22 Dec,2010,HERALD PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD

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Sports: Chawla a surprise, Pg 14 Parthiv ignored Though men determine, the gods do dispose: and oft times many things fall out between the cup and the lip.

— Robert Greene

Prez suspends Lalli as CEO of Prasar Bharti PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 21

President Pratibha Patil tonight ordered the suspension of Prasar Bharti’s controversial CEO B S Lalli, who is in the eye of a storm facing allegations of irregularities in the country’s largest public broadcaster.

The order for the suspension has been signed by Patil, official sources said tonight. The order came on the eve of the President’s deparature to Hyderabad for the annual winter sojourn.

The Presidential action came after the PMO forwarded to Patil the letter by the I&B Ministry recommending the suspension of 63-year-old Lalli, a 1971-batch IAS officer of the UP cadre.

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LeT alert sounded in Mumbai, Ahmedabad PTI NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, DEC 21

The Centre today sounded a terror alert for Mumbai and Ahmedabad following specific intelligence inputs that Pakistanbased Lashkar-e-Taiba teams may have entered the two western cities to carry out strikes.

Security forces launched “house-to-house” searches in some specific areas in Mumbai while additional forces were deployed in all sensitive and crowded places, including markets, religious places, bus and railway stations in the two cities.

The police forces of the two cities have been put on high alert and specific instructions issued for taking all possible steps to foil any attempt by LeT terrorists to disturb peace, official sources said in New Delhi.

The intelligence inputs suggested that LeT teams have already entered Mumbai and Ahmedabad and may strike any time, the sources said.

In Mumbai, Police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal said “ex-

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There are conscious efforts by terror organisations to target foreigners during Christmas and New Year.

tensive” security measures have been put in place and an alert has been sounded in the city in the wake of inputs of terror threat ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities.

“There are conscious efforts by terror organisations to target foreigners during these two festivals here,” he said.

Security agencies have also mounted strict vigil especially in view of the visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to the country’s financial capital tomorrow.

Security has also been stepped up in the view of visit

by Medvedev and President Pratibha Patil tomorrow, Dayal said.

“We have been continuously receiving inputs from intelligence agencies about possible terror strikes. We are analysing these inputs and taking things very seriously,” the city police chief added.

Meanwhile, security has been strengthened at vital installations, railway stations, crowded areas, religious places and embassies, police said.

The bomb squad will conduct regular checks at the parking lots and quick response Team commandos and a strike mobile van have been deployed, they said.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 21

Burglars struck yet again in the commercial capital last night in a big way, looting a residential flat of gold ornaments valued over Rs 6 lakhs, exposing the police machinery’s failure in tackling rising thefts in the city.

The burglars made merry by also lifting away cash of Rs 50,000 from the flat located on the ground floor of the building in the Fatorda locality of the city.

The incident occurred when the Amonkar family had proceeded to their native village at Amona in Quepem taluka day two days ago to celebrate Datta Jayanti.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

Even as the Sunburn organizers have announced its three-day musical event, Home Minister Ravi Naik today said that they are yet to grant licenses for the festival slated to begin on December 27.

“I have not received any proposal seeking permission for the Sunburn festival. The festival cannot happen till the Home Ministry gives a go-ahead,” Naik told reporters.

The festival hit controversy after the death of Bangalorebased Meha Bahuguna due to suspected drug overdose at the venue last year. The Goa government thereafter released a

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar.

A finger print expert at work at the house of Vidya Amonkar.

This morning, the family received a call from a family friend informing that the flat was found open. The family’s worst fears came true after they returned

SAFETY ASSURED

Organizers of the Sunburn music festival have assured placing all possible security measures to ensure a safe event slated to begin from December 27 on Candolim beach.

Sunburn officials said that the event will sport 32 CCTV cameras, a two level manned security, sniffer (Continued on page 8)

fresh circular making it mandatory to all beach parties to obtain permission from the Home (Continued on page 8)

Snowfalls leave many stranded in Europe PTI LONDON, DEC 21

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2 jailbirds claim they were asked to kill CWG men PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 21

Two undertrials made a sensational claim before a local court today that they had been provided with a pistol and a knife allegedly by Tihar jail officials to kill two Commonwealth Games officials lodged in the high security prison on corruption charges.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Vinod Yadav took serious note of the claim and sought a detailed report on December

The duo claimed that the Tihar jail officials provided them a countrymade pistol and a knife to eliminate two of the three CWG officials.

Gold worth Rs 6 lakh looted in Margao

Sunburn hosts yet to get official nod

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Thousands of frustrated travellers remained stranded at airports across Europe for the fourth day today, even as authorities warned that disruption could last until after Christmas, following the heaviest snowfalls in decades.

Thousands of Christmas travellers were forced to sleep in airports and train stations across Europe as fresh snowfalls paralysed transport system.

At Heathrow, Britain’s busiest airport, hundreds are spending their fourth day stranded in terminal buildings which looked like Mumbai’s busy Victoria Terminus.

Beleaguered BAA, the operator of Heathrow, has scrapped two thirds of today’s schedule and

one of the two runways is still closed, despite it not snowing heavily since Saturday morning.

Air India operated two flights to India yesterday, one to New Delhi and the other to Mumbai, but no flights were allowed to take off to India today, a spokesperson of the airlines told Press Trust of India The British Airways operated its London-Delhi flight yesterday, though it took off after the passengers spent four hours inside the plane at the Terminal 5.

“Passengers should anticipate further delays,” a BAA spokesman said.

The operator warned “significant cancellations” would last until at least tomorrow and that many part of the airfield would be out of action until tomorrow morning “at the earliest”.

to the city when the flat was ransacked by the miscreants.

House owner Vidya Vinod Amonkar informed that the miscreants lifted away the gold ornaments from the house. She said the miscreants effected entry into the flat by breaking the locks on the iron gate and the door. “The thieves have lifted away all the gold ornaments.

The value of the ornaments is over Rs 6 lakhs”, she said.

A small gold item placed near the place of worship was also not spared by the miscreants.

Amonkar said that the miscreants managed to lay their hands on cash of Rs 50,000, part of which belongs to the housing (Continued on page 8)

24 from the station house officer of Hari Nagar police station on various allegations made by the undertrials.

The duo claimed that the Tihar jail officials provided them a country-made pistol and a knife to eliminate two of the three CWG officials who are in judicial custody.

The application filed by Nishant and Amit, who are facing trial on murder charges, have not mentioned the names of the CWG officials.

A knife was recovered from their barrack. “Let a report from SHO Hari Nagar police station be called for December 24,” the CMM said.

In their application submitted before the court, the undertrials have said that they were shifted from the ordinary cell to high security ward where the controversial CWG officials are kept in judicial custody.

The undertrials have filed two applications which were signed jointly by both of them.

Cop suspended for taking bribe from foreigners HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

Goa Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) today suspended its constable Kishore Naik for allegedly demanding and accepting bribe from two foreign nationals promising to extend their visas.

Highly placed police sources said that the inquiry has already begun against the constable.

“He is suspended for demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 80,000 from two Latvian nationals. According to the complaint (Continued on page 8)

Stupid!! We don't sanction loans to buy onions for daily use.

OHERALDO

Pg2 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 DECEMBER, 2010

Authorities to ease congestion in Mapusa market after inferno HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, DEC 21

Bardez Deputy Collector Dashrath Redkar on Tuesday said it is essential that the entry of private two and four-wheelers in the Mapusa Municipal market should be totally banned.

Redkar was speaking during a meeting of shopkeepers, officials of PWD, electricity department, Fire Brigade, Bharat Sanchar Nigam and Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) convened in his chamber to discuss the issue regarding fire that broke out in Mapusa market on Monday and to take preventive measures.

Redkar said when he inspected the market, he observed that the market was so congested that it becomes nearly impossible for fire tenders to enter the market, electrical wiring have become old, vehicle are parked in the market in haphazard manner and water connection has not been provided to the fire hydrants.

“It is therefore essential that the entry of private two and four-wheelers in the market should be totally banned. Old electrical wiring needs to be changed and fire hydrants should be connected to the main water pipeline immediately,” said Redkar.

PWD Assistant Engineer (Water division) Prakash Surlikar said the work of laying 400 mtrs running water pipeline is still pending.

“We have submitted the revised estimates to the head office and we are hopeful that the entire work of installing fire hydrants and providing water connection will be completed within the next two months,” said Surlikar.

Electricity Department Executive Engineer Ulhas Kerkar said the project of laying underground electricity cable for entire Mapusa town, including Mapusa market, costing Rs 100 crore has been submitted to the government for its approval and once the approval is received, the work will be started.

Mapusa Police Inspector Rajesh Kumar

3 skywalks mooted to ease crossing in city HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

The Tourism Department has proposed three skywalks to ease the movement of pedestrians around the main bus stand area, here, even as it has felt the need to beautify the terminal itself to build the image of the capital city’s entry point.

Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik said while the interior parts in the city are being beautified, the entry point to the city where the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) bus stand is located gives a dismal look on account of the choc-a-bloc traffic during peak hours. As a result of this pedestrians find it difficult to walk and cross in the area, he stated.

Naik said a skywalk is an elevated walkway (usually enclosed) that will facilitate walking at ease for the pedestrians by keeping them away from the hustle and bustle of the traffic below. The project is at a nascent stage and a detailed project report is awaited, he informed.

As per the proposal the first skywalk will extend up to the area across the road from where inter State buses leave for different destinations. Also, the department proposes to beautify this area where these buses are parked.

The second skywalk proposed is from the Maruti Temple, situated close to the bus stand, to the Shrama Shakti Bhavan. This walkway will extend towards the Dempo Towers nearby.

The third elevated walkway, which is quite long, has been envisaged over the Ambedkar Garden leading to the Santa Monica Jetty that witnesses a mad rush of tourists during the peak season for the famous boat rides over river Mandovi. During peak hours the area near the jetty always witnesses heavy traffic.

Dy Collector Dashrath Redkar discusses the issues regarding Mapusa Municipal market.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

stated that there should be restriction on sale of inflammable goods like fire crackers, etc, in the market.

Mapusa Merchants Association President Yeshwant Gaudalkar claimed that the market has become congested because MMC does not take any action against unauthorized hawkers and vendors.

“The shopkeepers do not get required cooperation from MMC inspectors in maintaining discipline in the market,” stated Gaundalkar.

MMC Chief Officer Madhura Naik said whenever MMC inspectors try to remove goods of the shopkeepers kept on the pavements, the shopkeepers oppose the move.

“The shopkeepers encourage the vendors and hawkers to operate in front of the shops,” said Naik.

Mapusa Fire Station Officer In-charge D D Redkar said as per rules in force, it is compulsory for shopkeepers, who sell inflammable goods, to install fire extinguishers in their shops.

“Training regarding usage of fire extin-

guishers can be provided by the fire brigade officials,” said Redkar.

Redkar further said they find it difficulty to enter the market on account of lot of obstacles like poles, vehicles and hawkers.

“There should be enough space for the fire tenders to enter the market and reach to the spot of fire quickly,” added Redkar.

When the representatives of Merchants Association stated that the government should compensate for the loss suffered by the shopkeepers, Deputy Collector Redkar said as per rules in force, it is not possible to offer compensation for the loss of commercial property in fire.

“However, as a special case since the shopkeepers have not insured their goods, I would recommend their cases to the government for compensation, but the matter will have to be followed by the Association with the government,” said Redkar.

MMC Chairperson Sudhir Kandolkar said MMC will look into the possibility of offering some compensation to the shopkeepers through the municipal funds.

GOA

Mapusa fire grim reminder for Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 21

Mapusa market fire is a grim reminder to the authorities in the commercial capital on the urgent need to put in place effective fire fighting measures in and around the congested Municipal New market and Gandhi market.

When a raging fire engulfed the New Market earlier this year, the defunct fire hydrants had exposed the chinks in the armour of the fire services and the authorities. Sadly, the one lakh litre overhead water tank recommended by the fire services to the district and Municipal authorities to ensure adequate water pressure in the hydrants is yet to fall in place.

It is not out of place to men-

tion that the Margao Civci body consumed considerable time to adopt a resolution, granting NOC to the authorities to build the overhead tank at the old fish market area. Till date, however, construction on the overhead tank is yet to get underway and it remains unknown which agency will take up the work of construction of the tank.

When fire services was contacted with the question whether the tank would be constructed by the disaster management authority or by the Civic body, a senior officer said that work on construction of the tank was to be undertaken by the PWD with funds from the Civic body.

But, neither PWD nor Margao Municipal officials could

comment on the status of the proposal on the overhead water tank at the old fish market area.

Says President of the New Market Traders Association Vinod Shirodkar: “The Mapusa fire serves an eye opener to the Municipal and other authorities to urgently put in place a fire fighting mechanism in the market area. At least now, the authorities should gear up and implement the measures”.

Shirodkar said the fire fighting measures is a dire necessity in the New market area and hoped the new Margao Municipal Chairperson Sushila Naik would pay a visit to the market and solve the pending problems affecting the Municipal market.

Incidentally, the Margao fire services had first recommended installation of the fire hydrants in the market area around two decades ago. After much dilly dallying, the authorities installed two fire hydrants around the New Market, but the hydrants have been lying defunct for want of water pressure in the absence of a dedicated water pipeline.

Former Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Prakash Parab, who had recommended a host of fire safety measures in the Margao markets, said that the overhead tank is a must in any future fire fighting operations in the city.

“The hydrants require high water pressure which can be met by the overhead tank,” he said.

KTC to ply eco-friendly buses HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

Celebrating three decades of its existence, Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) today announced launching of eco-friendly buses for the people in future.

