agreement to enjoy a property for a fixed period of time, subject to the terms and conditions. Lease can never be understood to mean an agreement to sell or a right to acquire a property,” he said.
If a lease agreement had been executed to camouflage the real intention of acquisition of property, the law can’t protect such unscrupulous people, unless there is a clause binding on the builder to sell the property to the foreigner, he said. But this can only be done if there is no other impediment in any other law, he added.
The problem of builders reneging on their agreements aggravated recently after the Goa government decided to amend the laws governing registration of property so that foreigners could not easily acquire real estate in the state.
Builders deny any wrongdoing on their part. The lack of clarity on the law is preventing them from executing sale deeds in the last few months, they claim.
Datta Naik, president of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India, Goa, said, “Earlier we used to lease out a property to a foreigner for a period of less than 60 months during which he would either establish a proof of business or finish more than 182 days in the country. After that we would execute the sale deed.”
But now, he says, there is no clear instruction from the government.
“We had written to the state government about the legal status of such sale deeds but got conflicting signals from the administration. Because of this we have not been executing any sale deed with foreigners for the last one year. We don’t want to land up on the wrong side of the law,” he said.
August 24, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Plans to build cops station at Betul hit roadblock
Plans to build cops station at Betul hit roadblock
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A proposal by the Goa police to build a coastal police station at Betul to tighten security, in the wake of increased threat perception in the country, has been put on hold as the plot identified falls within the “no development zone” of river Sal.
With no solution in sight, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority has now written to the ministry of forests and environment (MoEF) requesting them to allow the police department to construct in the “no development zone” as it is a matter concerning coastal security of the state.
“We are following up the matter with MoEF as it is an important matter of security of the state and we are also concerned,” said GCZMA member secretary Michael D’Souza.
GCZMA has requested the MoEF to clarify if approval can be given to set-up the coastal police station as it is for the purpose of security.
The area falls within CRZ III and the area up to 200 mts from the High Tide Line is a NDZ except for repairs of existing authorised structures and other permitted activities like gardens, parks etc.
A High Level Empowered Committee of the Central Ministry of Home Affairs has approved three police stations under coastal security plan for the state and an amount of Rs 74.10 lakh has been sanctioned for the three police stations. The state government has already received the first installment of Rs 37.05 lakh and the entire amount has to be spent by 2009-2010.
“Coastal security is our primary concern now and the department is following up the matter with the central ministry. Once the building is ready we can also increase the staff strength of the coastal police,” added SP (Coastal police) Omprakash Kurtarkar.
At present, the coastal police stations at Siolim, Betul and Harbour are functioning either from existing outposts or police station buildings.
Therefore, once the grant was sanctioned the government decided to construct new buildings for coastal police stations at Siolim and Betul.
Whereas the existing old building at Harbour was proposed for renovation for coastal police station.
While the work at Siolim has already commenced and even the work on a jetty at Chapora has been approved, the construction work of coastal police station at Betul was put on hold as the site chosen for the construction falls in CRZ III. While coastal police station at Siolim would cost about Rs 26.6 lakh, the estimates for the construction at Betul is Rs 28.7 lakh.
Besides, government sources informed that though there is an old, dilapidated structure belonging to the Captain of Ports, the plot in Betul is still in the name of private party in form XIV.
Thus though the police has got NOC from Captain of Ports, they can’t construct. Besides, the police feel that the area in which the structure exists is less and they require at least 600 square metres to construct the new building.
“The police want to construct their structure adjoining to it so that they can have easy access to their vessels anchored on the shore. Besides adequate land is not available in the area beyond the NDZ for construction of the coastal office”, said a government official.
“Coastal police can also be of great help to us as they have jurisdiction over the coastal belt. Besides, keeping surveillance of the coast, they can also give us information of any illegal structure that comes up in the coastal area,” added D’Souza.
August 24, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A proposal by the Goa police to build a coastal police station at Betul to tighten security, in the wake of increased threat perception in the country, has been put on hold as the plot identified falls within the “no development zone” of river Sal.
With no solution in sight, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority has now written to the ministry of forests and environment (MoEF) requesting them to allow the police department to construct in the “no development zone” as it is a matter concerning coastal security of the state.
“We are following up the matter with MoEF as it is an important matter of security of the state and we are also concerned,” said GCZMA member secretary Michael D’Souza.
GCZMA has requested the MoEF to clarify if approval can be given to set-up the coastal police station as it is for the purpose of security.
The area falls within CRZ III and the area up to 200 mts from the High Tide Line is a NDZ except for repairs of existing authorised structures and other permitted activities like gardens, parks etc.
A High Level Empowered Committee of the Central Ministry of Home Affairs has approved three police stations under coastal security plan for the state and an amount of Rs 74.10 lakh has been sanctioned for the three police stations. The state government has already received the first installment of Rs 37.05 lakh and the entire amount has to be spent by 2009-2010.
“Coastal security is our primary concern now and the department is following up the matter with the central ministry. Once the building is ready we can also increase the staff strength of the coastal police,” added SP (Coastal police) Omprakash Kurtarkar.
At present, the coastal police stations at Siolim, Betul and Harbour are functioning either from existing outposts or police station buildings.
Therefore, once the grant was sanctioned the government decided to construct new buildings for coastal police stations at Siolim and Betul.
Whereas the existing old building at Harbour was proposed for renovation for coastal police station.
While the work at Siolim has already commenced and even the work on a jetty at Chapora has been approved, the construction work of coastal police station at Betul was put on hold as the site chosen for the construction falls in CRZ III. While coastal police station at Siolim would cost about Rs 26.6 lakh, the estimates for the construction at Betul is Rs 28.7 lakh.
Besides, government sources informed that though there is an old, dilapidated structure belonging to the Captain of Ports, the plot in Betul is still in the name of private party in form XIV.
Thus though the police has got NOC from Captain of Ports, they can’t construct. Besides, the police feel that the area in which the structure exists is less and they require at least 600 square metres to construct the new building.
“The police want to construct their structure adjoining to it so that they can have easy access to their vessels anchored on the shore. Besides adequate land is not available in the area beyond the NDZ for construction of the coastal office”, said a government official.
“Coastal police can also be of great help to us as they have jurisdiction over the coastal belt. Besides, keeping surveillance of the coast, they can also give us information of any illegal structure that comes up in the coastal area,” added D’Souza.
August 24, 2008,The Times of India, Goa edition
Putrid Health Care in Goa
Putrid Health Care
From broken equipment to misplaced priorities, the HC-appointed commissioners’ report lashes out at the sorry state of Goa’s public medical system. Preetu Nair reports
Wounds in the state’s health care system have now officially bled onto paper. A three-member team of commissioners, appointed by the high court to visit the Goa Medical College (GMC) and two district hospitals and report on the state of health care management, have submitted a scathing report.
In their findings the commissioners noted that a large number of vacant posts, ill-motivated staff and non-availability of essential drugs have undermined the curative services at the district hospitals.
The team comprising senior counsel Saresh Lotlikar, assistant solicitor general of India Carlos Ferreira and senior counsel J E Coelho Pereira have also noted, “All is not well with the health care management at the GMC.” Essential equipment and medicines are often not available at GMC, they noted.
Since the annual tender for X-ray films has not been finalised, there is a shortage of films in the department that sees 210-220 X-rays filmed everyday. The shortage of drugs for short periods is attributed to reasons ranging from transport delays to manufacturing problems. Equipment in the intensive care wards, especially pertaining to oxygen supply, are often dysfunctional. Ambulances in the trauma unit are not in a “functional” condition. And the state of cleanliness at the hospital is “deplorable”, with the walls of the ICU and private wards stained and dirty with moss, noted the report.
Also noting the refrain that facilities will improve once the planned new building is ready, the commissioners observed: “Patients in the meantime, are not to get treatment for their ailments at the hospital in rooms with dirty and non-functional bathrooms and dirty rooms”. They observed: “Health care pre-supposes a clean and an unpolluted environment”.
The condition at the two district hospitals — Asilo in Mapusa and Hospicio in Margao — is no different, but in fact worse, found the report.
The paediatric ward at Asilo is “within the area of the building where the PWD had declared the roof of the room
to be unsafe
a n d
therefore part of the medicine ward, which was functioning in the adjoining room, had to be evacuated”, noted the report.
“Priorities are also not being worked out correctly,” observed the commissioners. There is no proper health care being given at the district hospitals, because of which patients opt not to be admitted there, they added.
Agreeing with the commissioners report, former faculty member Dr Oscar Rebello told TOI, “GMC is primarily a teaching institute. But, at present it is loaded with all types of cases, from common cold to complicated ones and resident doctors work really hard to treat the patients. This needs to be channelled to improve the situation at GMC.”
Alumnus Dr Eugene D’Silva added, “Politicians directly interfere in the functioning of the GMC and the appointment of staff. Besides, a lot of money is spent on unwanted things such as landscaping, while basics such as gloves and syringes are missing.”
Health secretary Anand Prakash said, “We have also gone through the report of the commissioners of the court and we have taken a number of steps to improve the situation.”
The commissioners were appointed following a petition filed in 2007, by Chicalimbased Prakash Sardessai, highlighting the “sorry state of affairs in government hospitals in the state”. TNN
Bruised & Battered
GMC, Bambolim
General cleanliness deplorable; private rooms unhygienic, not a healthy environment for patients Shortage of X-ray films due to delay in supply; equipment in ICU and ICCU, mainly oxygen supply, not working Oxygen supply equipment in private ward not functional. Conduit pipes obsolete, not working. Central oxygen system broken down. Machine used for barium studies out of order, under repair Condition of general wards worse; condition of gynaecology and post-delivery wards bad
Asilo, Mapusa
Doesn’t function as a district hospital Toilets poorly maintained; occupancy in most wards less than 50% Casual approach of doctors and consultants towards patients and hospital used as venue for private practice Neither the hospital being shifted to a new premise nor increase in staff will improve the situation, unless health care is properly imparted to patients by dedicated doctors and nurses in a disciplined manner
Hospicio, Margao
Building is old and not meant to accommodate a hospital Last monsoon, part of the building collapsed and not repaired. This poses danger to inmates No trauma or Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A label in one of the wards reads: “ICU”, but there is no doctor in-charge of this unit and it doesn’t have any ventilators. Except for monitors, it doesn’t have the required equipment or manpower to manage it One old refrigerator for storage of blood, but no alternate or back-up system in place
(Findings of the ccommissioners’ report) Bitter Pills
The commissioners appointed by the high court to study the health system at the state and district hospitals didn’t mince their words: 1
“We found extensive work of paving the campus area and landscaping being done. We don’t find fault with it, but we certainly observed that the priorities are not being worked correctly” 2
“The appointments (in super speciality) which are made without any open competition, are made to distribute the spoils of power to few consultants to use the GMC as an outlet for outside practice and for them to get all procedures being done at the cost of the government, for their private patients” 3
“The high powered committee (on health) constituted by the government is meant to only drain the exchequer’s money and to give favoured ones positions at the cost of the exchequer”
August 20, 2008,The Times of India,Goa edition
From broken equipment to misplaced priorities, the HC-appointed commissioners’ report lashes out at the sorry state of Goa’s public medical system. Preetu Nair reports
Wounds in the state’s health care system have now officially bled onto paper. A three-member team of commissioners, appointed by the high court to visit the Goa Medical College (GMC) and two district hospitals and report on the state of health care management, have submitted a scathing report.
In their findings the commissioners noted that a large number of vacant posts, ill-motivated staff and non-availability of essential drugs have undermined the curative services at the district hospitals.
The team comprising senior counsel Saresh Lotlikar, assistant solicitor general of India Carlos Ferreira and senior counsel J E Coelho Pereira have also noted, “All is not well with the health care management at the GMC.” Essential equipment and medicines are often not available at GMC, they noted.
Since the annual tender for X-ray films has not been finalised, there is a shortage of films in the department that sees 210-220 X-rays filmed everyday. The shortage of drugs for short periods is attributed to reasons ranging from transport delays to manufacturing problems. Equipment in the intensive care wards, especially pertaining to oxygen supply, are often dysfunctional. Ambulances in the trauma unit are not in a “functional” condition. And the state of cleanliness at the hospital is “deplorable”, with the walls of the ICU and private wards stained and dirty with moss, noted the report.
Also noting the refrain that facilities will improve once the planned new building is ready, the commissioners observed: “Patients in the meantime, are not to get treatment for their ailments at the hospital in rooms with dirty and non-functional bathrooms and dirty rooms”. They observed: “Health care pre-supposes a clean and an unpolluted environment”.
The condition at the two district hospitals — Asilo in Mapusa and Hospicio in Margao — is no different, but in fact worse, found the report.
The paediatric ward at Asilo is “within the area of the building where the PWD had declared the roof of the room
to be unsafe
a n d
therefore part of the medicine ward, which was functioning in the adjoining room, had to be evacuated”, noted the report.
“Priorities are also not being worked out correctly,” observed the commissioners. There is no proper health care being given at the district hospitals, because of which patients opt not to be admitted there, they added.
Agreeing with the commissioners report, former faculty member Dr Oscar Rebello told TOI, “GMC is primarily a teaching institute. But, at present it is loaded with all types of cases, from common cold to complicated ones and resident doctors work really hard to treat the patients. This needs to be channelled to improve the situation at GMC.”
Alumnus Dr Eugene D’Silva added, “Politicians directly interfere in the functioning of the GMC and the appointment of staff. Besides, a lot of money is spent on unwanted things such as landscaping, while basics such as gloves and syringes are missing.”
Health secretary Anand Prakash said, “We have also gone through the report of the commissioners of the court and we have taken a number of steps to improve the situation.”