Addressing the 30th anniversary of KTCL at the Kadamba bus stand Panjim, KTCL Managing Director Venancio Furtado said that the corporation is working on plan to induct few Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) eco-friendly buses in its fleet in future.

“These eco-friendly buses will go a long way in helping curb pollution levels and also prove cost-effective on diesel consumption,” Furtado said adding that the corporation would be banking on state government for the financial support.

The MD said that CNG being an environmental friendly gas compared to the diesel and we

have decided to introduce CNG buses in the city to curb pollution on our part.

The anniversary celebration, which saw presence of KTCL founder and then Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane and KTCL chairman Deepak Dhawalikar, was however marred with sections of employees protesting demanding regularization in service.

Nearly 60-odd temporary drivers and conductors are on indefinite hunger strike since Monday.

KTCL Chairman during the function announced that the corporation has hiked the daily wages of these workers from Rs 157 to Rs 347, which will be effective from December 1, 2010.

“The proposal of regularization is pending with the government and will make sure to come to a conclusion by next month,” Dhawalikar said.

KTCL, which has a fleet of around 397 buses, today in-

ducted five new high-tech buses to its fleet. The buses sponsored under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme were inaugurated today at the hands of Goa State Legislative Assembly speaker, Pratapsingh Rane. It took nearly a year for the corporation to induct these buses.

The Central government last year had sponsored 20 buses, which were lying idle in the private depots due to non availability of funds. Soon after state government released 3.75 crores, the corporation managed to induct 5, while rest 15 will run the state routes by next month.

The dark blue painted buses have an attractive exterior appeal and interiors too have a pleasant feel.

Two openings instead of one will make passengers’ entry and exit much faster and hassle-free.

The low floor 42 seat buses have General Packet Radio Service

(GPRS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), installed in it.

Earlier, in the morning Dhawalikar inaugurated Bus Washing Plant at Porvorim and the corporation is also planning to have similar plan in Panjim, Margao and Vasco to reduce the time in washing buses.

Addressing the gathering, Dhawalikar said that corporation through its bus service will try to reach out each and every village connecting them to the nearest city.

“Though we are going under sever loss, with governmental support we will try to provide better infrastructure to our commuters,” he said.

Dignitaries like KTCL director Anupam Kishore, transport director Arun Desai, Goa State Pollution Control Board chairman Simon D’Souza and Swami Brhameshanand, were also present during the function.

Erring water sports operators will face action: tourism director HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

The water sports related death of a 21-year-old medical student in Baga may not have gone in vain altogether, as the Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik has now assured he would crack the whip against erring operators, henceforth.

The death had once again highlighted the money-raking activity needed to be strictly monitored, even

as the authorities concerned have been caught napping when it came to keeping in check these thrilling, but deadly boat rides.

When Herald sought to know from the Director of Tourism Naik what action he would initiate after the mishap, he said their special security force will start cracking down on water sports operators encroaching in zones other than the ones meant for them.

However, he maintained it wasn’t

This X-Mas, hitch an expensive bus ride to Mumbai HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

Those travelling to Mumbai from Goa during Christmas eve may have to hitch an expensive ride with ticket prices expected to soar this week from Rs 350 to 600 for non-AC travel and from Rs 600 to Rs 1,200 for AC travel.

Like always, travel agents, operators etc, are cashing in on the season boom to rake in the extra money. Passengers buying a last minute ticket to step inside the coach from any destination in the State are shelling out double the original ticket price.

Information sought from one of the agents in the Patto area, here, revealed last weekend tickets for AC travel from Goa to Mumbai were priced between Rs 900 to 1,200.

This Monday onwards the prices have stabilised anything between Rs 550 to Rs 700 (for AC) and Rs 300 to 450 (for nonAC). Again, this coming weekend, being Christmas, prices are expected to shoot up. A ride to Mumbai in AC comfort can cost a commuter between

Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 or more during the last three days of the week, while non-AC will be in the range of Rs 400 to 800.

The argument offered by the bus operators for this steep rise is as usual simple, “Even the starred, big and small hotels are doing it during season time; why not us? Why should price regulation apply solely to us?

This is always an opportunity for us to make up for losses incurred during the slack season.”

Those travelling from Mumbai to Goa for Christmas are paying many times higher price than those boarding buses from this end. A travel agent based there informed those booking tickets for December 23 and 24 to travel to Goa are shelling out Rs 800-900 for a non-AC ride and Rs 1,500 for AC. A lastminute ticket will cost double these prices, he said.

While commuters are made to pay heavily for the GoaMumbai ride, the bus operators are jingling all the way to the bank this X-Mas, even as the authorities concerned to regulate the ticket prices are taking a nap.

easy to nab these erring operators as they always stood united. One can see this from the fact that after Saturday’s accident most operators in the area shut down their operations for two days, he mentioned.

He said, “They did not operate for two days making it difficult for police to identify the boat which caused the accident.”

Naik said the problem is of overcrowding of water sports operators

KRC to run special trains for Christmas HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 21

The Konkan Railway Corporation has decided to run special AC trains between CSTMMadgaon-CSTM to clear the extra rush of passengers during Christmas festival/Winter season in coordination with the Central Railway.

Sr Manager, Public Relations, KRC Baban Ghatge said that Tr a i n N o 0 1 0 0 9 C S T M Madgaon Special will leave CSTM at 20.30 hrs on December 24 and January 1, 2011 and reach Madgaon on the next day at 6.30 hrs.

Similarly, he said train No 01010 Madgaon-CSTM special will leave Madgaon at 21.30 hrs on December 26 and January 2, 2011 and reach CSTM on next day at 7.40 hrs.

Ghatge said both the trains will have a composition of 1First AC coach, 2- AC two tier coaches, 9- AC three tier coaches and two SLRs. These trains have been provided stoppages at Thane, Panvel, Ratnagiri, Thivim and Karmali stations. For detailed timings, passengers are requested to visit website www.konkanrailway.com, he added.

Coast Guards’ pollution control vessel to secure Goa coastline HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 21

Commanding Officer of ICGS Samudra Prahari and Deputy Inspector General Manoj Vasant Baadkar stated that ICGS Samudra Prahari, the first pollution control vessel (PCV) of its kind in South East Asia, will be an asset to secure Goan coastline from any oil spillage.

Speaking to media on Tuesday, Baadkar said the ship is stationed in Mumbai and it can sail to Goa within 10 hours, if any oil spillage or pollution occurs on Goan coastline.

“The vessel was commissioned on October 9 at Mumbai by Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and it is manned by 10 officers and 100 men. It will be based at Mumbai under the administrative and operational control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (West),” said Baadkar.

“The vessel is specially meant for cleaning

oceans and safe marine environment during the hours of emergency,” added Baadkar.

He further said two more ships of this class would be inducted in IGC in the near future.

“This would be one of the biggest ships of Coast Guard with 95 mtrs vessel designed and built indigenously by M/s ABG Shipyard Limited, Surat,” said IGC Commandant Goa, DIG N V Narashimha.

The ship is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated pollution response equipment for mitigating marine oil spills in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. In

addition, the vessel is also equipped with the advanced navigational and communication sensors and equipment and is capable of embarking helicopter.

The vessel is fitted with dynamic positioning facility for precise maneuvering and also has special features like Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Power Management System (PMS), High Power External Fire Fighting System and an indigenously built Gun Mount.

The ‘Infra Red Surveillance System’ installed onboard is an additional capability for the ship’s crew to detect targets in the night that otherwise evade radar detection due to their small size or rough sea state.

The ship is designed to carry five high speed boats and four water scooters for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, EEZ surveillance, high speed interdiction and marine pollution response missions.

along the seven-kilometre SinquerimBaga stretch and 13-14 kilometres Utorda-Varca coast which is the main cause of accidents.

There are about 1,187 water sports operators in the State and majority of them are concentrated along the Sinquerim-Baga stretch in the North.

When contacted, Captain of Ports James Braganza said his department had stopped issuing fresh licenses for water sports two years ago. Secondly

my department didn’t have the manpower to check the boats. “In context to the Baga accident,” Braganza reiterated, “the responsibility of my department was to the point of checking the condition of the vessels.”

However, John Lobo, Secretary of Shack Owners Welfare Society, maintains Naik’s assurance of cracking the whip a jabber. “The very next day after the accident the boat operators continued their operation in full

swing. Before also there were serious accidents but nothing has happened.

This talk of action is all rubbish,” he chided.

Witnesses to the Baga accident said the boat rider was reckless and the same had resulted in the fatal accident causing the death of the medical student. Whether Tourism Department was really serious in cracking a whip will show in the action they take into this unfortunate mishap.

There is no drug mafia in Goa: Ravi HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

Snubbing allegations of Goa being major hub for narcotics, Home Minister Ravi Naik today claimed that ‘there is no drug mafia in the State.’

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a new barrack for Goa Reserve Police at Altinho, Naik said that the State has been cleansed of narcotics.

“I don’t agree there is drug mafia in Goa. One can take a walk along Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and other places. You will not find the existence of drugs anywhere here,” he said in the presence of Director General of Police Bhim Sain Bassi.

The minister claimed to have personally patrolled the coastal stretch along with police officers to crack down on drugs trade.

“We have intensified our antidrugs operation in the coastline.

We are personally ensuring that narcotics trade does not exist here,” he stated. DGP asserted that stern action by the police has effectively broken the backbone of the illicit trade in Goa.

Asks police to stand upto political pressure HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

Home Minister Ravi Naik has asked the Goa police not to succumb to political pressures, which are aiming at demoralizing the force.

Addressing police officers after inaugurating a new barrack for Goa Reserve Police (GRP) at Altinho today, Naik said that some people accused police officers in the State Legislative Assembly to demoralize them.

“Some people made unnecessary statements against the police department to demoralize the force. There is intense political interference in the department but the officers should ward off such influences,” he said.

The Home Minister alleged that when police officers don’t succumb to political pressures, there are further attempts to demoralize them.

Naik was referring to the Assembly Session in August which had to be adjourned four times after the opposition demanded inquiry into the police-politician-drug mafia nexus.

“There are some people who are frustrated “We don’t allow the use of drugs. Goa police has taken effective action even on smaller drugs trade. This has made it difficult to drug pushers to operate

because the police have finished drug trade in the coastal belt. These allegations are only because supporters of drug trade cannot function with strict police vigilance,” he said.

Naik inaugurated the GRP barrack facility for the police personnel that would solve the issue of night accommodation for the policemen on duty. The premise with a multipurpose hall accommodates 28 beds and respective cupboards.

It covers an area of 11.24 sq mtrs costing a total amount of Rs 1.27 crores.

The minister said that Government should provide appropriate financial assistance to the police department as they play a major role in the governance and maintaining law and order.

“Goa Government should take better care of Goa police. The department has managed to solve maximum cases by adopting non-tolerant attitude towards criminals,” he lauded the police in his inaugural speech.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat recently announced financial assistance Rs one crore to Police Welfare Society on Goa’s Liberation Day.

along the coastal belt. We have come down heavily even on smoking (drugs smoking),” he said.

The department claims that the coastal stretch is now safe

for locals, as many avoided visiting these places because of alleged notorious activities. DGP also maintained that amplified music is stopped by 10pm.

Goa ATS caught up in red-tapism HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

The proposal to form Goa Anti-Terrorist Squad is caught up in red-tapism with Home Minister Ravi Naik admitting that they are waiting for funds from the Central Government to start Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in Goa. “The ATS proposal is under consideration with the State Government. The file has already been moved but we are awaiting funds from the Central Government,” Naik replied to media questions on the much delay in sanctioning ATS proposal.

Fearing possible terror strike in the State after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, Goa police furnished a proposal for setting up a full-fledged ATS unit in Goa. The proposal is however gathering dust in the government files.

“There are so many proposals with us.

Each file has to go through many stages before giving final decision on any proposal,” clarified the minister.

SP (Special Branch) Atmaram Deshpande had told reporters in October that despite several reminders to the Government, the proposal is awaiting sanction.

The functioning of the ATS has nonetheless commenced (unofficially) although they are not authorized to investigate cases.

Sources said that a team of 10 officers are selected under SP Deshpande.

“The Government’s permission is not

‘Police dept facing staff shortage’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

Even as Home Minister Ravi Naik today admitted that Goa police is facing paucity of funds, police chief made another confession of staff shortage.

“There is extreme shortage of police inspectors. But we have to ensure quality police officers who can professionally take charge of any police station or Cell,” Director General of Police Bhim Sain Bassi told reporters.

The officer was replying to a question on the absence of a PI for Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) even as Goa police is scouting for a suitable

choice to head the Cell for almost a year.

So also, two major police stations on the coastal belt – Calangute and Anjuna -is headed by one inspector.

The shortage is being accessed, DGP said.

Senior officers hope that vacant posts can be filled with sub-inspectors being promoted as PIs. Goa ANC earned a bad reputation after its former chief Ashish Shirodkar was named by Israeli drug baron Yaniv Benaim alias Atala as his supplier of drugs.

In the video tape shot by Atala’s girlfriend Lucky Farmhouse Amori, the drug ped-

come but we have begun our internal work and appointed 10 officers from police stations and the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) as this was urgently required,” DIG Ravindra Yadav had told Herald in April.

The selected officers have been asked to undergo special training to upgrade their skills at specialized central agencies. The proposal submits that Goa ATS will comprise

dler was seen boasting of his friendship with Shirodkar.

Not just PIs, the department also faces shortage of Superintendents of Police.

Traffic SP Arvind Gawas was given additional charge of North Goa, early this year.

He still holds both responsibilities even after the Government assured him to relieve from his additional post in a couple of days.

Crime Branch SP Mangaldas Dessai has been given the additional charge of ANC after IPS officer Veenu Bansal’s transfer from the ANC to Arunchal Pradesh in a recent order by Union of Home Ministry.

of 150-strong force to look into different aspects such as collecting terror-related intelligence and cyber crime.

A large number of manpower for the cell would be sourced from Goa police force and Armed Forces Short Service Commission officials from the Rajya Sainik Board. Expertise for cyber crime and telecom will also be recruited.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 DECEMBER, 2010

Soaring onion prices hit Goa market HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

Soaring onion prices across the country has also hit Goa market that depends on import from neighbouring states. As the import has dropped by about 60 percent, the prices have escalated from Rs 35 to Rs 70 in the open market.

Against arrival of 100 tones onions per day, the supply has slipped to less than 40 tones, experts said. The usual requirement of five tones of onions in the Panjim market has also come down.

“The wholesale prices have also shot up. Our major import is from Ahmednagar and Nasik but since the production has dropped at these places, we

Govt outlets to slash prices Consumers would be at comfort from Thursday onwards as the Goa State Horticulture Development Corporation has assured to scale down the prices of onions by almost 50 percent to total amount sold in open market.

“At present, we are selling vegetables including onions at subsided rates. But since the prices of onions have sharply risen, we will be selling it at 50 percent lesser than the actual price,” Corporation chairperson Sankalp Amonkar told Herald.

The corporation is holding a meeting on Wednesday following which the rates of onions would be scaled down at all its 336 outlets. “The Corporation wants to ease the inflation in every possible way. Digamber Kamat led government is providing us all possible support to serve the needy,” he said. have to now depend on imports from Belgaum till the situation stabilizes,” Dayanand Amonkar, a local wholesaler for onion, told Herald.

He said that a large amount

of onions in Maharashtra rotted due to incessant rains in oniongrowing areas. Those which were kept in storage are also soiled. “At least 24 percent of the onion crops rotted. The

onions shortage in Maharashtra has severely affected its imports to Goa,” he explained.

Amonkar said that the fresh onion crop at the onion growing places will be ready only in January-end that may solve the shortage problem. “The extended monsoon rain has resulted in the elevating prices.

But things will be clear in maximum 15-days,” he stated.

Currently, the wholesale price of onion in Belgaum market is approximately Rs 55 per kg while Maharashtra onions are quoted at around Rs 70.

Not just onions, the price of garlic has also brought tears to the eyes of the consumers with one kg garlic costing between Rs 200 and Rs 300.

SEZ Virodhi Manch confronts GIDC chief, asks him to quit

2 Calangute locals held for assault

GIDC by the Court. The SVM members informed Kavlekar that people of Goa and SVM would not rest until the fraud in allotment of lands for SEZ’s is investigated and the persons involved in the fraud bought to justice by law.

While reiterating its demand for the resignation of Kavlekar and Power Minister Alexio Sequeira, the SVM warned that failure to accept the demands will provoke an intense agitation in the New Year.

The members demanded a thorough departmental inquiry followed by stringent action against the GIDC Chairman and the others mentioned above, so that the GIDC can cleanse its tainted image in the eyes of the Goan citizens.

While reiterating its demand for reverting the lands allotted for SEZs to the original owners or in the alternative handed over

Calangute Police arrested two persons in connection with the assault case at Calangute.

On a complaint lodged filed

by Melina Gomes Pinto of Cobra Vaddo-Calangute, Calangute Police arrested Prabhakar Diukar (65) and Surendra Diukar (38), both residents of Cobra Vaddo, on charges of assaulting Alex Pinto on Monday. The third accused is absconding.

According to Calangute Police, the Diukar family allegedly assaulted Pinto, following some altercation over property dispute.

Police said Pinto was hit on head with a wooden material, grievously injuring Pinto. He was rushed to nearby PHC Candolim for medical attention. The doctors at PHC Candolim rushed him to GMC Hospital in Bambolim. PSI Harish Gauns is investigating the case.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 21

Members of the SEZ Virodhi Manch gheraoed the GIDC Chairman, Babu Kavlekar on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum with six demand, including the demand for the resignation of all members instrumental in the allotment of lands for SEZ’s and accountability.

Convenor of the Manch, Charles Fernandes said the GIDC Chairman was left dumbfounded and repeatedly stated that the matter is under study and that he has sought a legal opinion on the matter.

SVM members were interested to know from Kavlekar whether the matter under study were actually the figures of kickbacks that would come to the Board of Directors in the fresh allotment of lands as the lands have been reverted back to the

UK national found dead HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 21

A 44-year-old UK national was found dead in a hotel room at Naikka Vaddo-Calangute on Tuesday. Calangute Police have identified the deceased as Geraldine Maria Kinusha. Calangute Police conducted an inquest panchanama and the body has been preserved at GMC in Bambolim for post mortem. PSI Gaurish Parab is investigating.

Rotaract Club to expand

MAYEM: Members of Rotaract Club of Bicholim have unanimously resolved to expand development work of the Club.

The meeting in this connection was convened under the guidance of its president Rupesh Thanekar. Anirudh Natekar and district secretary Swapnil Dixit also attended the meeting.

to the government for community projects in accordance with the wishes of the respective villagers, the SVM demanded that the GIDC immediately notify regulations under section 51 of the GIDC to specify mode or method of disposal of GIDC lands as the same do not exist till date.

Fernandes said that the GIDC should request the state government to hand over the jurisdiction of the Industrial Estates to the village Panchayats as the loss of jurisdiction has caused undue losses and violations with villagers facing the brunt due to illegalities in the form of illegal bore wells, illegal constructions, violation of construction regulations etc with local Panchayats having no control over their own lands, adding that the governance of industrial estates need to be vested to the local bodies.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 21

P’yat Director: south planning panel in place; ZP chief says ‘No’ HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 21

Has the government constituted the District Planning Committee (DPC) for South Goa since the elections to the Zilla Panchayat earlier this year?

Well, Director of Panchayats Menino D”Souza says the DPC for South Goa is put in place, but Chairperson of the South Goa Zilla Panchayat, Maria Rebello categorically says that she has not come across any government notification constituting the South Goa DPC under her chairpersonship.

While the South Goa ZP Chairperson and the Panchayat Director are involved in claims and counter claims over the constitution of the District Planning Committee, one thing is certain: The South Goa DPC

has yet again failed to put in place a consolidated Plan with inputs from the Panchayat and Municipal bodies in the district.

This means that ever since the District Planning Committee for South Goa was first constituency earlier this decade, none of the DPCs has ever prepared a consolidated plan for the entire district and forwarded the same to the government for consideration.

It is not out of place to mention here that the DPCs are expected to seeks plans from the village Panchayats and Municipal bodies before the plans are consolidated around December and forwarded to the government for budgetary provisions to finance the projects.

“There is no question of con-

solidating any plan when the government has not notified the DPC till date. Nothing has come to my knowledge that suggests constitution of the DPC”, Rebello added.

But, the Panchayat Director claimed that constituting the DPCs is an ongoing process and that the same is already notified by the government.

When D’Souza’s attention was drawn to the fact that till date no plan has been consolidated by the South DPC for want of guidelines how to go about the process, the Panchayat Director said the government is mulling to appoint NGOs with expertise to work closely with the Panchayats and help draw up the plan.

Panchayat experts say that constitutionally ordained District Planing Committees (Article 243-ZD) have a central role in fulfilling the aspirations of the people in realizing the main goals and objectives of the five year plans.

Experts says that decentralization and strengthening of local government institutions is an essential ingredient of good governance and it is widely recognized that the systems and delivery of services can improve and become effective only through effective decentralization and empowerment of the local level institutions.

Hearing in Margao blast trial adjourned HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 21

Hearing of the Margao bomb blast trial was adjourned by the South Goa Sessions court on Tuesday.

When the case came up for hearing this morning, the defense counsel was conspicuous by this absence. Sessions Judge U V Bakre later adjourned the case to January 6.

The Sessions court was scheduled to hear arguments by the

defense lawyer on framing of charges against the two accused persons Prashant Ashtekar and Prashant Juvekar in the bomb blast case.

The Prosecution has completed its arguments on the question of framing charges

against the two accused, wherein special public prosecutor S B Faria called for framing charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Explosives Substances Act, Criminal conspiracy and for waging a war against the state.

The Court was also scheduled to hear the bail application of one of the accused on grounds that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had failed to file the chargesheet within 90 days of their detention by the investigating agency.

OHERALDO

Pg4 S H O RT TA K E S Rameshwar is Pirna Sarpanch

PANJIM (HND): Rameshwar Gadekar was unanimously elected as Sarpanch of Pirna on Monday.

He succeeds the outgoing sarpanch Dattu Naik.

Being a young man with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm, Gadekar has promised to strive hard for the overall development of the village.

Entrepreneurship program

PANJIM (HND): A three-day workshop on entrepreneurship development for the vocational students of Shiroda Higher Secondary School and apprentice trainees was conducted at Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering and Information Technology, Shiroda in collaboration with Board of Apprenticeship Training-Western region, Mumbai.

Vice-Principal of Cuncolim United Higher Secondary School Silvestre Rodrigues, Fr Simao Diniz and Ashwini Yadav, Philip Almeida and Amay Amashekar were the resource persons for the workshop.

NSS camp held

PANJIM (HND): The NSS camp of Dhempe College of Arts and Science was held recently in Pomburpa at Mother of God Church and the associated school St Elizabeth HS. The NSS volunteers levelled the school volleyball ground, the school garden and cleaned the surrounding.

Training in self employment skills such as mushroom culture, grafting techniques and vermicomposting was taken up by ICAR, Ella farms, Old Goa. A snake awareness programme was conducted by a team from wild life and ecotourism department.

Doctor Sangam Kurade held a session on entrepreneurship with the volunteers. Professor Prajal Sakardande organised a heritage walk for the volunteers and explained the history of Pomburpa Church, the chair on which Pope John Paul II sat when he visited Goa in 1986. Prof Vaishalli Naik conducted a session on Lokgeet. Principal Dr Yasmin Modassir addressed the students during the inaugural and the valedictory programme of the camp .The camp was coordinated by the NSS in-charge Professor Maria Miranda.

‘Law Day’ observed

SANGUEM (HC): The Taluka Legal Services Committee, Quepem, in co-ordination with South Goa Legal Services Cell, Margao, observed ‘Law Day’ by organizing a camp on legal awareness in the premises of Civil and Criminal Court, Quepem.

On the occasion, Adv Victor Diniz spoke on the role of advocates in the society, while Adv J Fernandes gave a detail account on classes of people entitled for Free Legal Aid and rights and remedies available to common man under Consumer Protection Act. Adv V G Naik spoke on new amendments to be followed in criminal cases.

The Quepem Taluka Legal Services Authority also observed Children’s Day by organizing a camp for the students at Government Primary School, Xeldem-Quepem, on November 27.

Adv Cynthia Parab provided the students a gist on Child Labour and need to eradicate it. Adv Pavitra Naik spoke on health care services available to the students, while Adv V G Naik spoke on duties of children towards their parents.

Students should look beyond classrooms: Adv Sonak HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, DEC 21

Noted Advocate and eminent environmentalist Satish Sonak has stated that students need to interact with their biodiversity rather than be confined to their classroom study only.

He was speaking at the annual day gathering of Guardian Angel Higher Secondary School, Curchorem, held at Ravindra Bhavan Hall, Curchorem, on December 6.

“Our biodiversity is indeed rich and varied and several species are getting extinct because of human negligence,” said Sonak.

He urged each and everyone present to do their bit in protecting our rich diverse life forms which play a vital role in our own human existence.

The entire function revolved

Govt urged not to permit festival at Candolim

around the theme ‘Our Biodiversity – Our Lifeline’. The highlights were the Shadow Show on biodiversity, English skit ‘Listen to the Mountain’, Jungle Dance, Kunbi dance, Konkani skit and the dance choreographed by Aestron Diniz, exstudent of the school, depicting three dance sequences of peaceful nature, the onslaught on nature and the inspiring reforestation programme, thereby promoting the theme in a unique fusion of hip hop and techno dance style.

The school report was presented by Martin Barbosa. Guest of honour Fr Kyriel D’Souza appreciated the concerns shown through the programme and encouraged the staff and students to carry on this eco-mission sincerely.

“The need of the hour is to

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 21

Former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira has requested government authorities not to grant permission to a proposed mega festival at Candolim beach between December 27 and 29.

In a letter to Calangute police and other authorities, Sequeira claimed that the festival could involve various illegal activities like the drug and sex trade besides other immoral activities, which would bring a bad name to the villages of Candolim and Calangute.

He claimed that a young woman had allegedly died of an overdose of drugs at the festival last year.

"Though the people are against the festival, the high and mighty have suppressed the decent voices for ulterior motives.

The locals are also against the festival as it causes commotion in the village and traffic congestion," said Sequeira in his letter.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 21

India’s largest and most exciting offshore casino, Casino Carnival, aboard MV Boa Sorte on River Mandovi is offering an exciting mix of world class gaming facilities and a host of variety entertainment programmes this Christmas.

A gala X’Mas dinner aboard Boa Sorte has been organised on Christmas day. Besides, events and entertainment have been organised on various days.

Amino Acids in Meterorite

Albatross Thought to be Extinct Lays Egg

The breeding pair, who have been taking turns warming the egg, previously had both been branded.