The commissioners were appointed following a petition filed in 2007, by Chicalimbased Prakash Sardessai, highlighting the “sorry state of affairs in government hospitals in the state”. TNN
Bruised & Battered
GMC, Bambolim
General cleanliness deplorable; private rooms unhygienic, not a healthy environment for patients Shortage of X-ray films due to delay in supply; equipment in ICU and ICCU, mainly oxygen supply, not working Oxygen supply equipment in private ward not functional. Conduit pipes obsolete, not working. Central oxygen system broken down. Machine used for barium studies out of order, under repair Condition of general wards worse; condition of gynaecology and post-delivery wards bad
Asilo, Mapusa
Doesn’t function as a district hospital Toilets poorly maintained; occupancy in most wards less than 50% Casual approach of doctors and consultants towards patients and hospital used as venue for private practice Neither the hospital being shifted to a new premise nor increase in staff will improve the situation, unless health care is properly imparted to patients by dedicated doctors and nurses in a disciplined manner
Hospicio, Margao
Building is old and not meant to accommodate a hospital Last monsoon, part of the building collapsed and not repaired. This poses danger to inmates No trauma or Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A label in one of the wards reads: “ICU”, but there is no doctor in-charge of this unit and it doesn’t have any ventilators. Except for monitors, it doesn’t have the required equipment or manpower to manage it One old refrigerator for storage of blood, but no alternate or back-up system in place
(Findings of the ccommissioners’ report) Bitter Pills
The commissioners appointed by the high court to study the health system at the state and district hospitals didn’t mince their words: 1
“We found extensive work of paving the campus area and landscaping being done. We don’t find fault with it, but we certainly observed that the priorities are not being worked correctly” 2
“The appointments (in super speciality) which are made without any open competition, are made to distribute the spoils of power to few consultants to use the GMC as an outlet for outside practice and for them to get all procedures being done at the cost of the government, for their private patients” 3
“The high powered committee (on health) constituted by the government is meant to only drain the exchequer’s money and to give favoured ones positions at the cost of the exchequer”
August 20, 2008,The Times of India,Goa edition
Plan to promote ‘green tourism’
Plan to promote ‘green tourism’
Industry Ready For Image Change-over
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With about 10 fivestar hotels in the state toying with idea of having regular energy audits to promote “green tourism” in the state, the tourism industry in Goa is ready for an image change-over.
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is in consultation with the hotels to conduct regular energy audits to measure the daily energy consumption in these hotels. Energy audits are done to measure the energy (power) consumption in hotels to help assess the amount of energy that is consumed and identify means to prevent wastage of energy.
As a first step in ensuring “green tourism” in the state, TERI has approached the five-star hotels, as their power consumption patterns are on the higher side. “Some of them have responded positively and they agree that energy audits are beneficial in terms of not only reducing the impacts on the environment, but also in generating revenue by cost saving,” said associate fellow with TERI Saltanat Kazi.
TERI authorities believe that going green would help in attracting responsible tourists, who are aware and take measures to ensure that they cause minimum impact
on people and environment that they visit.
Besides, they are also proposing TERI’s green building rating system (TERI–GRIHA) to help design and evaluate new “green buildings” in the tourism sector, which would help improve the environment by reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, improving energy security and reducing the stress on natural resources.
The aim is to promote “green tourism” as a form of sustainable tourism, with focus on environmental sustainability and involves the application of environment friendly practices and technology at both the planning and operational phase to prevent, mitigate and reverse the detrimental environmental impacts. “Green tourism creates a ripple effect as its implications extend to the tourism sector, in the locality, in the tourist’s place of origin. It also encompasses eco-tourism, rural tourism and heritage tourism,” said Kazi.
“This would benefit the tourism industry as there is reduced environmental footprint of the tourism sector, which adopts environmentally and socially friendly attitudes and initiatives. Besides tourist establishments can improve reputation, business and market share,” she added. Tourism’s impact on environmental domains such as ecosystems, beaches, wet lands, mangroves, forests, mountains, coastal and ground water has been a matter of concern for environmentalists in the state. “As a concept, energy audit and green building is a positive sign. But linking it to the concept of “green tourism” is not justified until there is a clear definition of what is green tourism,” said activist working on tourism issues, Roland Martins.
August 19, 2008 The Times of India, Goa edition
Industry Ready For Image Change-over
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With about 10 fivestar hotels in the state toying with idea of having regular energy audits to promote “green tourism” in the state, the tourism industry in Goa is ready for an image change-over.
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is in consultation with the hotels to conduct regular energy audits to measure the daily energy consumption in these hotels. Energy audits are done to measure the energy (power) consumption in hotels to help assess the amount of energy that is consumed and identify means to prevent wastage of energy.
As a first step in ensuring “green tourism” in the state, TERI has approached the five-star hotels, as their power consumption patterns are on the higher side. “Some of them have responded positively and they agree that energy audits are beneficial in terms of not only reducing the impacts on the environment, but also in generating revenue by cost saving,” said associate fellow with TERI Saltanat Kazi.
TERI authorities believe that going green would help in attracting responsible tourists, who are aware and take measures to ensure that they cause minimum impact
on people and environment that they visit.
Besides, they are also proposing TERI’s green building rating system (TERI–GRIHA) to help design and evaluate new “green buildings” in the tourism sector, which would help improve the environment by reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, improving energy security and reducing the stress on natural resources.
The aim is to promote “green tourism” as a form of sustainable tourism, with focus on environmental sustainability and involves the application of environment friendly practices and technology at both the planning and operational phase to prevent, mitigate and reverse the detrimental environmental impacts. “Green tourism creates a ripple effect as its implications extend to the tourism sector, in the locality, in the tourist’s place of origin. It also encompasses eco-tourism, rural tourism and heritage tourism,” said Kazi.
“This would benefit the tourism industry as there is reduced environmental footprint of the tourism sector, which adopts environmentally and socially friendly attitudes and initiatives. Besides tourist establishments can improve reputation, business and market share,” she added. Tourism’s impact on environmental domains such as ecosystems, beaches, wet lands, mangroves, forests, mountains, coastal and ground water has been a matter of concern for environmentalists in the state. “As a concept, energy audit and green building is a positive sign. But linking it to the concept of “green tourism” is not justified until there is a clear definition of what is green tourism,” said activist working on tourism issues, Roland Martins.
August 19, 2008 The Times of India, Goa edition
Friday, August 15, 2008
Body found on beach is not that of missing IT exec
Body found on beach is not that of missing IT exec
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The decomposed body of a woman found on Candolim beach in June is not that of Meghna Subedar, a software engineer who had gone missing from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on April 11, DNA tests at Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, have shown.
Meghna had quit her job in Bangalore on April 1 and was on her way home to Korba, Chhattisgarh. She had last withdrawn money from an ATM in Margao.
Reacting to the negative results, a relieved Mohan Subedar, Meghna’s father, who arrived with his wife in Goa on Thursday, said, “Now there is some hope for us. Our daughter is alive and we will continue searching for her. My wife has been fasting and we have been praying hard. God has answered our prayers.”
Meghna’s mother added, “We want our daughter back. We just hope that our daughter knows that we love her and are worried about her.”
Confirming the report, SP (North) Bosco George said, “Since the DNA samples don’t match, the body remains that of an unknown person for us and we will try to identify her.” The report also ascertained that the woman was not sexually assaulted, he said.
Meghna’s parents, who asked the Calangute police to conduct the DNA test, will go to Mumbai on Friday to pursue the missing person’s complaint registered with Mumbai police.
August 15, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The decomposed body of a woman found on Candolim beach in June is not that of Meghna Subedar, a software engineer who had gone missing from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on April 11, DNA tests at Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, have shown.
Meghna had quit her job in Bangalore on April 1 and was on her way home to Korba, Chhattisgarh. She had last withdrawn money from an ATM in Margao.
Reacting to the negative results, a relieved Mohan Subedar, Meghna’s father, who arrived with his wife in Goa on Thursday, said, “Now there is some hope for us. Our daughter is alive and we will continue searching for her. My wife has been fasting and we have been praying hard. God has answered our prayers.”
Meghna’s mother added, “We want our daughter back. We just hope that our daughter knows that we love her and are worried about her.”
Confirming the report, SP (North) Bosco George said, “Since the DNA samples don’t match, the body remains that of an unknown person for us and we will try to identify her.” The report also ascertained that the woman was not sexually assaulted, he said.
Meghna’s parents, who asked the Calangute police to conduct the DNA test, will go to Mumbai on Friday to pursue the missing person’s complaint registered with Mumbai police.
August 15, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Mike Masala now free to return home
Mike Masala now free to return home
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The Goa police have withdrawn the “look out circular” issued against prime witness in the Scarlett Keeling case, Michael Mannion, aka Mike Masala.
This follows a request from the CBI, which had taken over the case recently, to permit Mike to return home to England.
“We have received the CBI letter and withdrawn the circular against Mannion,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
The police had issued the circular on March 11, 2008. Mike had been demanding its withdrawal, stating that he had been detained unlawfully and against his wishes. “The lifting of the circular is a huge relief for the witness. His family was under tremendous stress,” Mike’s counsel Vikram Varma said.
August 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji: The Goa police have withdrawn the “look out circular” issued against prime witness in the Scarlett Keeling case, Michael Mannion, aka Mike Masala.
This follows a request from the CBI, which had taken over the case recently, to permit Mike to return home to England.
“We have received the CBI letter and withdrawn the circular against Mannion,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
The police had issued the circular on March 11, 2008. Mike had been demanding its withdrawal, stating that he had been detained unlawfully and against his wishes. “The lifting of the circular is a huge relief for the witness. His family was under tremendous stress,” Mike’s counsel Vikram Varma said.
August 13, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
Surveillance cameras across state
Surveillance cameras across state
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Unmanned surveillance cameras will be installed at sensitive places in Goa to ensure the safety and security of the citizens and tourists.
This is the latest security measure that the Goa government is planning and Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) have been appointed as project management consultant for the project.
“This is part of state government’s good governance initiative and is aimed at monitoring vehicles passing through the checkposts. Besides, it would add to police surveillance and maintain a check on traffic movement in urban areas,” said IT secretary RP Pal.
The project would involve designing and building a comprehensive surveillance system, which would facilitate 24x7 monitoring of vehicular traffic and human movement, through the unmanned surveillance cameras installed at strategic places that are yet to be determined.
2008 Jul 15 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Unmanned surveillance cameras will be installed at sensitive places in Goa to ensure the safety and security of the citizens and tourists.
This is the latest security measure that the Goa government is planning and Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) have been appointed as project management consultant for the project.
“This is part of state government’s good governance initiative and is aimed at monitoring vehicles passing through the checkposts. Besides, it would add to police surveillance and maintain a check on traffic movement in urban areas,” said IT secretary RP Pal.
The project would involve designing and building a comprehensive surveillance system, which would facilitate 24x7 monitoring of vehicular traffic and human movement, through the unmanned surveillance cameras installed at strategic places that are yet to be determined.
2008 Jul 15 Times Of India Goa
Noble gesture: Leander Paes proposes sports city for Goa
Noble gesture: Leander Paes proposes sports city for Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Indian Davis Cup team captain Leander Paes is planning to set up a sports medicine facility and a sports city in the state soon.
Paes has already met up with the health minister Vishwajeet Rane in this regard last week. Rane confirmed the meeting and said, “ A sports medicine facility and a sports city would be really beneficial to all sportspersons of the state of Goa.”
Rane said that he has already briefed the chief minister Digambar Kamat about the same. “Leander is a Goan who has achieved a name for himself in the international sphere and I think the government needs to help him in this endevour,” said Rane.
Leander Paes, India’s tennis pride was born in Goa on June 17, 1973 and brought up in Kolkata.
Leander’s father Dr Vece Paes is a well-known consultant for sports medicine to the Indian Davis Cup team and has extensive medical clinical and working experience. He has also been medical director and founder of different medical companies.
In recent times, injuries, both on and off the playfield, illness and accidents have been snuffing out many shining careers from the national sports horizon.
The sports city, if built in the state, would be the first of its kind in the state that may host a world-class medical facility, including a specialist in sports medicine together with a rehabilitation centre.
Rane said that the centre would help in training and treating exsiting sportspersons will also encourage upcoming sportspersons in the state. “However, the talks are at the initial stage and Leander will be coming back to the state in August with a complete proposal,” added Rane.
2008 Jul 15 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Indian Davis Cup team captain Leander Paes is planning to set up a sports medicine facility and a sports city in the state soon.
Paes has already met up with the health minister Vishwajeet Rane in this regard last week. Rane confirmed the meeting and said, “ A sports medicine facility and a sports city would be really beneficial to all sportspersons of the state of Goa.”
Rane said that he has already briefed the chief minister Digambar Kamat about the same. “Leander is a Goan who has achieved a name for himself in the international sphere and I think the government needs to help him in this endevour,” said Rane.
Leander Paes, India’s tennis pride was born in Goa on June 17, 1973 and brought up in Kolkata.
Leander’s father Dr Vece Paes is a well-known consultant for sports medicine to the Indian Davis Cup team and has extensive medical clinical and working experience. He has also been medical director and founder of different medical companies.
In recent times, injuries, both on and off the playfield, illness and accidents have been snuffing out many shining careers from the national sports horizon.
The sports city, if built in the state, would be the first of its kind in the state that may host a world-class medical facility, including a specialist in sports medicine together with a rehabilitation centre.
Rane said that the centre would help in training and treating exsiting sportspersons will also encourage upcoming sportspersons in the state. “However, the talks are at the initial stage and Leander will be coming back to the state in August with a complete proposal,” added Rane.