Identifying rings around the mother and father show both birds were born on Torishima Island, 3,000 miles west of Eastern Island, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported Sunday.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers Eastern Island which is part of the Midway atoll. In 2000 a Japanese non-profit called The Oceanic Wildlife Society was allowed to place 16 decoys on Midway to help the birds form a new colony.

Environmentalists have endeavored to get the albatross there to form pairs by putting out detailed models of the birds and playing recorded bird cries on Torishima Island, one of the other hoped-for breeding sites, the newspaper reported.

bring God into our lives even though we may belong to any religion,” he said.

Earlier, Fr Frank Mendes, Principal, welcomed the guests and outlined the role of the school in protecting our biodiversity and to create such an awareness in staff and students as well as parents.

On the occasion, Phillipina Fernandes, retired teacher of the school, was felicitated by the School Management.

Lionel Rodrigues and Raisa Pereira compered the pro gramme, while the Cultural Secretary of the Students’ Council proposed the vote of thanks.

The PTA Chairman and the Manager of the Institute Fr Henry D’Souza were also present. During the programme, a souvenir was also released to mark the biodiversity.

Christmas festivities at Casino Carnival

Natural World

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says a short-tailed albatross, once thought extinct, has laid its first-ever egg on Eastern Island in the Midway atoll.

GOA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER, 2010

NASA astronomers have uncovered amino acids—the fundamental foundation for life—in a place where they shouldn't be.

One can enjoy Elvis vs Angela on Wednesday with Nick Solo on Thusday, while Music Fever will entertain on Friday. On Saturday there is the entertaining pair of Denzil and Trisca, while Praxis the Magician will keep one spellbound. Sunday’s performers include Axel & Shine.

The multi-facility offshore casino is now operational with the best of world-class facilities, games and services.

Casino Carnival has four operational decks with large gaming area with food and beverage arrangements at the ‘Samba’ the restaurant, besides the open air deck.

The various games include 45 glittering slot machines, two automated roulette tables, eight live roulette tables, eight Texas hold'em poker tables, four Punto Banco tables, three Carnival five card poker tables and two three card poker tables.

Centenary of Konkani gramophone record HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 21

The first Konkani gramophone record was produced in the year 1910 thereby creating yet another historical happening in the history of Konkani drama, song and music. The first Konkani song was produced by Joao Agostinho Fernandes and the first song recorded on gramophone record was ‘Mirmireancho Mog’ sung by Joao Agostinho Fernandes and his daughter Sofia.

In order to celebrate this historic happening, Tiatr Academy Goa has organized a special function on December 22 at the Conference Hall of Tiatr Academy Goa, Campal Trade Centre, Campal, at 4.45 pm.

Dr Rafael Fernandes will speak on the completion of 100 years for Konkani song to be recorded on a gramophone record. Veteran singer Ansu Rodrigues who dominated the singing of Konkani songs on All India Radio in the 60s and 70s will be the chief guest. TAG President Tomazinho Cardozo will preside over the function.

This will be followed by a cultural programme of singing of old Konkani songs from gramophone records by Anthony San, Clarissa, Socorro de St Cruz and Sonia Fernandes. Comedian Domnic and Comedian Luis Bachan will provide laughter moments for the function. Mukhesh Ghatwal has arranged the music.

MMC blamed for failure to prevent fire mishaps HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, DEC 21

The Shiv Sena has blamed the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) and other authorities for failing to take measures to tackle fire mishaps in the market.

In a press note, the ad hoc committee of Shiv Sena claimed that the fire hydrants installed in the market are white elephants and are not yet functional. "We have to say that the fire hydrants have only been a publicity stunt," the Shiv Sena said.

"There are unauthorized hawkers occupying the streets of the market, making it impossible for fire brigade vehicles to reach the spot. We blame the municipality for the huge loss suffered by the shopkeepers," stated the press note.

Sale of handlooms, handicrafts in Panjim

The acids have been unexpectedly found inside fragments of previously superheated meteorites that landed in northern Sudan in 2008, a new study says.

Short-tailed albatross were thought to have become extinct between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, due to overhunting for their feathers which were used in women's hats.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 21

‘Cotton Fab 10 in India’ an ongoing exhibition of handlooms and handicrafts of New Ayushi Craft & Weaves Promotion Society Bhopal (MP) is being held at Clube Nacional Panjim, till December 29.

Many craftsmen and weavers from various parts of the country, registered with office of the Development Commissioner (Handloom) are displaying their handloom and handicrafts prod-

ucts. An array of products includes apparels and fabrics from various states. Handicrafts on display include and pearl and stone jewellery, toys, jute bags from Assam, to name a few.

20% discount on handlooms and 10% discount of handicrafts are being offered on purchases.

New Ayushi craft & Weaves Promotion Society Bhopal (MP) is registered under Society Registration Act of 1973 and is working for the development of poor weavers and handicrafts artisans.

RFO office shifted HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 21

The North Goa Forest Division, Forest Department, has shifted the Range Forest Office, Panjim from its present location at IIIrd floor, Junta House to Campal Forest Complex site.

The public is requested to take note of the same.

The Range Forest Office, Panjim along with the offices of Round Forester, Bardez and Tiswadi will function from December 20 onwards in its new premises at Campal Forest Complex.

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Email Junior Herald at junior@herald-goa.com or join our Facebook fan page. Our readers are invited to rave, rant, chat or even contribute. No message will go unanswered!

Dance marathon

PANJIM (HND): Intercontinental The Lalit Goa Resort, Rajbag, Canacona will organise a live marathon dance session on December 26 from 10 am to 10.30 pm, and also release an international album.

There will be three acts from Australia and two domestic acts. Some of the live acts will include Grouch – Zenon + Audio Ashram, Sensient – Zenon Recoers, Tetrameth – Phreex Network, Kalyug – Audio Ashram, Shiva Central – Audio Ashram, Boombaba - Urban Distortion, besides DJ sets.

The entry fee is Rs 500 which can be redeemed with drinks.

For details call 2667777.

Christmas midnight service PANJIM (HND): St Thomas Chapel, Panjim, will organise its open air Christmas midnight service on December 24.The evening service will begin with a presentation of Christmas Carols at 11.15 pm, followed by a meaningful spiritual preparation for Christmas and the Solemn Midnight Mass, culminating in a get-together.

Carol singing competition

PANJIM (HND): The Women's Forum of the YMCA, Panjim, will organise an all Goa inter school carol singing competition on December 22 at the Don Bosco Oratory Building Hall, Panjim, at 5 pm. For further details, contact Chairperson YMCA Women's Forum Organising Committee, Marie Finch on 9623525442.

Christmas Week

CURCHOREM (HC): Guardian Angel Church at Curchorem will organise a number of programmes to celebrate the Christmas season from December 25 to January 1.

The celebration will began with serenade, singing of carols and a small skit with a Christmas message to prepare the coming of Jesus Christ followed by Christmas midnight mass.

From December 26 to 28, a variety of entertainment programmes will be presented by different wards, like carols, group dances, and one-act play.

To encourage budding artistes, a special programme will be performed by the Parish Youth on December 29. On December 30, Parish Priest Fr James Torres long with Assistant Parish Priest Fr Trinidade Monteiro will visit parishioners, especially those who are sick and unable to come to Church.

They will also watch the cribs displayed by the families in their homes.

There will be a one-hour adoration before the Blessed Sacrament followed by midnight mass on December 31. The morning masses will be at 7 am and 8.30 am on the New Year's Day. On January 2, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao will administer the sacrament of confirmation to 120 candidates at a Eucharistic Celebration at 9.30 am in the Guardian Angel Church, Curchorem.

Carol singing contest

PANJIM (HND): The Senior Citizens Association of Santa Cruz will organise carol singing contest and ‘Bhokti Gitam’ in association with Santa Cruz Parish Church, on December 22 at the Church Square from 7 pm onwards.

Cash prizes for the carols are Rs 3,000, Rs 2,000 and Rs 1000 for first, second and third places, respectively.

The prizes for individual ‘Bhokti Gita’ (Religious Hymns) contest are Rs 500, Rs 300 and Rs 200, for the first three winners. For entries call C S de Araujo on 9822766379/2903330. Spot entries will also be considered.

Anniversary celebration

COLLEM (HC): Dudhsagar Pearls Sports and Cultural Association of Collem will organize its 14th anniversary day on December 25.

On the occasion, orchestra will be held at Our Lady of Piety High School ground.

Industrialist Arjun Salgaonkar will be the chief guest for the programme, while Dharbandoda ZP member Rashmi Lambor will be the guest of honour. Collem Sarpanch Sandeep Dessai and Kirlpal-Dabal Sarpanch Rama Gaonkar will be the special invitees.

Association President Nilesh Panchawadkar will preside over the programme.

During the programme, a social worker, top scorer in April SSC exam and a famous personality from educational, literature or any other field will be felicitated by the chief guest.

Yoga workshop

Amino acids have already been found in a variety of carbon-rich meteorites formed under relatively cool conditions.

But this is the first time the substances have been found in meteorites that had been naturally heated to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That extreme temperature which should have destroyed any hint of organic material inside, said study leader Daniel Glavin, an astrobiologist at NASA

UPCOMING EVENTS

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, DEC 21

Coastal residents living in the panchayat areas of Dabolim-Chicalim, Bogmalo, Velsao and Cansaulim have been called upon to correct, include or delete their names from the list of smart cards which have been displayed in these panchayats during office hours.

Forms are also available in the respective panchayats according to the information given by AK from Mormugao, Mamlatdar office.

PANJIM (HND): The department of physical education of Rosary college of Commerce and Arts will organise an UGC sponsored state level workshop on the topic ‘Yoga for Healthy Living’ From December 26 to 31 in the seminar hall of the college from 10 am to 5.30 pm.

The workshop will impart theoretical knowledge and also conduct practical sessions in Yoga for a healthy life.

Only 30 participants will be taken on ‘first come first serve’ basis. Registration is free and the form should be submitted

by December 24. The registration form can be downloaded from www.rosarycollege.org

Christmas celebrations

PANJIM (HND): The Ponda Christmas Festival Committee will celebrate its annual Christmas Week at Kranti Maidan, next to The Mount Carmel Chapel, Ponda, with daily programs starting with the star competition on December 24 and culminating with fancy dress competition on January 2 at 6.30 pm followed by prize distribution and gifts to the needy and a Konkani Tiatr ‘Kednam Utt'ttolo’ by Prince Jacob at 9 pm.

‘Santa Claus in Town’ will feature on the evening of December 25 distributing sweets and goodies. On December 26, the committee will organise sports for the children of Ponda; on December 27, a combined cultural programme will be staged by the Mount Carmel Catechism Children and the Mount Carmel Franciscan Youth (Youfra) followed by a popular orchestra from Ponda led by Satawan Naik, ‘Omkar Melodies’ at 9 pm; on December 28, a Konkani Musical Show, ‘Adim ani Atam’ by Goa's versatile trio, ‘Mil-Mel-Nel’; and on December 29, a Konkani Tiatr ‘Girestkai’ by Remy; on December 30 Konkani Tiatr ‘Goykaramcher Dust Porinam’ by Agnel D'Souza and on December 31, the traditional Old Man Competition will be held.

The annual Beat show to usher in the New Year will start at 6 pm. The New Year’s Day on January 1, will feature live bands like, Open Highway, Shades and a surprise band. All other programmes will start at 7 pm.

Entries for various competitions may be handed over to the chairman Augustine Fernandes, treasurer John Albuquerque or secretary Oscar Dias.

POWER SHUTDOWN DECEMBER 22 BENAULIM: From 9 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are all 33 KV consumers pertaining to Benaulim sub station.

OHERALDO

Pg 5

GOA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 DECEMBER, 2010

Cavrem mine found violating eco-clearance on inspection

Officials of Pollution Control Board, mining, forest and agriculture depts inspect mine at Cavrem.

Photo by John Fernandes HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, DEC 21

Officials of Pollution Control Board (PCB), water resources, forest and agriculture departments, Cavrem Adivasi Bachao Samiti committee members and Cavrem residents recently carried out a joint inspection of a mine at Cavrem-Quepem.

Over 200 villagers along with the officials gathered to inspect the mine. At the inspection, the team noticed that in violation of the environment clearance, the mine owner allegedly dug the pit upto a depth of about 167 mtrs below the sea level, which has caused damage to

the water resource.

It may be recalled that the environment clearance had permitted mining activity upto a depth of about 120 mtrs below the sea level.

The Directorate of Mines and Geology noticed that no royalties have been paid to the government from January 2010 to May 2010 even though the mine was in operation without there being legal consent to operate.

This was confirmed by the inspecting team from visual inspection of the mine and the verbal confirmation from the Directorate of Mines representative.

According to sources, as per

Truckers vow strike HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, DEC 21

The All Goa Truck Owners Association has threatened to resort to an indefinite strike, if the State government and mining companies fail to hike rates.

Addressing a press conference here, Goa State Truck Owners President Nilkanth Jairam Gawas stated that if the decision was not taken on December 27, then the future course of action will be decided on December 28.

The truck owners claim that their income has dropped four times due to restrictions imposed by the High Court and apparently the demand for hike

in tariff is to make up for the loss of income.

According to Association members, the High Court had imposed a time and load restriction in its order dated April 22, 2010, due to which the income from mining trucks has dwindled four times.

However, to sort out the issue, a five-member committee headed

by Transport Director Arun Desai was formed, but the dispute is yet to be solved.

The members have demanded to pay them at least Rs 20 per tonne or otherwise about 8,000 truck owners in the State will keep their 12,000 trucks off the road.

Drug dealer’s jail sentence, fine reduced HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

It will cost two days in jail and fine of Rs 1,000 for a 38-yearold Israeli drug dealer, David Driham for overstaying in India by a day in 2006.