2008 Jul 15 Times Of India Goa
Property sold by bringing dead to life
Property sold by bringing dead to life
Power Of Attorney, Signatures And Documents Forged, Alleges Complainant
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: This is a land grab of an altogether different sort! A son in his complaint to the Mapusa police has alleged that a person prepared a false and fabricated power of attorney in his dead mother’s name with the sole intention to sell the property they own in Verla, Bardez.
The age was manipulated and the dead was shown as living.
Santana Franciso De Souza, who is working in Mumbai, in his complaint to the Mapusa police on July 9, 2008, said that one Sandesh Satelkar from Verla fraudently sold his property, admeasuring 250 sq mts, and caused undue loss to him.
“We get several complaints of this sort. Many people are
now forging Power of Attorney (PoA) in the name of dead persons and then registering the sale deed of the property, thereby duping the real owners of the property. When the real owners realise they are duped, they lodge a complaint,” said Mapusa PI C L Patil.
He said that the racket had come to light in 2007, when one Sidiqqui forged documents and prepared a power of attorney in a dead person’s name and sold off a large chunk of property in Tivim. The person is still absconding.
According to the complainant, there is a plot in survey number 49/3 at Verla, Bardez taluka, that is in his mother, Idaline Trinidade (who died at the age of 75), and aunt Claudine Trinidade’s name (who died at the age of 70).
Their names are mentioned in the occupants column in the form I and IV of Verla village. In his complaint, Santana said that while his mother expired in 1984 in Goa, his aunt expired on June 2, 1962, Satelkar from Verla prepared a Power of Attorney on November 11, 2006, which was executed in his dead mother and aunt’s name.
If the two persons were alive when the Power of Attorney was signed, Idaline would have been 99 years and Claudine would have been 94 years.
But their age was forged and they were shown as alive and in their sixties, residing at Parra and their property, according to the police complaint, was sold to one Riya Ramesh Satelkar by a sale deed on January 21, 2007, wherein it is stated that that the purchasers have approached the vendors with a request to sell their property for Rs 1 lakh.
In the PoA, which is allegedly signed by Idaline and Claudine, it is stated that on account of their personal difficulties, they are unable to attend to all matter concerning to their rights, interest and title in respect of the landed property and therefore have appointed Sandesh (23) to be their true and lawful attorney, also giving him powers to sign and execute all transfer or sale deed in respect of the landed property.
De Souza has lodged a complaint against Sandesh and the purchaser of the property, Ria Satelkar, for cheating and forgery, and alleged that the PoA is totally false and fabricated.
2008 Jul 16 Times Of India Goa
Power Of Attorney, Signatures And Documents Forged, Alleges Complainant
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: This is a land grab of an altogether different sort! A son in his complaint to the Mapusa police has alleged that a person prepared a false and fabricated power of attorney in his dead mother’s name with the sole intention to sell the property they own in Verla, Bardez.
The age was manipulated and the dead was shown as living.
Santana Franciso De Souza, who is working in Mumbai, in his complaint to the Mapusa police on July 9, 2008, said that one Sandesh Satelkar from Verla fraudently sold his property, admeasuring 250 sq mts, and caused undue loss to him.
“We get several complaints of this sort. Many people are
now forging Power of Attorney (PoA) in the name of dead persons and then registering the sale deed of the property, thereby duping the real owners of the property. When the real owners realise they are duped, they lodge a complaint,” said Mapusa PI C L Patil.
He said that the racket had come to light in 2007, when one Sidiqqui forged documents and prepared a power of attorney in a dead person’s name and sold off a large chunk of property in Tivim. The person is still absconding.
According to the complainant, there is a plot in survey number 49/3 at Verla, Bardez taluka, that is in his mother, Idaline Trinidade (who died at the age of 75), and aunt Claudine Trinidade’s name (who died at the age of 70).
Their names are mentioned in the occupants column in the form I and IV of Verla village. In his complaint, Santana said that while his mother expired in 1984 in Goa, his aunt expired on June 2, 1962, Satelkar from Verla prepared a Power of Attorney on November 11, 2006, which was executed in his dead mother and aunt’s name.
If the two persons were alive when the Power of Attorney was signed, Idaline would have been 99 years and Claudine would have been 94 years.
But their age was forged and they were shown as alive and in their sixties, residing at Parra and their property, according to the police complaint, was sold to one Riya Ramesh Satelkar by a sale deed on January 21, 2007, wherein it is stated that that the purchasers have approached the vendors with a request to sell their property for Rs 1 lakh.
In the PoA, which is allegedly signed by Idaline and Claudine, it is stated that on account of their personal difficulties, they are unable to attend to all matter concerning to their rights, interest and title in respect of the landed property and therefore have appointed Sandesh (23) to be their true and lawful attorney, also giving him powers to sign and execute all transfer or sale deed in respect of the landed property.
De Souza has lodged a complaint against Sandesh and the purchaser of the property, Ria Satelkar, for cheating and forgery, and alleged that the PoA is totally false and fabricated.
2008 Jul 16 Times Of India Goa
Alarmed Centre rushes malaria experts to Goa
Alarmed Centre rushes malaria experts to Goa
Team Collects Slides, Report Likely Within A Week
Preetu Nair & Kounteya Sinha TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji/New Delhi: Alarmed by suspected malaria deaths caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite, the Union health ministry on Thursday rushed a team of experts in vectorborne diseases to Goa.
The team from the National Institute of Malaria Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research, met doctors at Goa Medical College hospital and discussed the clinical and post-mortem aspects of the cases.
The team collected hystopathological slides and blood slides of a woman who died last week from suspected P-vivax infection. Blood slides of Sunil Kumar, a migrant labourer from Bihar who died in Vasco last week, were also taken.
Scientists across the world, including India, are waking up to Plasmodium vivax’s increasing notoriety. Vivax and falciparum are the two major strains of malaria which affect humans globally.
Dr A P Dash, director of ICMR’s Malaria Research Centre, who is heading the team, said, “We want to know whether P-vivax has actually started to kill people. We want to be prepared for its changing clinical profile.”
The team, which also includes Dr Neena Valecha from NIMR, is expected to submit its report within a week to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.
Dr Valecha said deaths due to P-vivax is a rare phenomenon. “So our investigations will focus on whether the deaths happened solely due to P-vivax infection or whether there was co-infection with P-falciparum. Now, because we are armed with better medicines to combat P-falciparum infections, its cases are going down.”
Dr R Wiseman Pinto, head department of pathology, Goa Medical College, said the team would be doing DNA studies of the parasite. “We have discussed the autopsy report and such cases are extremely rare,” he said.
The vivax strain was recently discovered after pathological tests on a 25-year-old woman from North Goa who had died following multiple organ failure. It was because the woman’s death occurred within seven years of marriage
that it was treated as a medicolegal case and an autopsy was conducted. That is when the new vivax strain came to light.
“Though the woman didn’t get treatment on time for vivax, the parasite alone doesn’t kill. There are many people who suffer from chronic vivax malaria but don’t take treatment for years together and yet survive,” said Dr Pinto.
“The parasite detected in her body may have undergone mutation due to excessive exposure to insecticides, particularly sprays, repellents and creams,” said Pinto.
Dr Dipak Kabadi, deputy director of NVBDCP in Goa, said, “We also want to investigate whether the deaths occurred because of delayed treatment or because the vector is becoming dangerous.” WAR TO COMBAT MALARIA Officials warn against discarded tyres
Panaji: The state health authorities in a bid to control the outbreak of dengue and malaria this monsoon have dashed off letters to all municipal authorities and village panchayats to destroy discarded tyres in their jurisdiction.
Despite precautions taken by authorities, some places , including old discarded tyres, continued to be breeding grounds for the aedes mosquito that transmits yellow fever and dengue.
“Worn out tyres are left in the open. Most of them are found on roofs to hold plastic sheets together. Tyres are also found on roof tops of garages where water accumulates. We advise people to either keep them in safe places or cover them by making holes so that water doesn’t accumulate. We also request the municipality to dispose such tyres,” said Dr Pratima Thali, urban health officer, Mapusa.
In Panaji too, discarded tyres are a menace. “We wrote letters in April and May to the CCP to dispose tyres collected at the Hindu crematorium in St Inez. The mayor recently informed us that all the tyres were cleared by the CCP in six trucks,” said Dr Pradeep Korgaonker. The tyres are generally used to burn bodies. Several tyres however continue to lie at the crematorium. Health authorities have been asked to disclose the quantity of tyres amassed in the state as a Chennai-based firm is willing to collect the discarded tyres.“If the quantity is high, then the firm would be willing to collect tyres. We have already issued directions to health officials and municipal bodies to find out the quantum of discarded tyres. If the firm declines, we will make alternate arrangements,” said South Goa collector GP Naik.
Health officials said that most of the godowns used to house tyres have no roofs and old tyres stored there contain rainwater that helps breeding of mosquitoes. “Once water accumulates in the tyres, it is difficult to remove it, making the tyre a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said deputy director of Health Services Dr Dipak Kabadi. He brought up the issue during a meeting called by health minister Vishwajit Rane.
As per the Public Health Act, health officials can impose a fine of up to Rs 500 on anyone discarding tyres. However, the act is not being implemented strictly. This year, six persons have been detected with falciparum malaria in the state each day while in 2007 four people developed falcipharum malaria daily.
Cases of vivax malaria have doubled this year. While from January-June 2007 about 2883 cases of vivax were detected, in 2008, 4025 cases have already been reported. Besides, seven malaria-related deaths have also occurred.
Health authorities spread malaria awareness
Panaji: With the growing threat of malaria, health officials at the Urban Health Centre in Panaji are working round the clock to attend to those suffering from the disease.
Health workers have started door-to-door visits advising people not to allow stagnation of water in bottles, coconut shells and other waste. The health department’s antimalaria campaign is aimed at creating awareness among labourers and local residents. TNN
2008 Jul 18 Times Of India Goa
Team Collects Slides, Report Likely Within A Week
Preetu Nair & Kounteya Sinha TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji/New Delhi: Alarmed by suspected malaria deaths caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite, the Union health ministry on Thursday rushed a team of experts in vectorborne diseases to Goa.
The team from the National Institute of Malaria Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research, met doctors at Goa Medical College hospital and discussed the clinical and post-mortem aspects of the cases.
The team collected hystopathological slides and blood slides of a woman who died last week from suspected P-vivax infection. Blood slides of Sunil Kumar, a migrant labourer from Bihar who died in Vasco last week, were also taken.
Scientists across the world, including India, are waking up to Plasmodium vivax’s increasing notoriety. Vivax and falciparum are the two major strains of malaria which affect humans globally.
Dr A P Dash, director of ICMR’s Malaria Research Centre, who is heading the team, said, “We want to know whether P-vivax has actually started to kill people. We want to be prepared for its changing clinical profile.”
The team, which also includes Dr Neena Valecha from NIMR, is expected to submit its report within a week to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.
Dr Valecha said deaths due to P-vivax is a rare phenomenon. “So our investigations will focus on whether the deaths happened solely due to P-vivax infection or whether there was co-infection with P-falciparum. Now, because we are armed with better medicines to combat P-falciparum infections, its cases are going down.”
Dr R Wiseman Pinto, head department of pathology, Goa Medical College, said the team would be doing DNA studies of the parasite. “We have discussed the autopsy report and such cases are extremely rare,” he said.
The vivax strain was recently discovered after pathological tests on a 25-year-old woman from North Goa who had died following multiple organ failure. It was because the woman’s death occurred within seven years of marriage
that it was treated as a medicolegal case and an autopsy was conducted. That is when the new vivax strain came to light.
“Though the woman didn’t get treatment on time for vivax, the parasite alone doesn’t kill. There are many people who suffer from chronic vivax malaria but don’t take treatment for years together and yet survive,” said Dr Pinto.
“The parasite detected in her body may have undergone mutation due to excessive exposure to insecticides, particularly sprays, repellents and creams,” said Pinto.
Dr Dipak Kabadi, deputy director of NVBDCP in Goa, said, “We also want to investigate whether the deaths occurred because of delayed treatment or because the vector is becoming dangerous.” WAR TO COMBAT MALARIA Officials warn against discarded tyres
Panaji: The state health authorities in a bid to control the outbreak of dengue and malaria this monsoon have dashed off letters to all municipal authorities and village panchayats to destroy discarded tyres in their jurisdiction.
Despite precautions taken by authorities, some places , including old discarded tyres, continued to be breeding grounds for the aedes mosquito that transmits yellow fever and dengue.
“Worn out tyres are left in the open. Most of them are found on roofs to hold plastic sheets together. Tyres are also found on roof tops of garages where water accumulates. We advise people to either keep them in safe places or cover them by making holes so that water doesn’t accumulate. We also request the municipality to dispose such tyres,” said Dr Pratima Thali, urban health officer, Mapusa.
In Panaji too, discarded tyres are a menace. “We wrote letters in April and May to the CCP to dispose tyres collected at the Hindu crematorium in St Inez. The mayor recently informed us that all the tyres were cleared by the CCP in six trucks,” said Dr Pradeep Korgaonker. The tyres are generally used to burn bodies. Several tyres however continue to lie at the crematorium. Health authorities have been asked to disclose the quantity of tyres amassed in the state as a Chennai-based firm is willing to collect the discarded tyres.“If the quantity is high, then the firm would be willing to collect tyres. We have already issued directions to health officials and municipal bodies to find out the quantum of discarded tyres. If the firm declines, we will make alternate arrangements,” said South Goa collector GP Naik.