The North Goa Sessions Court recently reduced the sentenced imposed on him by Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Mapusa, wherein he was sentenced to three years of imprisonment and a Rs 10, 000 fine, for over staying his visa in 2006.

The accused had come to India on a tourist visa, his permit to stay had expired on October 26, 2006 and was arrested on October 27, 2010.

Additional Sessions Judge P V Sawaikar passed the judgment reducing the sentence saying punishment of three years given to the accused “is not appropriate” and is “too harsh” when considered in the background for reasons of his overstay.

“The punishment awarded does not commensurate with the nature of the offence and is too harsh,“ observed Savaikar.

The Sessions Court took into account the fact that the accused had overstayed only by a day. “It cannot be said to be the offence of so severe magnitude to attract a penalty of imprisonment of three years wherein maximum punishment for the offense is five years.”

Cop consumes rat poison by accident, dies HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 21

Head Constable Deelip Gaonkar (43), who was attached to the Immigration Police at Vasco, died after "accidentally" consuming the poisonous Ratol paste.

According to Vasco police, Gaonkar claimed to have accidentally consumed Ratol on Saturday morning after he mistook it for toothpaste.

He was rushed to the Goa Medical College hospital on Saturday afternoon.

"Before his death, Gaonkar gave his statement that he had accidentally applied Ratol paste on his toothbrush and had consumed it," said Vasco Police Inspector Braz Menezes.

He said the police has registered a case of unnatural death and is investigating the case.

While reducing the sentence the court also considered the fact that Duddu’s wife, Renit Harel was pregnant and that her visa too had expired and was granted extension was of one month. She left India on November 27, 2006.

DRAW OF DONATION COUPON of SHREE AGONDESHWAR DEVASTHAN, Agonda Canacona held on 20/12/2010 and winners are as 1st prize - 06793, 2nd - 05911, 3rd - 14547, 4th -14887, 5th - 22546.

Consolation prizes11988, 11770, 01990, 01475, 14541.

Prizes should be collected within 30 days from the date of publication of draw.

the environment clearance, top soil was not stored, one water spring was totally destroyed and another spring damaged.

As per the environment clearance, 50 mtrs on both sides of the nullah should be mining free.

But the mine owners have allegedly buried and destroyed in total violation of environment clearance. The Indian Bureau of Mines did not attend the inspection, but had forwarded a letter stating that the mining company has violated the mining plan.

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O HERALD O

Vol No CX No: 319 Goa, Wednesday, 22 December, 2010

Leading by example?

I

n a state, the Governor is the head of the Executive, one of the three pillars of a parliamentary democracy.

While laws may be passed by the legislative assembly and government decisions taken by the cabinet, every notification – which gives these effect officially – goes out in the name of the Governor of the state. It is the Governor that sets the tone of the state’s bureaucrats and government employees, who comprise the rest of the executive.

By refusing to provide information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, therefore, what kind of example is Governor of Goa S S Sidhu setting for the state’s bureaucrats and government servants?

The Goa RTI Forum has passed a resolution at a meeting on Saturday condemning “the stand taken by the Governor that he will not provide information under the RTI Act on the ground that he is not a public authority under the Act”.

Apparently, the Governor declined information on an RTI application by activist Aires Rodrigues last month.

Mr Rodrigues asked the Governor’s office on 29 November what action it had taken, or what correspondence it had made concerning the complaints submitted by Mr Rodrigues himself earlier to the Governor against Advocate General of Goa Subodh Kantak. Special Secretary to the Governor N Radhakrishnan replied to Mr Rodrigues on 1 December stating that in an earlier RTI case, the Governor’s office had submitted an affidavit to the High Court of Bombay at Goa stating that “the Governor is not a ‘public authority’ under the Right to Information Act, 2005”, and declined to provide the information pending the decision of the High Court in the matter.

The view of the RTI activists, who alleged that the Governor was involved in the state government’s “conspiracy to deny information” under the RTI Act to citizens, might be a tad too harsh. Had that been the case, the Governor’s office would have allowed the statutory period of 28 days to pass before turning down the request. Instead, the Governor’s secretary replied extremely promply, albeit in the negative.

But, as President of Goa Union of Journalists Prakash Kamat has pointed out, the Governor cannot cite a stay granted in one case to refuse information to all RTI applicants till the case is pending in the high court. The Governor’s office has been notified under the RTI Act as a public authority, and ought not to deny information under the Act. The fact is that there can be no “legal complications”, as the Raj Bhavan has contended in its clarification on the issue, if it is simply following the letter and spirit of the law.

R

Happy days

esearch conducted by a leading independent global property consultancy Knight Frank India Pvt Ltdrecently indicates that the demand for hotel rooms per day in India will grow at an average of 10.3 per cent from 2010 to 2013, but supply will grow at 15 per cent, meaning greater supply than demand, and depressing hotel room rates.

The exceptions to this rule are Goa and Mumbai which, says the study, together with Delhi will garner 60 per cent of revenues. The survey covered the Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmadabad and Goa. A total of 24,211 upscale, 8,709 mid-scale and 3,057 economy rooms respectively are expected to be added by 2013.

This will exert downward pressure on the occupancy level and average room rates (ARRs) of hotels in most cities. While Delhi NCR may see a 60 per cent decrease in occupancy, Mumbai and Goa are slated to see an 80 increase over the same period.

Happy days for our hoteliers?

Clarification on Ratol ban Stephen Dias, Dona Paula This is in reply to Joel Fernandes’s letter entitled “Not the solution” (Herald, 21 Dec) I must clarify on my earlier letter “Ban Ratol” (Herald, 16 Dec) There are thousands of ways in which a person can commit suicide, which is not confined to the methods mentioned by Joel, such as hanging, drowning in river etc. The idea of my suggestion on banning “Ratol” is that this poisonous drug, which is easily available in stores, is meant to kill rodents.

But nowadays, we have a rising suicide rate due to consumption of Ratol, rather than other methods, since they are difficult to undertake. I believe that by banning this drug, suicides can be prevented. This does

100 Years Ago

1961: Facing up to a complex reality

Goans now lead better lives, as compared to colonial economy and dictatorship, says FReDeRicK NoRoNHA

N

ow, more than in other years, a tiny but growing section of public opinion, is willing to publicly discuss whether 1961 was a good or not-so-good thing to happen to Goa. You might have noticed that there are two shrill sets of voices, one very strongly favouring liberation, as it has officially come to be called, and the other making it out to be an unwelcome invasion. We will never know what public opinion was in those times, and public opinion itself, is prone to manipulation and swift changes.

Those in the latter camp, will seldom justify the continuation of Portuguese colonial rule per se. Their argument links itself to contentions that Goans were not consulted over their fate, that India violated its own principles of non-violence, and the like.

On the other hand, as mid-life angst becomes more apparent in Goa, five decades after 1961, the shrinking and less strident number believes that those changes were a pure, unmixed blessing.

There can be debate, of course, over who’s to blame for the decline in the state of affairs — whether it’s our politicians, we the people, or the unhelpful structures, we have in place.

Let’s face reality. Either side takes their position based on how they gained (or perceived to have gained) or lost themselves from the events of 1961. For some, the new administration opened up vast opportunities. For others, the demise of the ancient regime meant a loss of privilege; and quite a few never adjusted. It’s unfortunately as cynical as that.

If you ask me, for the bulk of the people, it has been life as usual. Many just want to get on and cope with the situation. Just as they lived with dozens of distant rulers in the pre-1510 era, and in times, when village-level power brokers shaped their lives more than the figureheads who supposedly presided over mega-empires.

Today, most are concerned the price of petrol, the latest woes brought on by communalism, or by how much corruption has grown (to levy addition and unfair ‘taxes’ on us) in the region. They are keen to see how their resources are being husbanded, or squandered, or handed over to someone else or privatised, for a price.

In times like these, we are suffering from a surfeit of social change, (not all negative) and a plethora of tall claims about ‘development’ (whatever that controversial term means).

So, the task of showing that 1961 benefited most of the people of Goa, in the best way, is something which has to be worked on a daily

Japanese recognise govt

not mean that people cannot buy this drug.

They can, however, do so but it must be procured only through a doctor’s prescription.

Joel’s suggestion to have anonymous suicide prevention help lines, are not workable solution in our country.

2G/CWG scam losses Rajendra Kakodkar, via email Mere resignations of Raja/Kalmadi, or their arrest, or even jail cannot provide justice to the people of India. Justice will be served only when people of India get back their losses in 2G/CWG scams. So, it is not important who investigates (JPC/PAC/SC-CBI).

What is important is that both ruling and opposition groups tell the country how much of the scam losses each one can recover, with their proposal for the probe.

The highest bidder must get the job.

Tendulkar’s feat of scoring 50 test centuries, is perhaps unparalleled in the annals of any sport. He has carved a niche for himself, among the all-time sports greats. Among contemporary sports-persons, he is easily the best and would walk away with the sports Nobel Prize, if only there was one.

Seeking explanation

Appointment of professor

Ramesh Rao, Bengaluru

Petition submitted

The Students of Medical College from Lisbon submitted a Petition to the Home Minister requesting him to cancel the proposed Thesis.

Decree published

The Official Bulletin published a Decree to make known that it is 16 years for the girls to enroll in the Teacher’s Training School and simultaneously approved the use of Marathi tutoring in the few approved schools.

Goan PWD Minister has issued a statement regarding transfer of Karwar and Joida talukas of Karnataka to Goa on the pretext of safeguarding the interests of Konkani speaking people.

Is it ethical to divide peacefully, living Konkani and Kannada speaking people in the name of language?

Secondly, why does he worry about Konkani speaking people outside Goa while Konkani speakers are suffering due to the invasion of Marathi in Goa?

Outrageous statement

tory. Can we forget that it was a Timoja who invited the Portuguese to conquer this region? If it could survive all along, it could well cope with whatever troubles it has now.

Instead of being obsessed with the past, we need to focus on the present, and dream about a future. You can’t put your foot on the pedal with one eye on the rear-view mirror. Can we not look at the way, the current reality is affecting us?

Does Goa gain or lose from being part of the wider Indian Union today? What are our more acute problem areas? Do “our” politicians really represent their electorate, or just some lobbies and the permanent government that rules, regardless of whoever wins the hustings?

Besides: can local politicians be made accountable for their actions? Is our society active, and smart, enough to understand how they are losing control over their resources, below their very noses? Can we just get ahead by blaming politicians, or the other front-men of lobbies? *** The problem with Goa, is that we continue to be a rather divided and fractured society. It’s not just a question of diversity or plurality, but it’s far worse. Here, everyone — whether it’s politi-

cians today or colonial administrators of another era — have thrived by keeping people divided.

The Portuguese left us with this legacy of having conquered Goa, in bits and pieces, in slices, and in which, one was treated very differently from the other. That patchwork of groups continue to nurture very different ideas about their history and their geography, their language and their culture.

Those areas which underwent the most intense form colonial rule, have a different approach from those whose colonial experience was relatively more superficial, if one could use that word, much like that of British India.

It is one of the ironies of our times that those who were victimised in the past, continue to be so today. If it was intense colonialism of the past, it is sustained and unchecked communalism today.

The most intensely colonised areas are also — strangely — the most places, with better infrastructure. This makes land speculation, and consequently corruption, more intense in these very areas.

Colonial rule of the kind, Goa went through, also meant that class and caste divisions got aggravated and acerbated. Some sections did well for themselves, while others still live in near sixteenth-century lifestyles.

I do not think the post-1960s generation, is too caught up with the ghosts of the past alone.

We can argue till the cows come home, but that won’t change the situation.

In the meanwhile, it would help to acknowledge two different realities that flow out of 1961. Firstly, diverse sections of the population have benefitted (or lost out) in disparate ways.

Depending not just on their location, but the language they spoke, and whether their ancestors were aligned with Portuguese rule, British colonialism, or on which side of the freedom-fighter divide, they were.

Secondly, despite the entire local political skullduggery that the 1960s spelt for Goa, there have been unnoticed positives. Goa managed to come to terms with its own set of intense contradictions. It was quite helpful that Goa did not implode socially and politically, as did many of the former Portuguese colonies. Much of that force was controlled via the pressure-valve of electoral politics, even if bitter then.

While we keep taking stands based on our perceived self-interest, the future cannot wait.

What’s your story?

I

The Government of Japan through its envoy recognised the new provisional Government of Portugal.

Was appointed to be a regent professor of the Primary School for the Feminine gender of Nova Goa D. Ludomila de Noronha.

basis. We can’t just prop up this belief on the back of the industry of fantastic, often fictional; statistics propped up here after tons of rupees has been invested into our union territory and state.

It would be dishonest to suggest that positive changes have not come about in the past fifty years. In sheer numbers alone, many more people lead a better life, than permitted by the restricted colonial economy, and short-sighted dictatorship.

But, did everything happen as planned? Can our rulers take credit for all the positives, and just ignore the problem aspects, as they often tend to do? How much change was the result simply of changing circumstance?

Debating over what-if situations today, doesn’t make much sense. Let’s accept it: the tsunami of change that overcame Goa was far too powerful for anyone locally to control and shape. Salazar’s obduracy, Krishna Menon’s elections, the Cold War rivalry of the times, and the global demise of Euro colonialism after centuries of sailing high... these were all too intense forces that nobody in Goa, could have controlled.

Goa is a place which has seen very many different twists along its long and complicated his-

’ve always loved stories. I used to be crazy about them as a kid, and I still am! In fact, it seems to me that each person’s life, is their own beautiful story. A story touched by different shades of emotions: sometimes sadness, sometimes happiness, some times failures, and sometimes successes. No one gets to write the first chapter of their story book. That’s left, entirely up to God. You can’t choose your name or the family, you are borninto.