Health officials said that most of the godowns used to house tyres have no roofs and old tyres stored there contain rainwater that helps breeding of mosquitoes. “Once water accumulates in the tyres, it is difficult to remove it, making the tyre a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said deputy director of Health Services Dr Dipak Kabadi. He brought up the issue during a meeting called by health minister Vishwajit Rane.
As per the Public Health Act, health officials can impose a fine of up to Rs 500 on anyone discarding tyres. However, the act is not being implemented strictly. This year, six persons have been detected with falciparum malaria in the state each day while in 2007 four people developed falcipharum malaria daily.
Cases of vivax malaria have doubled this year. While from January-June 2007 about 2883 cases of vivax were detected, in 2008, 4025 cases have already been reported. Besides, seven malaria-related deaths have also occurred.
Health authorities spread malaria awareness
Panaji: With the growing threat of malaria, health officials at the Urban Health Centre in Panaji are working round the clock to attend to those suffering from the disease.
Health workers have started door-to-door visits advising people not to allow stagnation of water in bottles, coconut shells and other waste. The health department’s antimalaria campaign is aimed at creating awareness among labourers and local residents. TNN
2008 Jul 18 Times Of India Goa
Public awareness vital to curb spread of malaria
Public awareness vital to curb spread of malaria
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: If you thought that only migrant labourers are responsible for the spread of malaria in the state, then its time to do some rethinking. Even as the level of knowledge about malaria, its symptoms, mode of transmission and breeding sites is quite high in Goa, the practices adopted for prevention and control of malaria is unsatisfactory. This despite the fact that the awareness regarding prevention and control of malaria was found satisfactory by majority of people, reveals a latest study.
The study, “Evaluation of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) During Anti-Malaria month in Goa, 2006” was conducted by the Goa Medical College’s department of Preventive and Social Medicine and submitted to the Directorate of Health Service in December 2007.
Explaining the purpose of the study, the report states, “BCC is an integrated process that involves linkage of advocacy, social mobilization through inter-sectoral convergence and communication efforts for enhancement of knowledge, beliefs, values and attitudes resulting in suitable practices at individual, family and societal levels.
This year the malaria menance has been huge and government has declared it is just short of terming it an epidemic. In 2008, six persons are detected with falcipharum malaria every day. In 2007, the
number of falcipharum cases was only four cases per day. Surprisingly, even the cases of people detected with vivax malaria has almost doubled this year. From January to June 2007, about 2883 cases of vivax malaria was detected, in 2008 already 4025 cases of vivax malaria have been detected. There has already been seven malaria related death.
A cross sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, practises of the beneficiaries of government’s Anti Malaria Month (AMM) campaign as regards to prevention and control of malaria in the state. Six villages and two wards were selected for the study. AMM was launched in Goa in the months of June and August 2006.
It has been recommended that more emphasis should be laid on intensive spraying of insecticides, wide use of larvivorous fish and insecticide treated bed nets.
“The most effective strategy to control malaria would be one based on personal protective measures, to be adopted on a mass scale. This calls for people’s active participation against malaria and its vector, which in turn would be dependent on empowering people with good working knowledge of the essentials of epidemiology of malaria,” the report states.
The report added, “The thinking still prevalent in the local community is that it (malaria) can spread through modes other than mosquito bites. Therefore, the first step would need to be an effective public awareness campaign and enable local bodies to run their own micro programmes for malaria control.”
2008 Jul 23 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: If you thought that only migrant labourers are responsible for the spread of malaria in the state, then its time to do some rethinking. Even as the level of knowledge about malaria, its symptoms, mode of transmission and breeding sites is quite high in Goa, the practices adopted for prevention and control of malaria is unsatisfactory. This despite the fact that the awareness regarding prevention and control of malaria was found satisfactory by majority of people, reveals a latest study.
The study, “Evaluation of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) During Anti-Malaria month in Goa, 2006” was conducted by the Goa Medical College’s department of Preventive and Social Medicine and submitted to the Directorate of Health Service in December 2007.
Explaining the purpose of the study, the report states, “BCC is an integrated process that involves linkage of advocacy, social mobilization through inter-sectoral convergence and communication efforts for enhancement of knowledge, beliefs, values and attitudes resulting in suitable practices at individual, family and societal levels.
This year the malaria menance has been huge and government has declared it is just short of terming it an epidemic. In 2008, six persons are detected with falcipharum malaria every day. In 2007, the
number of falcipharum cases was only four cases per day. Surprisingly, even the cases of people detected with vivax malaria has almost doubled this year. From January to June 2007, about 2883 cases of vivax malaria was detected, in 2008 already 4025 cases of vivax malaria have been detected. There has already been seven malaria related death.
A cross sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, practises of the beneficiaries of government’s Anti Malaria Month (AMM) campaign as regards to prevention and control of malaria in the state. Six villages and two wards were selected for the study. AMM was launched in Goa in the months of June and August 2006.
It has been recommended that more emphasis should be laid on intensive spraying of insecticides, wide use of larvivorous fish and insecticide treated bed nets.
“The most effective strategy to control malaria would be one based on personal protective measures, to be adopted on a mass scale. This calls for people’s active participation against malaria and its vector, which in turn would be dependent on empowering people with good working knowledge of the essentials of epidemiology of malaria,” the report states.
The report added, “The thinking still prevalent in the local community is that it (malaria) can spread through modes other than mosquito bites. Therefore, the first step would need to be an effective public awareness campaign and enable local bodies to run their own micro programmes for malaria control.”
2008 Jul 23 Times Of India Goa
Heart disease Goa’s biggest killer: Study
Heart disease Goa’s biggest killer: Study
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Majority of deaths in the state are related to lifestyle diseases. Of the six or seven persons who die in state everyday, majority die either due to cardio vascular ailments, diabetes or alcholic liver diseases.
Cardio vascular diseases continue to be the biggest killer, followed by infections, diabetes and alcoholic liver diseases. Meanwhile, people dying from accidents every year is as low as 10 percent, followed by cancers and respiratory tract diseases at 6 percent.
The good news is that while 20.7 percent patients admitted in the hospital died due to cardio vascular diseases in 2005, the percentage has come down to 18.6 percent in 2007. But the bad news is that death due to infections has gone up from 11.4 percent in 2005 to 16.7 percent in 2007 and people dying of diabetes in 2005 was 8.3 percent, while in 2007 was 12.2 percent.
Percentage of deaths due to alcoholic liver diseases and accidents has remain unchanged at 10 percent in the last three years. Meanwhile, the deaths due to respiratory tract diseases has come down from 6.9 percent in 2005 to 5.72 percent in 2007 and deaths due to cancer has shot up from 3.9 percent in 2005 to 5.5 percent in 2007.
This is revealed in a study conducted by the pathology department of GMC and is based on the deaths that occur at Goa medical college and hospital. These deaths are discussed in the monthly meetings held at GMC by doctors to ascertain the cause of death.
“Majority of deaths are due to lifestyle diseases. We need to create more awareness about lifestyle diseases amongst the population,” said Dr Wiseman Pinto, who has conducted the study.
Explaining the type of cardiovascular diseases that kill people Dr Pinto said that hypertension, congestive cardiac failure and stroke are the most common factors. The infections that lead to a patients death are tuberculosis, HIV, viral infections, septicemia, leptospirosis, malaria, dengue and rabies and the alcholic liver disease death is caused mainly due to cirrhosis, hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic coma
The fact remains that most of these diseases are also linked with obesity and the doctors in the state had been insisting that obesity is a significant and growing diasease amongst Goans, terming it a ‘silent killer’. The percentage of women who are overweight or obese is 27 percent as compared to India’s 14.8 percent. Even men are not far behind. The percentage of Goan men who are obese or overweight is 20.8 percent as compared to India’s 12.1 percent, as reported in the Health Intelligence Bureau report, 2007, of the Directorate of Health Services.
“Prevention is better than cure. People need to give up their sedantary lifestyle and walk or exercise, avoid getting stressed, eat vegetarian food, avoid alcohol and smoking. Pollution caused due to mining is also a matter of concern,” said Dr Pinto.
2008 Jul 24 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Majority of deaths in the state are related to lifestyle diseases. Of the six or seven persons who die in state everyday, majority die either due to cardio vascular ailments, diabetes or alcholic liver diseases.
Cardio vascular diseases continue to be the biggest killer, followed by infections, diabetes and alcoholic liver diseases. Meanwhile, people dying from accidents every year is as low as 10 percent, followed by cancers and respiratory tract diseases at 6 percent.
The good news is that while 20.7 percent patients admitted in the hospital died due to cardio vascular diseases in 2005, the percentage has come down to 18.6 percent in 2007. But the bad news is that death due to infections has gone up from 11.4 percent in 2005 to 16.7 percent in 2007 and people dying of diabetes in 2005 was 8.3 percent, while in 2007 was 12.2 percent.
Percentage of deaths due to alcoholic liver diseases and accidents has remain unchanged at 10 percent in the last three years. Meanwhile, the deaths due to respiratory tract diseases has come down from 6.9 percent in 2005 to 5.72 percent in 2007 and deaths due to cancer has shot up from 3.9 percent in 2005 to 5.5 percent in 2007.
This is revealed in a study conducted by the pathology department of GMC and is based on the deaths that occur at Goa medical college and hospital. These deaths are discussed in the monthly meetings held at GMC by doctors to ascertain the cause of death.
“Majority of deaths are due to lifestyle diseases. We need to create more awareness about lifestyle diseases amongst the population,” said Dr Wiseman Pinto, who has conducted the study.
Explaining the type of cardiovascular diseases that kill people Dr Pinto said that hypertension, congestive cardiac failure and stroke are the most common factors. The infections that lead to a patients death are tuberculosis, HIV, viral infections, septicemia, leptospirosis, malaria, dengue and rabies and the alcholic liver disease death is caused mainly due to cirrhosis, hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic coma
The fact remains that most of these diseases are also linked with obesity and the doctors in the state had been insisting that obesity is a significant and growing diasease amongst Goans, terming it a ‘silent killer’. The percentage of women who are overweight or obese is 27 percent as compared to India’s 14.8 percent. Even men are not far behind. The percentage of Goan men who are obese or overweight is 20.8 percent as compared to India’s 12.1 percent, as reported in the Health Intelligence Bureau report, 2007, of the Directorate of Health Services.
“Prevention is better than cure. People need to give up their sedantary lifestyle and walk or exercise, avoid getting stressed, eat vegetarian food, avoid alcohol and smoking. Pollution caused due to mining is also a matter of concern,” said Dr Pinto.
2008 Jul 24 Times Of India Goa
Teen clinics set up to monitor youth health
Teen clinics set up to monitor youth health
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As part of the adolescent reproductive and sexual health (ARSH) programme in schools, the state government has started ‘teen clinics’ for teenagers who need medical help.
The government plans to set-up teen clinics in all health centers by 2010. Presently, teen clinics are functioning at five community health centres and 19 primary health centres.
The services for teenagers are absolutely free and they are given medical advise on sexual reproductive health, besides counselling.
“If need be, they are also treated. Any teenager between the age of 10 and 19 can seek treatment,” said Dr Pradeep Padwal, chief medical officer (family welfare), Directorate of Health Services.
There is no registeration fee for those who visit the clinic and no case paper is prepared.
This is to maintain the confidentiality of teenagers who visit the clinic. However, a register with the names of the youth is maintained by the clinic.
The clinics are held once a week. But getting students to the clinic has taken time.
“Medical officers, who visit the schools for medical e x a m i n at i o n , besides the young male and female teachers, have worked hard to start a dialogue with the youth. The teens discuss their problems with the doctor or teacher and if recommended they go to the teen clinic,” said Dr Padwal.
However, the number of teenagers visiting the teen clinics is not very impressive with about five teenagers visiting the clinic in a
week and sometimes even less.
Admitting that it is yet to gain popularity among the youth, Dr Padwal said that they are trying to spread information about the same by visiting schools and informing children about the ARSH and teen clinics. “We are also planning to conduct a survey to understand the teen perception about health and what they feel about it,” he said.
Besides taking the help of young teachers and doctors, the department is planning to start a helpline for teenagers. “The helpline would encourage the teenagers to talk openly as everything is private and confidential,” Dr Padwal added.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As part of the adolescent reproductive and sexual health (ARSH) programme in schools, the state government has started ‘teen clinics’ for teenagers who need medical help.
The government plans to set-up teen clinics in all health centers by 2010. Presently, teen clinics are functioning at five community health centres and 19 primary health centres.
The services for teenagers are absolutely free and they are given medical advise on sexual reproductive health, besides counselling.
“If need be, they are also treated. Any teenager between the age of 10 and 19 can seek treatment,” said Dr Pradeep Padwal, chief medical officer (family welfare), Directorate of Health Services.
There is no registeration fee for those who visit the clinic and no case paper is prepared.
This is to maintain the confidentiality of teenagers who visit the clinic. However, a register with the names of the youth is maintained by the clinic.
The clinics are held once a week. But getting students to the clinic has taken time.
“Medical officers, who visit the schools for medical e x a m i n at i o n , besides the young male and female teachers, have worked hard to start a dialogue with the youth. The teens discuss their problems with the doctor or teacher and if recommended they go to the teen clinic,” said Dr Padwal.
However, the number of teenagers visiting the teen clinics is not very impressive with about five teenagers visiting the clinic in a
week and sometimes even less.
Admitting that it is yet to gain popularity among the youth, Dr Padwal said that they are trying to spread information about the same by visiting schools and informing children about the ARSH and teen clinics. “We are also planning to conduct a survey to understand the teen perception about health and what they feel about it,” he said.