All through the rest of your life too, there are certain things beyond your control, like situations, events and people who enter your story. Everyone welcomes the good times but problems, pain, sickness and sorrow; these are all things, we’d prefer to live without. Although it makes no difference what we prefer, because destiny takes its course, no matter what! The smartest way to deal with it is to plainly accept that all these things are a part of your story, to fulfil a purpose. Although you may not be able to see through it, you just have to trust that God is making it work

Robert Castellino, Mumbai

Wednesday 22 December 1910

Devil’s ADvocAte

Little Mattes

Tendulkar’s feat PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

OPINION

out for the best. He says in the Bible: “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways and thoughts above yours!

I alone know the plans I have for you, plaits to bring you prosperity, and not disaster.”

As you wake up each morning, you begin another page of your story, and as you go through each stage of life, you write another chapter. You are constantly making decisions, and so most of the time, its you who determine what twists and turns, your story takes. You can’t control all that happens to you, but you can definitely decide what’s going to be your attitude, towards it.

Everyone’s story has its fair share of ups and downs. And if you feel that some people conveniently seem to miss out on the “downs” of life, don’t fool yourself. They are just really good at hiding them!

So, you can choose to be negative, live in the past and moan and groan your way through life; thereby making yourself and all

Pranab’s bluff

S Kamat, Alto Betim

We had the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee this week, patting himself on the back while stating that inflation has come down on account of lower food prices. One wonders from where he gets his statistics. A visit to the market will reveal that there is no vegetable, below Rs 40/kilo. Prices of onions have been skyrocketing.

This makes one feel that we live in a different India, than the one FM is talking about. It is not only him, but government agencies have been reporting that inflation for the previous four weeks in a row, has been going down, but as we have all seen, food prices during this period, has been scaling new peaks.

So why is the FM and the government agencies bluffing people? FM had also mentioned in his speech that inflation would reach six percent by March 2011. Many Marches, Junes and Decembers have passed, when prices were expected to fall and inflation would be contained, but nothing has actually happened. Why?

Ecology charade Freddy A Fernandes, Mumbai Our PWD Minister had stressed on the need to maintain ecological balance in Goa. It is, indeed, a revelation of sorts, that one of the members of the Kamat government is interested in our ecology. Could this be a step in the right direction? But is he really serious in saving our ruined and shattered ecology?

If our ministers and politicians were really interested in the well being of Goa and its ecology, we wouldn’t have been in dire straits today.

Bernard Simoes, Dona Paula

One-sided comments

I write this letter in response to the letter ‘Tenets & Traditions’ by George Almeida (Herald, Dec 11)

The news item comments (Herald, 16 Dec) of Dr Francisco Colaco that “parents should

Paul Rodricks, Caranzalem

around you miserable. Or,you can choose to be positive, accept everything that comes your way. Learn some valuable lessens, forgive and forget and move on, no matter how hard it seems. You will have to face problems in life on a continuous basis; they never really go away for good, So, you might as well make a decision to be happy, in spite of them! That’s the only way, you are ever going to be happy!

Life stories are unique and personal to be shared with only a select few. Yet ironically, you can read anyone’s story... You just have to know how! It’s amazing how you pass so many people in. the street, and each one of them is writing a story! It doesn’t matter who they are, what language they speak or what status level, they belong to. You can’t choose the beginning of your story, but it’s up to you alone to write the end. And remember, that you only get one chance. Here’s hoping each one of your stories has a happy ending! Every one has a story to tell. What’s yours?

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

The author makes the outrageous statement that Mary never forgave Peter and Judas.

Firstly, nowhere in the Bible does it say so.

Secondly, no unforgiving person can ever go to Heaven and yet the author believes that Mary is now in Heaven! Mary’s complete faith in God and her unquestioning acceptance of his will is what makes her a model for all of us.

The Catholic Church does not venerate Mary simply out of any ‘tradition’ or convenience. It simply gives Mary the place she deserves in the Church – as the Mother of God,and our Mother.

By vanessa lobo Fernandes

monitor wards’ performance” are onesided. Teachers (as secondary parents) play an equal, if not greater independent role, by way of more interaction with students.

A school and home runs on parallel tracks.

They need to compliment one another.

Parents/guardians, teachers and school officials collectively bear the responsibility for the character and career development of students.

Personal and crisis-counseling is a must, as students are their beneficiaries. As for disruptive students, it is the teacher’s professional responsibilities to impose discipline in class, akin to what parents must do at home. Good behaviour and learning occur when both work together, treading softly on the weaknesses and celebrating the strengths.

Patience pays off Joazinho Rebeiro, Cuncolim Some government employees had not been given upgradation of pay scales, granted by some government departments and paid upgraded scales and arrears some months back. The Goa Government employees association protested to the government and called for strikes on numerous occasions, which were called off at the last hour, after intervention and assurances to consider their demands.

Subsequently, the GGEA had a series of meetings with the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who is known for his kind and co-

operative attitude.

The matter has now been resolved as orders for upgradation has been done on 20 December, to the satisfaction of GGEA and employees patience.

Paths of Wisdom

Wrong venue chosen Diogo A Rodrigues, Majorda As an international jazz correspondent in India for jazz forum, Poland and having watched jazz festivals organised around the world for over four decades, I have never witnessed that a classical musician of repute, has been given an award, at a jazz festival. Therefore, the recent Karamveer award for lifetime achievement given to Majorda Music legend Anthony Gonsalves at Kala Academy, Panjim should have been given away at a classical function, and not at the 1st international Heritage Jazz festival.

What liberation?

Rupert Coutinho, UAE With every freedom and liberation, comes development, equality and prosperity. 50 years later, even after ‘liberation’, Goa stands nowhere in prosperity, compared to other colonies like Macau and Hong Kong. There has been ever increasing deterioration of its land, culture and identity which was preserved by the Portuguese for over 450 years.

It is very strange to see that freedom fighters left no stone unturned, to drive the Portuguese out, but now prefer to remain mute spectators to the high levels of corruption in today’s democratic governance. They are content to be felicitated, by the same corrupt elected representatives, on Goa’s liberation day.

Goa can achieve a lot, only if we have the vision to maintain our unique identity and deliver good governance.

Letters should be 150 words or less in length, and should have the writer’s name, address and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for size and readability, and to delete any personal attacks or libellous /objectionable matter.

A

Nature’s Beauty

priest was in charge of the garden within a famous Zen temple. He had been given the job because he loved the flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Next to the temple there was another, smaller temple where there lived a very old Zen master.

One day, when the priest was expecting some special guests, he took extra care in tending to the garden. He pulled the weeds, trimmed the shrubs, combed the moss, and spent a long time meticulously raking up and carefully arranging all the dry autumn leaves.

As he worked, the old master watched him with interest from across the wall that separated the temples.

When he had finished, the priest stood back to admire his work. “Isn’t it beautiful,” he called out to the old master. “Yes,” replied the old man, “but there is something missing. Help me over this wall and I’ll put it right for you.”

The priest lifted the old fellow over and set him down.

Slowly, the master walked to the tree near the center of the garden, grabbed it by the trunk, and shook it.

Leaves showered down all over the garden.

“There,” said the old man, “you can put me back now.”

(Source: Spiritual Short Stories)

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GOA, WEDNESDAY 22 DECEMBER, 2010

Professors urged to come up with innovative ideas

Dead Sambar found

Speaking further, Dr Shinde recalled that Wagh’s poems has revolved around his public life and accordingly reflects his personality too.

“Give something different to students that pertains to their life and livelihood and I can assure you that students will no more bunk their classes,” said Dr Shinde.

Earlier, (Retd) headmaster Shantaji Naikgaunkar in the presence of Dr Shinde, Shree Mallikarjun College Principal Dr Jagmohan Singh and others in-

A decomposed Sambar was f o u n d a t Va g h e r i h i l l s i n Chorla Ghat on Sunday night.

According to reports, Dasharath Morajkar, a member of Vivekanand Jagruti Fauj, had taken a group of students of Shivajiraje High School, Sal, for trekking at Vagheri hills, where they noticed a decomposed Sambar with horns.

However, when the group returned back after trekking they found the horns of the dead Sambar missing.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, DEC 21

Damaji Mahavidyalaya, SolapurMaharashtra, Marathi Department Chief Dr Suresh Shinde said professors must provide innovative ideas to give life-changing directions to the students to avoid class bunks.

Dr Shinde was speaking at the State level one-day workshop on Vishnu Surya Wagh’s Poetry’s organized at Dnyani Probobini Mandal’s Shree Mallikarjun College of Arts and Commerce, Delem-Canacona recently.

augurated the one-day workshop on Wagh’s poems, which has earned nationwide name and fame, winning several laurels in the State and beyond.

Shantaji Naikgaunkar presided over the workshop and spoke on the occasion, Prof P r a m o d a D e s s a i o f S h re e Mallikarjun College proposed the vote of thanks in the inaugural function.

A wall paper highlighting several poems of Vishnu Surya Wagh was also inaugurated on the occasion.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, DEC 21

Mapusa flooded with Christmas decor on the footpath and roads by accepting money from them.

The business of the shopkeepers has been affected badly because vendors can afford to sell their goods at much cheaper rates as they do not have to pay any taxes,” alleged the shopkeepers.

“The MMC should not permit these vendors to sell their goods in the market,” voiced the shopkeepers.

Christmas decorations displayed in a shop at Mapusa.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, DEC 21

With Christmas round the corner, shops in Mapusa have been flooded with Christmas decorations.

Shops are adorned with Christmas decorations like Christmas trees, lights, crib and gift items, sweets, etc. However, this year, the customers will have to shell out more money to purchase these items.

Speaking to Herald, shopkeepers said the cost of all items including Christmas trees, stars, etc, have gone up by almost 20%.

“The sale of Christmas decorations and gifts has still not picked up as expected. Usually, people used to start making pur-

chases fortnight in advance, but this year there is not much enthusiasm among the general public. The sale may pick up couple of days before the Christmas Day,” said the shopkeepers.

Some shopkeepers complained that Mapusa Municipal Council does not allow them to showcase Christmas decorations in front of their shops.

“Certain items of Christmas decorations are required to be displayed outside the shop to attract the buyers. If items are hanged outside the shop, MMC staff removes it immediately,” stated the shopkeepers.

“However, the same MMC staff is allowing the vendors to display Christmas decorations

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Hot mixing works begin in Cortalim

WELVIN

MENEZES

G.F.A. Executive Member N General Secretary Goa – Velha Sports Club

Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho speaks to the fish vendors during his visit to Cortalim market.

Photo by Alvaro Colaco HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, DEC 21

Not being carried away by the political imbroglio affecting the State, the Cortalim MLA and Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho inaugurated the hot mixing works on three roads in Cortalim recently.

Godinho also personally inspected the site for the makeshift market to rehabilitate the vendors during the construction of the second phase of modern Cortalim market complex likely to be taken up by GSIDC next month.

Appealing to the vendors for their cooperation, Godinho told them that they will have to make some sacrifices till the construction work on the market is completed which will be done expeditiously within 12 months.

"Cortalim is expanding. It requires more facilities to cater to the growing population," Godinho told residents and said that more developmental works

were in the pipeline which would be announced and taken up at the appropriate time.

Asked to comment on the new political crisis, Godinho said it was the NCP to handle the situation but hoped that the internal problems will not have a bearing on the government.

"The government is very stable. It had even finalized the RPs for Canacona and Pernem and addressed the woes of the NGOs including the GBA to a large extent," Godinho said and wondered as to why suddenly such a situation had to develop.

Nevertheless it is for the high command to handle the situation, he remarked.

Others present were the Cortalim ZP Cynthia D'Silva, Cortalim- Quelossim Sarpanch Anthony Miranda, Deputy Sarpanch Marcello Monteiro, Panchas Caitano Xavier, Jerome, former Cortalim Block President Devendra Kenkre and PWD officials.

Silent Ignatian Retreat at Raia from December 27 HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 21

There will be a Silent Ignatian Retreat at SVD, Raia, Salcete, Goa, starting from 3 pm of December 27 to January 1, for ladies and from 3 pm of January 3 to January 8 for men.

This is a residential retreat and is open to all individuals, above 18 years of age, desirous of knowing and growing in true Catholic faith. Each retreatant will be given a separate room.

The retreat will be conducted in English language.

The retreat is based on a formula designed by St Ignatius Loyola in the 16th century, through the intervention of

Our Lady who bestowed upon him the secret of the famous Spiritual Exercises. These Ignation Exercises formed the Jesuit order which spearheaded the Catholic Counter-reformation many centuries ago. These spiritual exercises have produced many great Saints in the Jesuit Order amongst them the most famous and our very own Goycho Saib, St Francis Xavier.

Any person interested in attending this 5-day Ignatian retreat can contact Tito on 9823254055 for more details.

Fees for the retreats are Rs 1500 for working persons and Rs 1000 for students and unemployed.

Best Wishes from Leslie Fernandes, Antonio Fernandes, (Changa), Elvis Lopes, Stanley Lopes, Peter Lopes, Agnelo Fernandes, Jacob Fernandes (American Boys), Kunal Rodrigues, Valerio Vaz, Melroy D'Silva, Vickey Fernandes, Firguembhatt. Mauro Menezes, Dias Vaddo, Andrew Fernandes (Panch), Uddi Vaddo, Anthony Rodrigues, Remy Rodrigues, St. Francis Vaddo, Sidhu Naik, Pilar, Cruzin D'Souza, Zuari, Govind Naik, Dando.

OHERALDO

8 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 DECEMBER 2010

Maoists set afire 14 vehicles PTI

PARLAKHEMUNDI (Orissa), DEC 21

Armed Maoists set afire at least 14 vehicles used for road construction work by a private construction company and a mobile phone tower in Orissa's Gajapati district, police said today.

About 40 slogan-shouting ultras, including women, raided the make-shift camp of the company at Pindiki under Mohana police station area late last night and set afire the vehicles, Superintendent of Police Sarthak Sarangi said.

The Maoists then proceeded towards the mobile tower nearby and destroyed it as well in the same manner, he said.

However, no one was harmed in the incident. The lone security guard of the company manage to hide himself.

The private construction company was undertaking the 102.9 km road construction work at a cost of Rs 153 crore on State highway No. 134 between Parlakhemundi and Mohana in the district. A letter purportedly written by the head of the Basadhara division of the Maoists, left at the spot said the ultras opposed road construction work in the area.

MONTH’S MIND DR. BELARMINO RIBEIRO

(Bamonwado-Siolim) There will be an Eucharistic Celebration for the soul of our beloved Dr. Belarmino Ribeiro on Thursday 23rd December, 2010 at 9.00 am. at St. Anthony's Church Siolim, followed by prayers and blessing of the grave.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We the bereaved family express our sincere gratitude to all those who rendered assistance, offered floral tributes, paid condolences and shared in our grief.

We regret the inability to thank each one personally.

Relatives and friends kindly accept this as the only intimation.

Adarsh a clear-cut case of manipulation by officers: HC PTI MUMBAI, DEC 21

Pulling up the Maharashtra government, the Bombay High Court today observed that the controversial Adarsh society smacked of “a clear-cut case of manipulation” by its officers in which everybody who was supposed to clear the file was “gifted” a flat.

In scathing remarks, the Court also observed that the state government seemed to have gone “out of way” to please former army chiefs Deepak Kapur and Nirmal Chandar Wij, who were initially not allotted flat because they were not state residents for 15 years, but later got the flats as “exceptional cases”.

A Division bench of Justices B H Marlapalle and U D Salvi also asked why the state gov-

I am dying to win Filmfare award: Katrina PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 21

She is undoubtedly Bollywood`s reigning beauty but Katrina Kaif has still not won a Filmfare award and is “dying” to get her hands on the `Black Lady`.

“I haven`t won a Filmfare award till now and I am dying to win one. But I can never be a judge for myself whether I should get a Filmfare award as it for the audience to decide,” said Katrina who was in town to announce the 56th Idea Filmfare awards.

The 26-year-old is also on the cover of Filmfare magazine`s latest issue along with her `Tees Maar Khan` co-star Akshay Kumar.

The actress who is tipped to be in the race for a Filmfare trophy this year for her performance in the hit political drama `Rajneeti`, said that she is excited about the new wave of cinema in Bollywood.

Chandigarh sees season's coldest night PTI Chandigarh, DEC 21

FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT

With no let up in the ongoing cold wave sweeping Punjab and Haryana during the past fortnight, Chandigarh today recorded the season's coldest night so far at 4.4 degrees celsius.

Icy winds blew here last evening forcing the locals to cover themselves with heavy woollens as the minimum dropped three notches below normal.

In Haryana, Narnaul also recorded season's coldest night so far at 2 deg C, down four notches, the MeT said here.

Ambala also reeled under severe chill at a low of 3.7 deg C, down three degrees, while Karnal also shivered at a minimum of 4.8 deg C, two notches below normal.

Bhiwani, too, experienced a cold night at 4.4 deg C, down two degrees, while the respective lows at Rohtak and Hisar were 4.9 deg C and 5.1 deg C. In Punjab, Amritsar continued to remain under the grip of intense chill, with the minimum settling at 3.5 deg C, one below normal.

Ludhiana also braved the cold

ernment had not filed any FIR against the guilty.

The court made the observations while hearing a petition filed by Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society challenging cancellation of occupation certificate and disconnection of water and power supply by the civic authorities.

“You took action against Society, what about the government officers? Why no FIR was registered till now?” the High Court said.

After going through the records pertaining to the society, and to the approval granted to its members in stages, court said: “It is a clear-cut case of manipulation by the collectorate, the state revenue ministry and urban development ministry.

“Everybody who was sup-

posed to clear the file was gifted a flat,” the court observed.

The High Court also observed that contrary to the government’s stand, the land on which the building stands was in the possession of the defence ministry, but this status was altered by the order of P V Deshmukh, a deputy secretary with the urban development department, in 2004.

The judges referred to the relevant letter by Deshmukh while passing this remark. “How this happened? Everything changed after this...No CBI inquiry is going to help now,” said Justice Marlapalle.

Reading aloud some of the names in the list of members, the court wondered how the people staying in Sangli or Kolhapur came to know about Adarsh allotment, or could af-

India, Russia ink deal for fifth generation fighter aircraft PTI NEW DELHI, Dec 21

Taking defence cooperation to a new level, India and Russia today signed a deal for design and development of advanced fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) estimated to cost USD 295 million, the first such venture between them.

The contract envisages joint development of preliminary design contract (PDC) for the advanced fighter jet and will involve Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) from India and the Sukhoi Design Bureau and Rosoboronexport on the Russian side.

The pact was signed on the margins of a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, during which the two

sides also discussed their defence relationship which is transforming from a buyer-seller format to one that includes joint research and development, manufacturing and marketing activities.

According to reports, the deal is expected to be worth over USD 295 million and the design of the aircraft is likely to be finalised within next 18 months.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has plans of acquiring 250-300 of these aircraft by the year 2030.

Single and twin seat versions of the aircraft are expected to be developed and the plane will be ready for flying by 2017.

The FGFA would be based on Sukhoi's T-50 aircraft, which made its maiden flight in January this year.

During their meeting, the two leaders also expressed satisfaction at the regular service-toservice interactions and joint exercises that have taken place between their countries.

The two sides also agreed to make efforts to upgrade joint military exercises in various fields including counter- terrorism.

Since the Cold War era, Russia has been the biggest military hardware supplier to India and the Indian armed forces rely heavily on that country.

Though India has been working to diversify its military imports, still the bulk of the hardware with the three defence forces is of Russian origin including frontline Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft and T-90 and T72 tanks.

FROM PAGE 1 Cop suspended letter with the senior superintendent of police, the constable promised to extend their employment visa,” said the source.

Since the FRO has no right to extend the visas, the officials are also looking into other aspects of the case. “We would also inquire as to how the foreigners approached a constable when there are senior officers sitting to personally listen to them. But at the same time we will probe on how a constable can misguide a foreigner…The inquiry report would reveal the truth of the case,” sources said.

Gold worth Rs 6 lakh looted

society.

Upon receiving information, the Margao police requisitioned the services of a police dog and finger print experts, but in vain.

Sources said the police dog sniffed its way to a distance before loosing track.

Incidentally, put on the backfoot by the daring burglary, Margao police told newsmen that gold ornaments worth Rs 1.20 lakh was stolen from the house, even when the house owner categorically put the loss of orna-

ments to over Rs 6 lakhs, besides cash of Rs 50,000.

Margao police was apparently baffled over the gold strike by the miscreants and seems to have no clue to the spate of thefts reported in the commercial capital, notwithstanding the recent claims that the police had busted a gang of thieves involved in burglaries.

The rising thefts in the city have once again called for intensified patrolling by the dozen police officers attached to the Margao police station.

Sunburn hosts yet to get nod Department.

“We have issued strict guidelines that no parties except traditional parties, should be allowed without screening by police,” he said.

The minister said that once Sunburn organizers furnish the application, the ministry will inspect it from the law and order angle. Director General of Police Bhim Sain Bassi said that Bardez deputy collector forwarded the festival’s proposal to the police for inspection.

“The final authority to permit or reject permission for the fes-

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAREST Pai

Mai

27.2.1917 – 4.1.1991

21.2.1931 – 23.11.2009

Santana Salvador Fernandes

ford a flat there.

Adarsh lawyers, senior couns e l Ra f i q D a d a a n d J a n a k Dwarakadas earlier deplored that OC was cancelled and water and power connections cut off without giving any hearing to the society.

Justice Marlapalle noted that though the Society was earlier meant for defence personnel, not even 50 per cent of current 104 members were from defence services.

The judge suggested that if the members with the defence forces background were willing to shift to first 12 floors of the 31-storey building, the court may order interim restoration of power-water supply upto 12 storeys.

The lawyers sought time till December 23 for getting instructions from the Society.

Piedade Fernandes

Sister Aida

25.4.1958 – 15.4.1994

Aida Costabir nee Fernandes

(RUMBORDEM PEQUENO, CURTURIM) Those we love, don't go away They walk besides us everyday Unseen, Unheard, but always near Still loved, still missed and very dear.

There will be an Eucharistic celebration for the souls of Salvador, Piedade and Aida on Thursday, Dec 23 @ 7:30am at St. Alex Church, Curtorim. Followed by prayers and blessing of the grave.

Offered by Alex & Antoinette; Sergei, Ingrid, Ryan, Artimizia & Rosarinho; Tracy, Renee.

Servulo & Connie; Suzann, Fedora, Fayola, Victor & Joyce; Hagi, Haley and Godfrey & Helen.

Relatives, friends and neighbours kindly accept this as the only intimation.

tival however lies with the Home Ministry. We are only to inspect the overall scenario. By announcing the dates for the event, Sunburn organizers are presuming that they would be given permission,” he added.

Sunburn hosts last week claimed that everything is on track for the scheduled event and that they received all relevant permissions including from the local panchayat.

“We even held meeting with Tourism Minister Nilkant Halankar. We are hoping that police grants us permission,” Devra Sanyal, chief executive officer, Percept Sports and Entertainment told reporters.

The electronic musical festival scheduled between December 27 and December 29 at Candolim is attended by more than 20,000 people annually. International DJs are invited to keep the crowd on the move.

The DGP said that one of the terms for the festival organizers is to ensure that there is no drugs consumption apart from undertaking other security measures like installing CCTVs, door frame metal Detectors and sniffer dogs.

“Our objective is to ensure safety and security to all places and people,” he said.

Safety assured

cotics patrol officers, an emergency medical team equipped with a mini clinic, an onsite medical team and medical consultants, six emergency exits and 4 watch towers.

“With several thousand peo ple expected at Sunburn 2010, the Sunburn team in collaboration with the Goa Police is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that all have a safe and secure time at the festival,” Shailendra Singh, Joint Managing Director, Percept Limited said.

The three-day event will also have on call a first of its kind disaster management team in case or an emergency. “From cleaning up waste grounds in neighboring areas of the venue for safe parking of vehicles to providing over 100 volunteers for directing and easing traffic congestion on the roads, the Sunburn team is lending its hand wherever possible,” he said.

OHERALDO

Pg 9

INDIA

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 DECEMBER, 2010

China hopes for Kashmir resolution through talks PTI BEIJING, DEC 21

Describing the Kashmir issue as a left over from history, China today hoped it could be resolved

by India and Pakistan through “dialogue and consultations.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu stated this during a media briefing while responding to questions on Premier Wen Jiabao’s recent visit to India and Pakistan.

Wen’s visit to India and Pakistan was “rich in content and fruitful in results” and would contribute to good neighbourliness, friendliness, mutual beneficial cooperation and peace and stability in neighbouring areas, Jiang said, summing up the Premier’s trip to the two countries.

She said India and Pakistan are both major countries in South Asia and key neighbours to China.

The development of China-India and ChinaPakistan ties is of “great importance to peace and prosperity to South Asia, rest of Asia and world as a whole,” she said.

Asked whether the Kashmir issue figured in Wen’s talks in both the countries, she said “as we have repeatedly said here, it is an issue left over from history between India and Pakistan.

“As a neighbouring country and a friend to

BJP downplays meeting with MNS chief PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 21

n Wen’s visit to India and Pakistan was “rich in content and fruitful in results” and would contribute to good neighbourliness, friendliness, mutual beneficial cooperation and peace and stability in neighbouring areas, Jiang said, summing up the Premier’s trip to the two countries. both India and Pakistan, China hopes that the two countries could properly settle this issue through dialogue and consultations.”

Earlier in his briefing to the Chinese official media on Wen’s visit, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who accompanied the Premier to the two countries, said the visit has “enhanced the two-way strategic partnerships with India and Pakistan, which presented China as a responsible country committed to good neighbourliness, unity and cooperation with its neighbours.”

Activists of SUCI shouting slogans during a protest against Arariya firing under Nitish Kumar government, in Patna on Tuesday.

‘Several loopholes in Indian marital laws’ PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 21

Unable to bear the daily harassment by her husband, 34-year-old Aliya, a mother of two, finally decided to call it quits and filed for divorce, little knowing that her problems were far from over.

Aliya’s world since 2001, when she filed a divorce petition, has been limited to running from pillar to post trying to make her husband cough up the alimony that was due.

But the protracted battle in the court is slowly taking its toll on her health and is keeping her from her only possessionher children.

“Aliya’s case is not a one-off incident.

There are thousands of cases like hers pending before courts all over the country. This only goes on to show that there are several loopholes in the Indian marital laws that need to be plugged,” said Jaya Sagade, Vice Principal of ILS Law College, Pune.

Sagade’s voice was among the many at the two-day seminar on economic rights and entitlements of separated and

divorced women held in the capital which saw women lawyers, teachers and women rights activists come together to deliberate ways to “plug-in” the “flaws” in Indian marital laws.