Besides taking the help of young teachers and doctors, the department is planning to start a helpline for teenagers. “The helpline would encourage the teenagers to talk openly as everything is private and confidential,” Dr Padwal added.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
Siolim woman died of plasmodium vivax: Report
MOSQUITO MENACE
Siolim woman died of plasmodium vivax: Report
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A new report has revealed that the woman from Siolim had died of extensive parasitemia of Plasmodium vivax parasite that had multiplied in the red blood cells and internal organs like the liver, kidney, spleen and the lining of the uterus that ultimately led to the destruction of the organs.
This report is based on the conclusion arrived at by the doctors after comparing the post-mortem pathological examination report conducted by Goa Medical College’s pathological department and the DNA test reports, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), conducted by a team from the National Institute of Malaria Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research.
“There was immunal suppression in the woman, due to which the white blood corpuscles (WBC) couldn’t act against the parasite,” said GMC’s pathology department head Dr Wiseman Pinto.
Doctors after constantly studying the hystopathological slides and blood slides of the woman, who died from suspected P-vivax infection, realized that excess acid formation in the blood and tissue led to the growth of the parasite in the body. Even the NIMR report confirmed that the woman had died of P-vivax and they ruled out falciparum co-infection in the patient.
“Now it is not necessary that P-vivax with falciparum kills. But even P-vivax can kill. The woman died as the P-vivax parasite destroyed her organs as her immunity was low,” said Dr Pinto. Scientists across the world, including India, are waking up to Plasmodium vivax’s increasing notoriety. P-vivax and plasmodium falciparum are the two major strains of malaria which affect humans globally. With P-vivax’s changing clinical profile the doctors are now emphasizing on treatment and diagnosis.
So far deaths due to P-vivax are a rare. “The parasite and the insect has outwitted man. This case has brought to the focus that P-vivax can also affect the liver, kidney, spleen and even lungs, which were unheard of till now. But the parasite didn’t affect the brain or the heart,” added Dr Pinto. The P-vivax strain was recently discovered after pathological tests on a 25-year-old woman from North Goa had died following multiple organ failure.
2008 Jul 29 Times Of India Goa
Siolim woman died of plasmodium vivax: Report
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A new report has revealed that the woman from Siolim had died of extensive parasitemia of Plasmodium vivax parasite that had multiplied in the red blood cells and internal organs like the liver, kidney, spleen and the lining of the uterus that ultimately led to the destruction of the organs.
This report is based on the conclusion arrived at by the doctors after comparing the post-mortem pathological examination report conducted by Goa Medical College’s pathological department and the DNA test reports, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), conducted by a team from the National Institute of Malaria Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research.
“There was immunal suppression in the woman, due to which the white blood corpuscles (WBC) couldn’t act against the parasite,” said GMC’s pathology department head Dr Wiseman Pinto.
Doctors after constantly studying the hystopathological slides and blood slides of the woman, who died from suspected P-vivax infection, realized that excess acid formation in the blood and tissue led to the growth of the parasite in the body. Even the NIMR report confirmed that the woman had died of P-vivax and they ruled out falciparum co-infection in the patient.
“Now it is not necessary that P-vivax with falciparum kills. But even P-vivax can kill. The woman died as the P-vivax parasite destroyed her organs as her immunity was low,” said Dr Pinto. Scientists across the world, including India, are waking up to Plasmodium vivax’s increasing notoriety. P-vivax and plasmodium falciparum are the two major strains of malaria which affect humans globally. With P-vivax’s changing clinical profile the doctors are now emphasizing on treatment and diagnosis.
So far deaths due to P-vivax are a rare. “The parasite and the insect has outwitted man. This case has brought to the focus that P-vivax can also affect the liver, kidney, spleen and even lungs, which were unheard of till now. But the parasite didn’t affect the brain or the heart,” added Dr Pinto. The P-vivax strain was recently discovered after pathological tests on a 25-year-old woman from North Goa had died following multiple organ failure.
2008 Jul 29 Times Of India Goa
An Afghani connection in Goa’s academic scene
An Afghani connection in Goa’s academic scene
Preetu Nair | TNN
Think Afghanistan, think citizens muted by conservative diktats and hardened by years of war. That is till you meet Zohar Ahmad Zoland and his brood of Afghani classmates.
Sitting in a classroom at the Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar, on a not-so-bright Tuesday afternoon, the second year student and his fellow countrymen animatedly discuss everything from the recent bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad to girls.
In 2005, there wasn’t a single Afghanistan-native who came to Goa on a student visa. Last year, 52 came on Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships. Some sought admissions on a self-finance basis.
Zoland is among those who bagged an ICCR scholarship.
“The problems in Afghanistan are blown out of proportion. The situation back home is as normal as the situation in India. Just like in India, in Afghanistan too in some places the scene is bad, especially, in those ar-eas that are adjacent to Pakistan,” he said.
Defending the education system in his country, he added that the quality of education is “not only good it is free”.
“Under the Taliban regime education was free for boys, under the present regime, education is free for both boys and girls,” said Zoland, insisting that he is in Goa only on account of the ICCR scholarship.
The students stay in groups of five or six in flats around the city. They also take private tuitions in English.
“Though English is taught as a subject from standard IV onwards in Afghanistan no one interacts in English and therefore we are not wellversed in the language. But now knowing English is the need of the hour,” said Nomyalai Farahi, a first year student with an eye on a degree in political science.
Farahi comes from a family of politicians in Afghanistan and is anxious to return to his country after bagging his college degree and “becoming a politician”.
His fellow classmates said they would like to return “to serve” their country after they earned their degrees.
“We support our government. They need us. We will return home,” said Jamsheed Samini, a first year student at Dhempe’s, hoping to bag a degree in economics.
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Think Afghanistan, think citizens muted by conservative diktats and hardened by years of war. That is till you meet Zohar Ahmad Zoland and his brood of Afghani classmates.
Sitting in a classroom at the Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar, on a not-so-bright Tuesday afternoon, the second year student and his fellow countrymen animatedly discuss everything from the recent bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad to girls.
In 2005, there wasn’t a single Afghanistan-native who came to Goa on a student visa. Last year, 52 came on Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships. Some sought admissions on a self-finance basis.
Zoland is among those who bagged an ICCR scholarship.
“The problems in Afghanistan are blown out of proportion. The situation back home is as normal as the situation in India. Just like in India, in Afghanistan too in some places the scene is bad, especially, in those ar-eas that are adjacent to Pakistan,” he said.
Defending the education system in his country, he added that the quality of education is “not only good it is free”.
“Under the Taliban regime education was free for boys, under the present regime, education is free for both boys and girls,” said Zoland, insisting that he is in Goa only on account of the ICCR scholarship.
The students stay in groups of five or six in flats around the city. They also take private tuitions in English.
“Though English is taught as a subject from standard IV onwards in Afghanistan no one interacts in English and therefore we are not wellversed in the language. But now knowing English is the need of the hour,” said Nomyalai Farahi, a first year student with an eye on a degree in political science.
Farahi comes from a family of politicians in Afghanistan and is anxious to return to his country after bagging his college degree and “becoming a politician”.
His fellow classmates said they would like to return “to serve” their country after they earned their degrees.
“We support our government. They need us. We will return home,” said Jamsheed Samini, a first year student at Dhempe’s, hoping to bag a degree in economics.
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
Fewer couples in state opt for contraception
Fewer couples in state opt for contraception
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Interesting but true. In Goa, though all married women are aware of at least one method of contraception, only a few use it. Even the couple protection rate, calculated on the basis of those using various contraceptive methods, is lesser in Goa if one compares it to those of the rest of the country.
While only 62% of couples in Goa have ever used a contraceptive method, the couple protection rate by usage of all such methods as of March 2005 is only 36%, as compared to India’s 47%. Further, half of the currently married women use a modern method and 22% use traditional contraceptive methods.
The most commonly used methods are female sterilization (28%), followed by the condom (17%), rhythm method (15%), withdrawal (13%), and the pill (10%). Eight per cent used IUD.
This has been revealed in the health information of Goa 2007 report, published by the health intelligence bureau of the directorate of health services. The report states that the current use of method is lower among Christians than among Hindus and Muslims. In all the three religious groups, the use of modern methods is higher than that of traditional methods.
“People are being made aware of the contraceptive methods available from the government of India. However, the choice of using contraceptives rests entirely with the couple,” said the directorate of health services’ chief medical officer (family welfare) Dr Pradeep Padwal.
However, not everyone agrees with the official figures. “I don’t think that government reports are reliable. People may not admit to using contraceptives because of personal reasons. But the low birth rate in the state definitely points to a wider use of contraceptives than the one pointed out by government figures,” said gynaecologist Dr Eugene D’Silva.
As per the report, the percentage of couples adopting tubectomy (female sterlization) is 99.6%, higher than the all-India percentage of 96.5%. However, vasectomy (male sterlization) is not popular with less than one per cent adopting the method.
Interestingly, of the 25 men who had a vasectomy done in 2004-05, 18 are from rural areas and their wives are illiterate. Literate women appear to prefer tubectomy.
Sources in the health department said that they are now working to increase the proportion of male sterilization from the current one percent to 20% by 2015.
Even the national family health survey-2 states that female sterilization is the most widely known method of contraception, followed by the pill. Overall 99% of married women know about female sterilization and 90% know about the pill.
Knowledge of the other sponsored methods (IUD, male sterilization, and condom) are lesser used. The condom is known by 87%, IUD by 80% and male sterilization by 77% of women. A majority of married women know at least one traditional method (57%).
Family planning methods and services are provided primarily through a network of government hospitals and urban family welfare centers in urban areas and primary health centers and sub centers in rural areas. Besides, private hospitals and clinics, as well as NGOs provide family planning services. Sterilization camps are also regularly organized.
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Interesting but true. In Goa, though all married women are aware of at least one method of contraception, only a few use it. Even the couple protection rate, calculated on the basis of those using various contraceptive methods, is lesser in Goa if one compares it to those of the rest of the country.
While only 62% of couples in Goa have ever used a contraceptive method, the couple protection rate by usage of all such methods as of March 2005 is only 36%, as compared to India’s 47%. Further, half of the currently married women use a modern method and 22% use traditional contraceptive methods.
The most commonly used methods are female sterilization (28%), followed by the condom (17%), rhythm method (15%), withdrawal (13%), and the pill (10%). Eight per cent used IUD.
This has been revealed in the health information of Goa 2007 report, published by the health intelligence bureau of the directorate of health services. The report states that the current use of method is lower among Christians than among Hindus and Muslims. In all the three religious groups, the use of modern methods is higher than that of traditional methods.
“People are being made aware of the contraceptive methods available from the government of India. However, the choice of using contraceptives rests entirely with the couple,” said the directorate of health services’ chief medical officer (family welfare) Dr Pradeep Padwal.
However, not everyone agrees with the official figures. “I don’t think that government reports are reliable. People may not admit to using contraceptives because of personal reasons. But the low birth rate in the state definitely points to a wider use of contraceptives than the one pointed out by government figures,” said gynaecologist Dr Eugene D’Silva.
As per the report, the percentage of couples adopting tubectomy (female sterlization) is 99.6%, higher than the all-India percentage of 96.5%. However, vasectomy (male sterlization) is not popular with less than one per cent adopting the method.
Interestingly, of the 25 men who had a vasectomy done in 2004-05, 18 are from rural areas and their wives are illiterate. Literate women appear to prefer tubectomy.
Sources in the health department said that they are now working to increase the proportion of male sterilization from the current one percent to 20% by 2015.
Even the national family health survey-2 states that female sterilization is the most widely known method of contraception, followed by the pill. Overall 99% of married women know about female sterilization and 90% know about the pill.
Knowledge of the other sponsored methods (IUD, male sterilization, and condom) are lesser used. The condom is known by 87%, IUD by 80% and male sterilization by 77% of women. A majority of married women know at least one traditional method (57%).
Family planning methods and services are provided primarily through a network of government hospitals and urban family welfare centers in urban areas and primary health centers and sub centers in rural areas. Besides, private hospitals and clinics, as well as NGOs provide family planning services. Sterilization camps are also regularly organized.
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
French docs seek information on P-vivax deaths in Goa
French docs seek information on P-vivax deaths in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The two suspected malaria deaths caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite in Goa have not only alarmed the Union health ministry, but also the French health authorities, especially since several French tourists visit Goa every year.
The doctors from France’s national public health institute, “Institut de Veille Sanitaire,” recently wrote to the Goa Medical College’s pathology department head asking for information regarding the current situation of P-vivax deaths in Goa as there are “exchanges between France and your country (India), especially in the Goa area”.
Besides, they said that they would like to be informed about epidemics worldwide which may have a public health impact on French nationals or any person living in France.
Thousands of French tourists visit sun kissed Goa every year. GMC’s pathology department head Dr Wiseman Pinto confirmed that he has received the letter.
He said, “Generally deaths due to P-vivax don’t occur, but given the past few incidents it has now become a matter of concern for doctors worldwide”.
The team from the National Institute of Malaria
Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research, has also confirmed that the two deaths in Goa have occurred due to P-vivax.
When TOI contacted officials at Institut de Veille Sanitaire, they downplayed it stating that they “don’t foresee a significant public health impact on French nationals visiting Goa”.
“French guidelines for prevention of malaria in travellers recommend malaria prophylaxis when visiting India in general. Therefore, French tourists visiting India — and Goa in particular — and who follow recommendations for preventing malaria and other vectorborne diseases can serenely
enjoy their stay,” informed Dr Arnaud Tarantola, Département International et Tropical, Institut de Veille Sanitaire, France.
Dr Tarantola added, “Scientific research on P-vivax malaria is important as it helps to ascertain emerging trends, foresee complications or guide treatment in endemic settings or in tourists returning from P- vivax-endemic areas, who did not observe recommendations”.
In French territories, malaria is prevalent in French Guyana (located on the South American continent and bordering Surinam and Brazil) and in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian ocean located near Madagascar.
Even as P-vivax prevails in French Guyana and P-falciparum in Mayotte, malaria has been successfully eliminated in several other territories.
People from the tourism sector in Goa have also woken up to the need to keep their surroundings clean and destroy all mosquito breeding grounds.
“All our members have been asked to keep their property and surrounding areas clean. Besides, they have been asked to clean contaminated ponds in their vicinity to ensure that Goa is clean and safe for tourists and locals,” added Travel and Tourism Association of Goa president Ralph de Souza.
2008 Jul 31 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The two suspected malaria deaths caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite in Goa have not only alarmed the Union health ministry, but also the French health authorities, especially since several French tourists visit Goa every year.
The doctors from France’s national public health institute, “Institut de Veille Sanitaire,” recently wrote to the Goa Medical College’s pathology department head asking for information regarding the current situation of P-vivax deaths in Goa as there are “exchanges between France and your country (India), especially in the Goa area”.
Besides, they said that they would like to be informed about epidemics worldwide which may have a public health impact on French nationals or any person living in France.
Thousands of French tourists visit sun kissed Goa every year. GMC’s pathology department head Dr Wiseman Pinto confirmed that he has received the letter.
He said, “Generally deaths due to P-vivax don’t occur, but given the past few incidents it has now become a matter of concern for doctors worldwide”.
The team from the National Institute of Malaria
Research, an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Medical Research, has also confirmed that the two deaths in Goa have occurred due to P-vivax.
When TOI contacted officials at Institut de Veille Sanitaire, they downplayed it stating that they “don’t foresee a significant public health impact on French nationals visiting Goa”.
“French guidelines for prevention of malaria in travellers recommend malaria prophylaxis when visiting India in general. Therefore, French tourists visiting India — and Goa in particular — and who follow recommendations for preventing malaria and other vectorborne diseases can serenely
enjoy their stay,” informed Dr Arnaud Tarantola, Département International et Tropical, Institut de Veille Sanitaire, France.
Dr Tarantola added, “Scientific research on P-vivax malaria is important as it helps to ascertain emerging trends, foresee complications or guide treatment in endemic settings or in tourists returning from P- vivax-endemic areas, who did not observe recommendations”.
In French territories, malaria is prevalent in French Guyana (located on the South American continent and bordering Surinam and Brazil) and in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian ocean located near Madagascar.
Even as P-vivax prevails in French Guyana and P-falciparum in Mayotte, malaria has been successfully eliminated in several other territories.
People from the tourism sector in Goa have also woken up to the need to keep their surroundings clean and destroy all mosquito breeding grounds.
“All our members have been asked to keep their property and surrounding areas clean. Besides, they have been asked to clean contaminated ponds in their vicinity to ensure that Goa is clean and safe for tourists and locals,” added Travel and Tourism Association of Goa president Ralph de Souza.
2008 Jul 31 Times Of India Goa
Russian at IPHB refuses to leave Goa
Russian at IPHB refuses to leave Goa
Says He Loves India And Won’t Go Back Even Though His Visa Expired In Sept 2007
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A 28-year-old Russian has the Russian consulate in Mumbai and the Goa government in a quandary as he “refuses to leave Goa because he loves India”.
However, his Goa junket may just be cut short as his visa has expired and the Russian consulate plans to pack him off to Russia for psychiatric treatment. Alexander’s visa expired in September 2007.
Alexander (name changed) was admitted to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) on June 11, 2008.
Sources at the IPHB reveal that he constantly insists on staying in Goa. The sources also added that when the Russian counsulate’s legal counsel in Goa visited him (Alexander) recently, he refused to entertain the lawyer.
“He feels that the lawyer wants to send him back to Russia. Besides, he keeps saying “Satya meva jayate. Mera Bharat mahan”, the sources said.
“We are looking into the matter and hope that after due clearance from the Goa government we can take him back to Russia where he can continue his treatment,” said counsel for the Russian consulate in Mumbai, Vikram Varma.
IPHB medical superintendent B S Cuncoliencar said, “This is the third time that he has been admitted to the hospital. Whenever he recovers we discharge him and advise him that he is fit to return to Russia but he refuses to go. It appears that he wants to stay in Goa.”
The hospital authorities have also written to the foreigners’ registration office (FRO) informing them about the patient’s condition and requesting them to inform the Russian consulate.
Alexander was admitted to the IPHB following a complaint from the Calangute police that an “unknown male, appearing to be a foreigner giving all vague answers, of unsound mind was wandering in the market and creating a nuisance in public places.”
He was first picked up by the Mapusa police for being a “public nuisance” and admitted to the IPHB in March 2008 for almost 25 days.
Later in April he was picked up again by the police and sent to the IPHB where he was treated for almost 20 days.
Doctors at the IPHB have diagnosed the illness as substance induced psychotic disorder. However, Alexander has now recovered.
They also opined that Alexander is now “fit for discharge” from the IPHB but needs to follow up with a mental health professional on a regular basis.
2008 Aug 06 Times Of India Goa
Says He Loves India And Won’t Go Back Even Though His Visa Expired In Sept 2007
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A 28-year-old Russian has the Russian consulate in Mumbai and the Goa government in a quandary as he “refuses to leave Goa because he loves India”.
However, his Goa junket may just be cut short as his visa has expired and the Russian consulate plans to pack him off to Russia for psychiatric treatment. Alexander’s visa expired in September 2007.
Alexander (name changed) was admitted to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) on June 11, 2008.
Sources at the IPHB reveal that he constantly insists on staying in Goa. The sources also added that when the Russian counsulate’s legal counsel in Goa visited him (Alexander) recently, he refused to entertain the lawyer.
“He feels that the lawyer wants to send him back to Russia. Besides, he keeps saying “Satya meva jayate. Mera Bharat mahan”, the sources said.
“We are looking into the matter and hope that after due clearance from the Goa government we can take him back to Russia where he can continue his treatment,” said counsel for the Russian consulate in Mumbai, Vikram Varma.
IPHB medical superintendent B S Cuncoliencar said, “This is the third time that he has been admitted to the hospital. Whenever he recovers we discharge him and advise him that he is fit to return to Russia but he refuses to go. It appears that he wants to stay in Goa.”
The hospital authorities have also written to the foreigners’ registration office (FRO) informing them about the patient’s condition and requesting them to inform the Russian consulate.
Alexander was admitted to the IPHB following a complaint from the Calangute police that an “unknown male, appearing to be a foreigner giving all vague answers, of unsound mind was wandering in the market and creating a nuisance in public places.”
He was first picked up by the Mapusa police for being a “public nuisance” and admitted to the IPHB in March 2008 for almost 25 days.
Later in April he was picked up again by the police and sent to the IPHB where he was treated for almost 20 days.
Doctors at the IPHB have diagnosed the illness as substance induced psychotic disorder. However, Alexander has now recovered.
They also opined that Alexander is now “fit for discharge” from the IPHB but needs to follow up with a mental health professional on a regular basis.
2008 Aug 06 Times Of India Goa
Order on foreigners’ panchanamas flouted
Order on foreigners’ panchanamas flouted
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Shocked by the manner in which a police officer carried out the inquest panchanama of the body of a foreign national, on December 15, 1997, the then top boss of the Goa police passed an order stating that in the event of a death of a foreign national, the panchanama had to be only handled by the concerned sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) or a supervisory officer - not below the rank of police inspector.
However, till date, the instructions have only remained on paper and have not been followed. Information available with TOI reveals that despite the circular issued by IGP P R S Brar in 1997, several senior officers allowed their juniors, some of them probationary officers, to conduct the inquest panchanamas.
These facts have come to light following documents made available by the government under the Right To Information Act. The documents reveal that from 1998 to 2007, about 177 inquest panchanamas relating to foreigners, under section 174 of CrPC, were conducted by PSIs and even probationary PSIs.
Despite strict instructions, in the last ten years, 69 unnatural deaths of foreigners in Calangute, 33 in Anjuna, 20 in Panaji, 5 in Porvorim, 17 in Mapusa, 21 in Colva, 2 in Canacona, 7 in Vasco, 2 in Verna and one in Cuncolim, were handled by PSIs.
“The very fact that the circular has been issued means that you shouldn’t be violating it, and the officer who is violating it is doing it at his own risk,” said SP (North) Bosco George. Echoing SP George’s views, SP (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “It is mandatory for the officer in-charge of the police station to follow the circular and take action accordingly.”
The IGP had passed the order after a police officer was implicated in a criminal case for alleged encashment of traveller cheques belonging to a dead foreigner. These cheques were reportedly taken into custody by the officer while conducting the inquest panchanama. The IGP had then observed that “such attitude of the officer is highly objectionable and had tarnished the image of police department”.
In order to avoid such malpractices, the IGP issued an order that henceforth whenever any information relating to death of a foreign national is received at the police station, prompt information must be given to the concerned SDPO/supervisory officer before proceeding to the spot, and the inquest panchanama and inventory of the personal belongings of the deceased foreigner be made in the presence of SDPO. The concerned SDPO also had to closely supervise the investigation in such cases till the case was disposed off. All officers in-charge of police stations were directed to comply strictly with the instructions and were warned that any deviation of these instructions would be viewed seriously.
It is only after 10 years, IGP Brar’s circular gained significance, following the alleged rape and murder of Scarlett Keeling at Anjuna beach.
It may be recalled that PSI Nerlon Albuquerque, officerin-charge of Anjuna police station, was dismissed because he adopted a callous attitude and sent a probationary PSI to conduct the inquest panchnama of Scarlett’s body.
2008 Aug 07 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Shocked by the manner in which a police officer carried out the inquest panchanama of the body of a foreign national, on December 15, 1997, the then top boss of the Goa police passed an order stating that in the event of a death of a foreign national, the panchanama had to be only handled by the concerned sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) or a supervisory officer - not below the rank of police inspector.
However, till date, the instructions have only remained on paper and have not been followed. Information available with TOI reveals that despite the circular issued by IGP P R S Brar in 1997, several senior officers allowed their juniors, some of them probationary officers, to conduct the inquest panchanamas.
These facts have come to light following documents made available by the government under the Right To Information Act. The documents reveal that from 1998 to 2007, about 177 inquest panchanamas relating to foreigners, under section 174 of CrPC, were conducted by PSIs and even probationary PSIs.
Despite strict instructions, in the last ten years, 69 unnatural deaths of foreigners in Calangute, 33 in Anjuna, 20 in Panaji, 5 in Porvorim, 17 in Mapusa, 21 in Colva, 2 in Canacona, 7 in Vasco, 2 in Verna and one in Cuncolim, were handled by PSIs.
“The very fact that the circular has been issued means that you shouldn’t be violating it, and the officer who is violating it is doing it at his own risk,” said SP (North) Bosco George. Echoing SP George’s views, SP (South) Shekhar Prabhudessai said, “It is mandatory for the officer in-charge of the police station to follow the circular and take action accordingly.”
The IGP had passed the order after a police officer was implicated in a criminal case for alleged encashment of traveller cheques belonging to a dead foreigner. These cheques were reportedly taken into custody by the officer while conducting the inquest panchanama. The IGP had then observed that “such attitude of the officer is highly objectionable and had tarnished the image of police department”.
In order to avoid such malpractices, the IGP issued an order that henceforth whenever any information relating to death of a foreign national is received at the police station, prompt information must be given to the concerned SDPO/supervisory officer before proceeding to the spot, and the inquest panchanama and inventory of the personal belongings of the deceased foreigner be made in the presence of SDPO. The concerned SDPO also had to closely supervise the investigation in such cases till the case was disposed off. All officers in-charge of police stations were directed to comply strictly with the instructions and were warned that any deviation of these instructions would be viewed seriously.
It is only after 10 years, IGP Brar’s circular gained significance, following the alleged rape and murder of Scarlett Keeling at Anjuna beach.
It may be recalled that PSI Nerlon Albuquerque, officerin-charge of Anjuna police station, was dismissed because he adopted a callous attitude and sent a probationary PSI to conduct the inquest panchnama of Scarlett’s body.
2008 Aug 07 Times Of India Goa
Yemeni students in city under Goa police scanner
Yemeni students in city under Goa police scanner
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: An institute teaching foreign students how to speak better English shouldn’t be a security concern. But then again schools teaching students how to fly planes wasn’t in the pre-9/11 era. The fact that there is an institute in Goa’s capital city with 42 Yemenese students, all with poor attendance record, has security agencies alarmed in the in the wake of the consecutive serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
Police say the presence of so many students with “dodgy” credentials from a country known to have contributed substantial number of footsoldiers to Al-Qaida’s jehad is worrying, but the school authorities, while admitting that 42 of the 44 students were from Yemen, say there is nothing illegal or alarming about it.
However, Goa police have written to various state government authorities as well as the Goa University drawing their attention to the functioning of ‘Fluency Academy’ located in a commercial building on 18th June Road.
“We are verifying to ensure that there is no terrorist angle. Things are not in order in the institute and we want to be sure that it is not a front for any terrorist organisation. Prevention is better than cure,” North Goa SP Bosco George told TOI.
Police officials said that this is perhaps the first instance of its kind where Arabs are coming on student visas to study in an educational institute that is not recognized by any government or university body. All the institute has is a trade license from the Corporation of City of Panaji. Even that licence, obtained on November 30, 2007, expired on March 31, 2008. The Panaji police have now written to the CCP asking to explain on what basis the CCP gave the license to the institute. ‘Yemeni students have very poor attendance’
Panaji: A private institute in Panaji which has 42 Yemeni students is under the police scanner.
The institute is not recognized by the government, not affiliated to any university. Yemen is known to have sent a number of terrorists for Al-Qaida’s jehad.
“They have not obtained any NOC from the state government nor has Goa University issued any affiliation to the institute. Such institutes operating in the state are a big problem and we are trying to put a mechanism in place to keep a check on such institutes,” said director of higher education Bhaskar Nayak.
Fluency Academy runs three courses to “teach English”.
They are of three months, six months and nine months duration and the fee is just Rs 1,000 a month apart from Rs 600 for registration.
Panaji police inspector Francis Corte said they had
checked the attendance of the 42 Yemenese students and found them to be “very poor”.
The police are now probing what these students have been up to.
“With the increasing threat perception in the state, we want to be sure that these students are really here to study,” he said.
Corte tried to downplay the alarm in security circles saying it was just a “a preventive exercise”.
He, however, added that the police were in the process of identifying other institutes that are not recognized and have foreign students.
The police started probing the institute after they received a letter from the consul of Saudi Arabia stating that the number of Saudis and other foreign nationals residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been applying for grant of student visas to learn the English language on the basis of certificates issued by Fluency Academy.
Director of the institute, Nashima Beig, said, “We have 44 students, of which 42 are from Yemen and two from India.”
She denied her students were a security threat and claimed that somebody was trying to ruin the institute’s reputation.
“Our institute is legal and we issue diploma certificates to the students after they finish the course. We have recently applied to CCP for renewal of the license and also to the state government for recognition,” added Beig.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: An institute teaching foreign students how to speak better English shouldn’t be a security concern. But then again schools teaching students how to fly planes wasn’t in the pre-9/11 era. The fact that there is an institute in Goa’s capital city with 42 Yemenese students, all with poor attendance record, has security agencies alarmed in the in the wake of the consecutive serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
Police say the presence of so many students with “dodgy” credentials from a country known to have contributed substantial number of footsoldiers to Al-Qaida’s jehad is worrying, but the school authorities, while admitting that 42 of the 44 students were from Yemen, say there is nothing illegal or alarming about it.
However, Goa police have written to various state government authorities as well as the Goa University drawing their attention to the functioning of ‘Fluency Academy’ located in a commercial building on 18th June Road.
“We are verifying to ensure that there is no terrorist angle. Things are not in order in the institute and we want to be sure that it is not a front for any terrorist organisation. Prevention is better than cure,” North Goa SP Bosco George told TOI.
Police officials said that this is perhaps the first instance of its kind where Arabs are coming on student visas to study in an educational institute that is not recognized by any government or university body. All the institute has is a trade license from the Corporation of City of Panaji. Even that licence, obtained on November 30, 2007, expired on March 31, 2008. The Panaji police have now written to the CCP asking to explain on what basis the CCP gave the license to the institute. ‘Yemeni students have very poor attendance’
Panaji: A private institute in Panaji which has 42 Yemeni students is under the police scanner.
The institute is not recognized by the government, not affiliated to any university. Yemen is known to have sent a number of terrorists for Al-Qaida’s jehad.
“They have not obtained any NOC from the state government nor has Goa University issued any affiliation to the institute. Such institutes operating in the state are a big problem and we are trying to put a mechanism in place to keep a check on such institutes,” said director of higher education Bhaskar Nayak.
Fluency Academy runs three courses to “teach English”.
They are of three months, six months and nine months duration and the fee is just Rs 1,000 a month apart from Rs 600 for registration.
Panaji police inspector Francis Corte said they had
checked the attendance of the 42 Yemenese students and found them to be “very poor”.
The police are now probing what these students have been up to.
“With the increasing threat perception in the state, we want to be sure that these students are really here to study,” he said.
Corte tried to downplay the alarm in security circles saying it was just a “a preventive exercise”.
He, however, added that the police were in the process of identifying other institutes that are not recognized and have foreign students.
The police started probing the institute after they received a letter from the consul of Saudi Arabia stating that the number of Saudis and other foreign nationals residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been applying for grant of student visas to learn the English language on the basis of certificates issued by Fluency Academy.
Director of the institute, Nashima Beig, said, “We have 44 students, of which 42 are from Yemen and two from India.”
She denied her students were a security threat and claimed that somebody was trying to ruin the institute’s reputation.
“Our institute is legal and we issue diploma certificates to the students after they finish the course. We have recently applied to CCP for renewal of the license and also to the state government for recognition,” added Beig.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
‘I’m not secure with cops’
‘I’m not secure with cops’
Monserrate Still Sore With Police, Refuses Security Cover
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The cold war between Taleigao MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate and the Goa police refuses to die down. On Tuesday night, the newly swornin minister dismissed the policemen sent to protect him.
“I don’t want police security. I will ask for it when I want it,” Monserrate said. The police, according to protocol, had sent a team—a personal security officer and an armed guard comprising a head constable and three police constables—to Monserrate’s residence soon after he was sworn in as minister. SP (security) Tony Fernandes confirmed that Monserrate has refused police security. “As he said he did not want police cover, we have referred the matter to our superiors,” he said.
Explaining his refusal to accept police security, Monserrate said, “I am not secure with the police. I am hurt for the wrong things they did to me and my family.”
He was referring to the police action that followed against him and his family after he and his supporters attacked Panaji police station on February 19, 2008. “This scar will never be wiped out from my mind and I will never forget what happened to my family. After the incident, I look at every policeman suspiciously.”
After 32 of their colleagues were injured, the police had filed an FIR against 524 people, including Monserrate and his wife, for attempt to murder. They then rushed to Monserrate’s house and ransacked it, beat up his minor son and arrested the MLA and his wife. Since then, his ties with the police have been strained. Babush’s induction affects police morale
Panaji: Taleigao MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate believes he had done nothing wrong in attacking the Panaji police station in 2008.
DGP B S Brar had called the attack on the police station “preplanned”. Since then, relations between the police and Monserrate have been strained. Itis pertinent to note that during his earlier stint as a minister, Monserrate did have police security.
“I have not done any harm to anyone and don’t need police protection. Even when I had security persons, I rarely used them,” he added.
Privately, many cops admit that they are enraged and shocked by Monserrate’s induction in the cabinet. Officials admit that Monserrate is unforgiving and can be brutal when in power.
“This has really affected the morale of several policemen and they are obviously worried,” said a senior official. Monserrate to get education, archives
Chief minister Digambar Kamat confirmed that Monserrate would be allotted the portfolios of Education, Technical Education and Archives and Archaeology. Of the three, Kamat currently holds Education and Archives and Archeology, while Technical Education was held by Dayanand Narvekar. The formal handover of portfolios is expected after the assembly session beginning on August 18.
2008 Aug 07 Times Of India Goa
Monserrate Still Sore With Police, Refuses Security Cover
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The cold war between Taleigao MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate and the Goa police refuses to die down. On Tuesday night, the newly swornin minister dismissed the policemen sent to protect him.
“I don’t want police security. I will ask for it when I want it,” Monserrate said. The police, according to protocol, had sent a team—a personal security officer and an armed guard comprising a head constable and three police constables—to Monserrate’s residence soon after he was sworn in as minister. SP (security) Tony Fernandes confirmed that Monserrate has refused police security. “As he said he did not want police cover, we have referred the matter to our superiors,” he said.
Explaining his refusal to accept police security, Monserrate said, “I am not secure with the police. I am hurt for the wrong things they did to me and my family.”
He was referring to the police action that followed against him and his family after he and his supporters attacked Panaji police station on February 19, 2008. “This scar will never be wiped out from my mind and I will never forget what happened to my family. After the incident, I look at every policeman suspiciously.”
After 32 of their colleagues were injured, the police had filed an FIR against 524 people, including Monserrate and his wife, for attempt to murder. They then rushed to Monserrate’s house and ransacked it, beat up his minor son and arrested the MLA and his wife. Since then, his ties with the police have been strained. Babush’s induction affects police morale
Panaji: Taleigao MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate believes he had done nothing wrong in attacking the Panaji police station in 2008.
DGP B S Brar had called the attack on the police station “preplanned”. Since then, relations between the police and Monserrate have been strained. Itis pertinent to note that during his earlier stint as a minister, Monserrate did have police security.
“I have not done any harm to anyone and don’t need police protection. Even when I had security persons, I rarely used them,” he added.
Privately, many cops admit that they are enraged and shocked by Monserrate’s induction in the cabinet. Officials admit that Monserrate is unforgiving and can be brutal when in power.
“This has really affected the morale of several policemen and they are obviously worried,” said a senior official. Monserrate to get education, archives
Chief minister Digambar Kamat confirmed that Monserrate would be allotted the portfolios of Education, Technical Education and Archives and Archaeology. Of the three, Kamat currently holds Education and Archives and Archeology, while Technical Education was held by Dayanand Narvekar. The formal handover of portfolios is expected after the assembly session beginning on August 18.
2008 Aug 07 Times Of India Goa
Anchors of hope...and rightly so
Anchors of hope...and rightly so
Preetu Nair
meets a group of women who bring hope to the needy and disadvantaged by just giving them some love and attention
What does an old lady who has almost everything, but no one to talk to need? A listener. What does an innocent child, who has no one to call his own in the world pray for? A mate. What does a brilliant student, who has no money to continue education dream off ? A donor.
a listener, a mate, a donor, each is anchor of hope for the disadvantaged. And that, an anchor of hope, is exactly what a group of women aspire to be.
Elegant, yet simple Deanne D’Souza (43) from Caranzalem is the brain behind the five-year-old, “Anchor of Hope” consisting of a bunch of women, resident in Goa and who’s husbands are out sailing the high seas.
Deanne, a homemaker and mother of two teenaged daughters, wanted to do something different, but didn’t quite know what. That’s when she banded together with a lot of other sailor’s wives — Camilla Lobo, Yvonne D ’ S o u z a , Genevieve D’- Souza, Lavina Abreu, Maria Pe re i r a , M a ro u s h k a R a s q u i n h a , Daphne Raghuram, Celine Rodrigues, Leonie Saldanha and Melissa Conceicao who are also homemakers, and Angela Sequeira and Roselyn Pereira who are both working. The group takes it’s name from their’s husband’s professions.
They started their work simply. “We realized we had everything and so decided to share it with others. We started spending time with women in old age homes, just talking and listening to them. The whole effort helped us develop as human beings and at the end of the day we felt accomplished,” said Deanne.
Well organised, each of them has been entrusted with a specialised task. From providing emotional support, organising games and picnics and providing medicines to orphan and HIV positive children and elderly citizens in old age homes, they now also provide financial help.
The finance for their programme comes from three sources: their monthly donation of minimum Rs 100 per person to build up a basic fund, from jumble sales and donations from friends, family and relatives who believe in the work the women are doing. “Orphaned children and old women want some love and attention. The glow on their faces when they see you is the greatest blessing. Besides, we have also funded the education of about 27 persons,” said Camilla.
An intervention of theirs they are proud of is when they were approached by the daughter of a toddy tapper for help. A brilliant student, the girl had obtained the qualifying marks for the BBA course, but had no money for the fees. That’s when the Anchor of Hope came to the girl’s rescue and agreed to pay the fees amounting to Rs 25,000 per annum.
But it was not easy coming up with the money. That’s when they hit upon the idea of a garage sale and came up with the necessary funds for the girl and others in her position.“We try to help in whichever way possible but our hurdle is that sometimes our hands are tied due to lack of funds. Since we are not a registered organisation, we can’t really raise large amounts in funds,” says Genevieve.
What keeps the group going is the encouragement they get from their spouses, families and others. “People have gone out of their way to encourage and help us. It is fantastic to see several people wanting to help us in their own small way,” added Deanne. And in a bid to inculcate this virtue in the younger generation, they have now got their children involved in the work.
An incident that gave the anchors of hope an idea of just how much of a difference they have made in the lives of others, is when a boy they had funded for a hotel management course, returned to meet them and gave them a token sum stating: “With help from you, I could finish my education and get a respectable job. Now I want to return the money you spent on me, to ensure that some other child benefits.” The group has truly been an anchor of hope to many.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair
meets a group of women who bring hope to the needy and disadvantaged by just giving them some love and attention
What does an old lady who has almost everything, but no one to talk to need? A listener. What does an innocent child, who has no one to call his own in the world pray for? A mate. What does a brilliant student, who has no money to continue education dream off ? A donor.
a listener, a mate, a donor, each is anchor of hope for the disadvantaged. And that, an anchor of hope, is exactly what a group of women aspire to be.
Elegant, yet simple Deanne D’Souza (43) from Caranzalem is the brain behind the five-year-old, “Anchor of Hope” consisting of a bunch of women, resident in Goa and who’s husbands are out sailing the high seas.
Deanne, a homemaker and mother of two teenaged daughters, wanted to do something different, but didn’t quite know what. That’s when she banded together with a lot of other sailor’s wives — Camilla Lobo, Yvonne D ’ S o u z a , Genevieve D’- Souza, Lavina Abreu, Maria Pe re i r a , M a ro u s h k a R a s q u i n h a , Daphne Raghuram, Celine Rodrigues, Leonie Saldanha and Melissa Conceicao who are also homemakers, and Angela Sequeira and Roselyn Pereira who are both working. The group takes it’s name from their’s husband’s professions.
They started their work simply. “We realized we had everything and so decided to share it with others. We started spending time with women in old age homes, just talking and listening to them. The whole effort helped us develop as human beings and at the end of the day we felt accomplished,” said Deanne.
Well organised, each of them has been entrusted with a specialised task. From providing emotional support, organising games and picnics and providing medicines to orphan and HIV positive children and elderly citizens in old age homes, they now also provide financial help.
The finance for their programme comes from three sources: their monthly donation of minimum Rs 100 per person to build up a basic fund, from jumble sales and donations from friends, family and relatives who believe in the work the women are doing. “Orphaned children and old women want some love and attention. The glow on their faces when they see you is the greatest blessing. Besides, we have also funded the education of about 27 persons,” said Camilla.
An intervention of theirs they are proud of is when they were approached by the daughter of a toddy tapper for help. A brilliant student, the girl had obtained the qualifying marks for the BBA course, but had no money for the fees. That’s when the Anchor of Hope came to the girl’s rescue and agreed to pay the fees amounting to Rs 25,000 per annum.
But it was not easy coming up with the money. That’s when they hit upon the idea of a garage sale and came up with the necessary funds for the girl and others in her position.“We try to help in whichever way possible but our hurdle is that sometimes our hands are tied due to lack of funds. Since we are not a registered organisation, we can’t really raise large amounts in funds,” says Genevieve.
What keeps the group going is the encouragement they get from their spouses, families and others. “People have gone out of their way to encourage and help us. It is fantastic to see several people wanting to help us in their own small way,” added Deanne. And in a bid to inculcate this virtue in the younger generation, they have now got their children involved in the work.
An incident that gave the anchors of hope an idea of just how much of a difference they have made in the lives of others, is when a boy they had funded for a hotel management course, returned to meet them and gave them a token sum stating: “With help from you, I could finish my education and get a respectable job. Now I want to return the money you spent on me, to ensure that some other child benefits.” The group has truly been an anchor of hope to many.
2008 Jul 28 Times Of India Goa
Sun, surf, sand & education
Sun, surf, sand & education
The over 46 university-affiliated colleges in the state are attracting hundreds of students from as many as 35 countries across the globe, discover Preetu Nair & Brenton Cordeiro
Drop by some of the college campuses today and chances are you will find several foreign faces among the hordes of Goan youngsters.
In the last three years, the over 46 colleges affiliated to the 22-year-old Goa University have been playing host to an increased number of foreign students.
While 103 youngsters trooped in from abroad to study in the state in 2005, the number jumped to 320 last year.
Of these, the maximum are 165 who have come from Yemen, 52 from Afghanistan and 25 from Britain. Though statistics for this year aren’t available with the university, officials said the number “has increased”. The social sciences stream is the most popular for a degree.
Dr B Rodrigues, the foreign student advisor at the Goa University, said the increase in foreign students studying in Goa has come on account of the “Prime Minister’s interest in bringing students from developing countries to Indian institutes”.
“The PM sees these students as potential goodwill ambassadors for the country when they return home,” said Rodrigues.
Goa attracts students from 35 countries including Germany, Russia, Korea, Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Great Britain, Tanzania, the Middle East and Bangladesh.
“They apply to the colleges either on a self-financing basis or through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) which offers them scholarships,” said Dr Shrikant Deshpande, principal, Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar.
“The (foreign) students are sincere in their academic efforts and interact regularly with teachers,” said Joao Costa, vice principal, Rosary College, Navelim.
Demilade Adisak, a Nigerian student who came to Goa in 2006 and is pursuing her third year science degree at Dhempe’s, is among several from her country who chose Goan colleges over other institutions in Asia. “The average cost of studying in Goa is almost one-fourth of what is charged at our private colleges back home. Besides the quality of education here is much better,” said Adisak who is here on a selffinancing basis.
Goa’s ‘party destination’ tag is an additional attraction. Afghanistan-native Walia Shinzai, a second year economics student at Dhempe’s said he chose Goa, even though his counterparts chose educational institutes in other parts of the country especially Pune, “because I found it to be a fun place”.
“You can party and enjoy even as you learn. I love that,” said Shinzai.
Sudan-native Mohammed Idriss, a final year economics student at Dhempe’s, sees Goa as a stepping stone to going abroad. “I was weak in English and in Goa I have learnt to speak and write it better. This is definitely going to help me to pursue my further studies in the UK,” said Idriss.
Deshpande added, “The foreign students are often weak in English and this is a major concern. But the Goa University has planned short-term courses in English to aid such students.”
Incidentally, while foreign students don’t mind pursuing their graduation in Goa, many aren’t keen on a post graduation degree from the state.
While some blame this decision on Goa’s poor job market scenario, others said a European university degree would give them a more competitive edge.
“No amount of degrees or expertise from Goa can guarantee a student a decent and well-paying job. A foreign degree from a European university or the US will give us the much-needed edge in the job market,” said Shinzai.
Meanwhile, if students from abroad like studying in the state, their Goan counterparts too have accepted the added competition. “A few of my juniors are from abroad and they’re really serious about their studies,” said Nadia D’Silva, a final year student from Saraswati College, Mapusa.
All is not smooth sailing, though. The principal of a South Goa-based college, speaking on condition of anonymity said, “The initial batches of foreign students that came to study in Goa did really well in their studies. The later lot however, have not been regular with their studies and have often got into controversies, which in turn, have brought them under the purview of the police.”
Another principal added that some students “often bunk classes” and “are involved in illegal activities”. “Most of the foreign students have a problem coping with the syllabus and there have been a few cases in which the students got into trouble with the police over drugs,” alleged the principal of a North Goa based institute.
In the wake of the recent bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, police sources added that students, specially those studying in unrecognised institutes, were being investigated.
But terror fear or no, academicians insist the number of students coming from abroad are increasing and will continue to do so. TNN
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
The over 46 university-affiliated colleges in the state are attracting hundreds of students from as many as 35 countries across the globe, discover Preetu Nair & Brenton Cordeiro
Drop by some of the college campuses today and chances are you will find several foreign faces among the hordes of Goan youngsters.
In the last three years, the over 46 colleges affiliated to the 22-year-old Goa University have been playing host to an increased number of foreign students.
While 103 youngsters trooped in from abroad to study in the state in 2005, the number jumped to 320 last year.
Of these, the maximum are 165 who have come from Yemen, 52 from Afghanistan and 25 from Britain. Though statistics for this year aren’t available with the university, officials said the number “has increased”. The social sciences stream is the most popular for a degree.
Dr B Rodrigues, the foreign student advisor at the Goa University, said the increase in foreign students studying in Goa has come on account of the “Prime Minister’s interest in bringing students from developing countries to Indian institutes”.
“The PM sees these students as potential goodwill ambassadors for the country when they return home,” said Rodrigues.
Goa attracts students from 35 countries including Germany, Russia, Korea, Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Great Britain, Tanzania, the Middle East and Bangladesh.
“They apply to the colleges either on a self-financing basis or through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) which offers them scholarships,” said Dr Shrikant Deshpande, principal, Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar.
“The (foreign) students are sincere in their academic efforts and interact regularly with teachers,” said Joao Costa, vice principal, Rosary College, Navelim.
Demilade Adisak, a Nigerian student who came to Goa in 2006 and is pursuing her third year science degree at Dhempe’s, is among several from her country who chose Goan colleges over other institutions in Asia. “The average cost of studying in Goa is almost one-fourth of what is charged at our private colleges back home. Besides the quality of education here is much better,” said Adisak who is here on a selffinancing basis.
Goa’s ‘party destination’ tag is an additional attraction. Afghanistan-native Walia Shinzai, a second year economics student at Dhempe’s said he chose Goa, even though his counterparts chose educational institutes in other parts of the country especially Pune, “because I found it to be a fun place”.
“You can party and enjoy even as you learn. I love that,” said Shinzai.
Sudan-native Mohammed Idriss, a final year economics student at Dhempe’s, sees Goa as a stepping stone to going abroad. “I was weak in English and in Goa I have learnt to speak and write it better. This is definitely going to help me to pursue my further studies in the UK,” said Idriss.
Deshpande added, “The foreign students are often weak in English and this is a major concern. But the Goa University has planned short-term courses in English to aid such students.”
Incidentally, while foreign students don’t mind pursuing their graduation in Goa, many aren’t keen on a post graduation degree from the state.
While some blame this decision on Goa’s poor job market scenario, others said a European university degree would give them a more competitive edge.
“No amount of degrees or expertise from Goa can guarantee a student a decent and well-paying job. A foreign degree from a European university or the US will give us the much-needed edge in the job market,” said Shinzai.
Meanwhile, if students from abroad like studying in the state, their Goan counterparts too have accepted the added competition. “A few of my juniors are from abroad and they’re really serious about their studies,” said Nadia D’Silva, a final year student from Saraswati College, Mapusa.
All is not smooth sailing, though. The principal of a South Goa-based college, speaking on condition of anonymity said, “The initial batches of foreign students that came to study in Goa did really well in their studies. The later lot however, have not been regular with their studies and have often got into controversies, which in turn, have brought them under the purview of the police.”
Another principal added that some students “often bunk classes” and “are involved in illegal activities”. “Most of the foreign students have a problem coping with the syllabus and there have been a few cases in which the students got into trouble with the police over drugs,” alleged the principal of a North Goa based institute.
In the wake of the recent bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, police sources added that students, specially those studying in unrecognised institutes, were being investigated.
But terror fear or no, academicians insist the number of students coming from abroad are increasing and will continue to do so. TNN
2008 Jul 30 Times Of India Goa
Dos & don’ts for foreigners in Goa
SETTING SOME GROUND RULES
Dos & don’ts for foreigners in Goa
Hoardings To Guide Visitors On Safety
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When in Rome, you can do as the Romans do, but in Goa you better do what the government tells you to. And this is for your safety, the Goa government plans to tell foreign tourists flocking to the state.
If they notice the sale of drugs or any paedophile activity, foreign tourists should inform the police. This is just one in the long list of ‘dos’ prescribed for them that will soon be displayed on hoardings at tourist hotspots. These dos and don’ts will now be displayed prominently at beaches frequented by foreigners in north Goa and outside hotels in the coastal areas. Every police station will have to ensure that the hoardings are displayed in their jurisdiction before August 31. This move follows the Scarlett Keeling episode as well as reports of attacks on Russians.
The dos are simple: foreigners need to register themselves with the Foreigner’s Registration Office if their visa permits a stay of over 180 days, employ guides registered with the tourism department and ensure that the ‘C’ form is filled by the hotels and sent to the nearest police station.
There are six don’ts for foreigners: Don’t indulge in trade/consumption of narcotic drugs or any paedophile activity. Do not move alone in isolated places late at night, do not seek lifts from strangers, do not overstay, do not drive a vehicle without a license and do not indulge in commercial activity if on a tourist visa.
2008 Jul 21, The Times of India, Mumbai
Dos & don’ts for foreigners in Goa
Hoardings To Guide Visitors On Safety
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When in Rome, you can do as the Romans do, but in Goa you better do what the government tells you to. And this is for your safety, the Goa government plans to tell foreign tourists flocking to the state.
If they notice the sale of drugs or any paedophile activity, foreign tourists should inform the police. This is just one in the long list of ‘dos’ prescribed for them that will soon be displayed on hoardings at tourist hotspots. These dos and don’ts will now be displayed prominently at beaches frequented by foreigners in north Goa and outside hotels in the coastal areas. Every police station will have to ensure that the hoardings are displayed in their jurisdiction before August 31. This move follows the Scarlett Keeling episode as well as reports of attacks on Russians.
The dos are simple: foreigners need to register themselves with the Foreigner’s Registration Office if their visa permits a stay of over 180 days, employ guides registered with the tourism department and ensure that the ‘C’ form is filled by the hotels and sent to the nearest police station.
There are six don’ts for foreigners: Don’t indulge in trade/consumption of narcotic drugs or any paedophile activity. Do not move alone in isolated places late at night, do not seek lifts from strangers, do not overstay, do not drive a vehicle without a license and do not indulge in commercial activity if on a tourist visa.
2008 Jul 21, The Times of India, Mumbai
Guards, hawkers to double as sleuths
Guards, hawkers to double as sleuths
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The next tourist season won’t be business as usual for security guards, tourist guides, local panwallahs, taxi drivers and hawkers in Goa’s coastal belt. Along with routine work, they will also be expected to work as the eyes and ears of the Goa police to avert any terrorist attack in the state.
DGP B S Brar has issued directives to senior police officers to activate their beat patrolling, as well as focus on improving police-public relations. The main purpose of this, said top officials, is to ensure the police are able to generate intelligence and information from the public. “Security guards, panwallahs, taxi drivers, motorcycle pilots, hawkers, tourist guides, people working in guest houses and hotels come in touch with different people who visit or live in Goa. They can provide valuable criminal intelligence,’’ said SSP R S Yadav, adding Goa needed a a long-term strategy to counter terrorism.
2008 Jul 21, The Times of India, Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The next tourist season won’t be business as usual for security guards, tourist guides, local panwallahs, taxi drivers and hawkers in Goa’s coastal belt. Along with routine work, they will also be expected to work as the eyes and ears of the Goa police to avert any terrorist attack in the state.
DGP B S Brar has issued directives to senior police officers to activate their beat patrolling, as well as focus on improving police-public relations. The main purpose of this, said top officials, is to ensure the police are able to generate intelligence and information from the public. “Security guards, panwallahs, taxi drivers, motorcycle pilots, hawkers, tourist guides, people working in guest houses and hotels come in touch with different people who visit or live in Goa. They can provide valuable criminal intelligence,’’ said SSP R S Yadav, adding Goa needed a a long-term strategy to counter terrorism.
2008 Jul 21, The Times of India, Mumbai
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