They also raised concerns about how the right to maintenance which was increasingly being used as a tool for discrimination.

“We need to, at first, look for alternatives to the word maintenance. People, especially those connected to the judicial system, are increasingly looking at alimony as a welfare scheme where money is doled to women.

“The first step is to change this perception and start looking at it as a right,” said Malavika Rajkotia, a lawyer at the Delhi High Court.

Separation and divorce for the Indian women usually leads to the woman returning to her natal home with absolutely nothing, she said, adding that this not only leads to a drastic fall in her lifestyle, living standards and social status but is also a big blow to her confidence.

The stigma associated with single

women, the paltry amount in alimony, expenses incurred during trials, “class and gender bias” among lawyers are some of the problems that were raised during the course of the seminar.

“Let’s take the case of Kerala which has the highest women literacy rate, but even this state is not spared of violence, crime and discrimination against women,” said Geena Kumari, a lawyer practicing in the Kerala High Court.

Women often feel that they are doubly harassed, first by their husband and marital families and then by the police and lawyers they approach for help, she said.

“Women most often are unaware that they are entitled to maintenance, have no idea how much their husbands earn, or even where they work, and are unable to provide their income proof in order to ask for maintenance,” Kumari said.

“These are least of their problems. In addition they have to carry the stigma of being a single woman, go through the cumbersome judicial process, try to meet the expenses for each hearing and the end of all this make-do with the meager

alimony they get which can be as low as Rs 500 per month,” she said.

Geetha Ramasheshan, an Advocate of Madras High Court, said, “Government must try to address more gender-related issues.”

She said the judicial system, in the meanwhile, must start treating refusal of alimony as a criminal offence.

A primary recommendation that emerged during the discussion is that all separated, divorced Indian women must be entitled to at least half share of assets in marital home or assets acquired by couple during the period that they were together.

The women also raised the need to sensitise judges to gender issues and a support system for women whose husbands can’t give maintenance.

“What is sad is that it’s been almost three decades since the landmark Shah Bano case, where the 62-year-old mother of five went to court seeking alimony, but sadly the marital laws in the country have evolved little since then,” said Mary E John, Director of Centre for Women’s Development Studies.

Uproar in Kerala House over job scam PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, DEC 21

The Congress-led opposition UDF stalled the proceedings in the Kerala Assembly today over the moneyfor-job scam as the Speaker rejected their demand for an adjournment on the issue after Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan stated that a thorough probe into the scandal was already on.

Marking a stormy note to the brief year-end session, the UDF members stormed the well of the house during zero hour as Achuthanandan also declined to concede the demand for the resignation of Revenue Minister K P Rajendran and a judicial probe to unearth the entire gamut of the fraud.

The job scam has been rattling Kerala for the last fortnight after detection of eight persons having got jobs in Wayanad col-

HC takes exception to Rathore’s promotion PTI CHANDIGARH, DEC 21

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today questioned as to how SPS Rathore was promoted to the top rank of DGP despite the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case pending against him.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal and Ranjan Gogoi while seeking details from the Haryana government in this regard fixed January 28 as the next date of hearing.

Meanwhile, the CBI submitted that it will also place on record its final report in the FIRs in the three fresh cases filed against the disgraced former top cop on January 28.

The court direction came during hearing of a PIL filed by a local advocate seeking a fresh case against Rathore for abetment to suicide of Ruchika in 1993.

After spending close to six months behind bars, 68-yearold Rathore, who was sentenced to 18-months in jail in the Ruchika molestation case, was released from prison after the Supreme Court granted him bail on November 11.

Ruchika was molested on August 12,1990.

On the promotion issue, the bench observed how Rathore was promoted despite a criminal case pending against him.

The court also directed the Haryana government to place on record in form of an affidavit its promotion policy with regard to officers facing criminal charges.

The government told the court that it would file its details on promotion policy on the next date of hearing, especially in connection with Rathore.

Supporters of Left Front celebrating the victory of Left Front in recent civic poll in Agartala during a gathering on Tuesday.

Rampant witch killings in Orissa district causing concern PTI ROURKELA (ORISSA), DEC 21

Murder and persecution of women and children accused of being witches are rampant in the tribal-dominated Sundergarh district in western Orissa causing concern in the administration.

As many as 70 per cent of the killings that took place in the district in the last few years are described as witch killings by the administration here.

According to official statistics, in the last five years 35 persons fell victims to the barbaric practices that have become a scourge not only in the impoverished tribal belts of India, but many other parts of the world including Africa and Latin America.

A belief in witches and evil spirits causing a range of calamities from famine to flood is widespread among tribal communities in these countries.

Sundergarh district is dominated by the Munda tribe among whose members illiteracy and witchcraft are widespread. Citing a barbaric incident of torture, an old woman of Tainsar village, Tuni Ekka, was tonsured and paraded naked after being forced to carry night soil on her head sometime back.

Similar incidents abound in the district. A 62-year-old man was killed in the Telitola area in the same Tainsar village on September 20, this year after being accused of practicing witchcraft.

Witch killings have also been reported from Gurundia, Koida, Bisra, Kunarmonda, Kutra and other tribal-dominated blocks in the district.

Even instances of sons killing their old parents on suspicion that their witchcraft was responsible

for setbacks in life have taken place at Koida, Gurundia and Rajagangpur blocks in the district, the official statistics said.

Levinius Kindo, a senior retired IAS officer of the Orissa cadre, who is working among the illiterate tribals in remote areas of the district, said that belief in witchcraft, black magic and other occult practices is so deep-rooted that villagers do not even consult doctors for their illnesses. ‘’They would rather knock on the door of a so-called witch or a quack than a qualified doctor in a local health centre. But, the irony is that when patients die, the villagers vent their anger on the ‘witches’ first,’’ Kindo said.

Kindo, also a social activist, said he had lately taken to educating the tribals on the evils of believing in witchcraft and such stuff.

Officials in the district administration said that steps were being taken to intensify a campaign to create awareness among the tribals by organising block-level meetings.

A UN seminar held recently on witch killings around the globe was told that the problem had assumed international dimensions.

Aides to UN special investigators on women’s rights and on summary executions told the seminar that killings and violence against alleged witch women - often elderly people - were becoming common events in countries ranging from South Africa to Nepal to Papua New Guniea to India.

Interestingly, while social activists stressed on education among illiterate tribals as a means to eradicate the blind belief in witchcraft, academicians argued that it was poverty and malnutrition which needed to be tackled first to deal with the witch killings.

NREGA fails to stop distress migration in parts of Rajasthan PTI DUNGARPUR (RAJASTHAN), DEC 21

The government’s flagship programme NREGA has created a source of additional income for families living below the poverty line in tribal areas of Rajasthan but has failed to check distress migration as minimum 100 days of employment assured under the Act is not provided to all workers.

Many villagers in Dungarpur, Udaipur and Rajsamand districts claim that the scheme is mostly attracting women and elderly of the BPL families as they find it a good source of additional income while staying in their own gram panchayat.

The other members of the families choose to utilise the job opportunities available in other districts within the state or outside to earn their livelihood, villagers claim.

“I work in a factory in Mumbai and visit my home here when on leave. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) is a good scheme but we can’t sustain with only 100 days of work which too is not completely available to everyone. I earn Rs 150 per day in Mumbai.

This job is good for me,” said 28-year old Manilal, a Bhil tribe member, who is resident of Pal Dewal block in Dungarpur district.

He said his brother too works in a local factory and “only women and my father in family work under NREGA for whatever days provided to them by the authorities. Its good, instead of sitting idle at home, they are earning some money under the scheme”.

50-year old Taua of Pal Dewal block claimed that he completed 100 days under NREGA but that could not fulfill his needs as he never got Rs 100 on any single day.

“So I am now working in a factory in Udaipur. While working under NREGA, I could earn between Rs 60 to Rs 70 per week. Mate (a person who measures the work on the basis of which wage is paid) never gave me more than Rs 70,” he charged.

He also alleged that sarpanchas interfere in the implementation of NREGA and manage to arrange regular job for the people whom they support. “At least, I have a kind of permanent job where I am working now. Wage of Rs 100 per day is also fixed. I can’t leave this for NREGA where both money and opportunity is uncertain.”

Laluram of Khemli gram panchayat in Udaipur district, who work in a factory in Gujarat, spoke in the same vein.

lectorate producing forged documents including fake appointment letter from PSC, paying huge amounts to middlemen.

Downplaying the meeting between MNS chief Raj Thackeray and its Maharashtra unit leaders, BJP today said here were no political discussions with him and hoped that Shiv Sena will participate in tomorrow’s NDA rally against corruption.

“Yesterday, Raj Thackeray had a programme near our Maharashtra unit office. He came to meet our leaders as we have relations with him since he was with Shiv Sena for several years. There were no political discussions...I hope after the clarification

by Maharashtra unit chief (Sudhir Mungantiwar), Shiv Sena will attend the rally,” BJP President Nitin Gadkari told reporters here.

Gadkari was responding to questions on Sena’s threat to boycott the NDA rally after Raj met Mungantiwar and other leaders.

“As far as politics is concerned, our alliance with Shiv Sena stands today. There is no proposal to have an alliance with MNS...the Maharashtra unit president has already clarified on the meeting,” he said.

The Shiv Sena has threatened to boycott NDA’S proposed rally against corruption in the Capital tomorrow over Raj’s visit to BJP office on Monday.

APPOINTMENTS

Biz10_Pg12 12/21/2010 9:55 PM Page 1

OHERALDO

Pg 10 FM to intervene to facilitate onion supply PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 21

As onion prices skyrocketed to Rs 70-80 a kg in retail markets, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said he would talk to ministries concerned to facilitate their supply to consumers.

"It is very unfortunate that onion prices have risen very high...Now there is a mismatch between supply from mandi to the consumer point. Those bottlenecks have to be removed and I will talk to concerned ministries," the finance minister told reporters.

BIZ

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 DECEMBER, 2010

He hoped that appropriate steps will be taken after ban on onion exports yesterday.

"I hope appropriate steps will be taken. Exports have already been banned," he said.

Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid expressed inability of the government to check prices at every shop.

"Whenever something happens in the market...at every shop the government cannot censor," he said.

Yesterday, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma had also attributed the spriralling onion prices to hoard-

ing.

"Price rise is because of hoarding. There is enough stock of onion in the country,"

he had said.

The price rise could also be partly attributed to damage of crops, particularly in Maharashtra, due to unseasonal rains, but that would contribute only 15-20 per cent rise, officials said.

Onion prices have soared to Rs 70-80 per kg in the retail markets in Delhi and many other important cities of the country from Rs 35-40 a couple of days ago.

The government had yester-

day banned onion exports till January 15 following skyrocketing prices.

It had also more than doubled the minimum export price to 1,200 dollars per tonne from 525 dollars per tonne for the contracts already approved by the regulating agency NAFED. In Delhi, NAFED and NCCF (National Consumer Cooperative Federation) have decided to sell onion at cheaper rates through their retail outlets.

Escorts sees 17% growth in construction PTI MUMBAI, DEC 21

Escorts Group company, Escorts Construction Equipment, expects to clock a 17 per cent growth in its gross sales at Rs 750-crore this fiscal, a senior executive said.

The company follows the October-September financial year.

"Gross sales will be about Rs 750-crore this year. Last year it was Rs 640-crore," Escorts Construction Equipment Limited's Vice-President and Head of Marketing, Rajesh Sharma, told reporters on the sidelines of a CII-organised event on surface transport here today.

"The industry is growing annually at about 10-15 per cent.

We will grow faster than that," Sharma said.

Escorts Equipment is primarily in the manufacturing of equipment such as hydraulic mobile cranes, loaders, forklifts and vibratory compactors.

Fitch ups FY11 growth to 8.7% PTI MUMBAI, DEC 21

Leading global rating agency Fitch Ratings has revised upwards its forecast for the country's economic expansion to 8.7 per cent in the current fiscal from 8.5 per cent earlier.

"We revise upwards our forecast for India's GDP growth to 8.7 per cent for the financial year ending March 2011 from 8.5 per cent, as economic activity has proved more buoyant than previously expected," Fitch said in its latest quarterly review 'Global economic outlook' released in London today.

A breakdown of GDP numbers by expenditure shows that India's economic activity remains broad-based, with both private and public sector consumption, fixed investment and exports all registering high single-digit growth, report said.

After over nine per cent growth for three successive years prior to the recent global financial crisis, economic growth decelerated to 6.9 per cent in FY09 and to 7.4 per cent in FY10,as exports screeched to a grinding halt and crude oil went over the roof to scale nearly USD 190 a barrel.

To pump prime the economy, the Government adopted an expansionary fiscal policy wherein it cut taxes massively and nudged the Reserve Bank to bring down interest rates to boost both production as well as consumption. But all this had a debilitating impact on fiscal deficit, which had crossed 5 per cent last fiscal and is estimated at 5.5% this fiscal.

However, the various stimulus measures have had the desired impact on the economy and it began to rebound

robustly. While the economy logged in a healthy 8.8 per cent in the first quarter of this fiscal, it fared a notch better in the second quarter at 8.9 per cent on the back of strong growth in manufacturing and a massive improvement in the farm sector after the severe drought last year, which saw the farm output nosediving to under half a per cent.

Encouraged by this robust growth show, the conservative Finance Ministry too had last week forecast an over nine per cent growth this fiscal, up from its own forecast of 8.5% earlier.

However, warning against high inflationary pressures, the Fitch report says against such a robust economic backdrop, inflationary pressures will remain pronounced, making RBI's battle to anchor inflation expectations still tougher.

BOARD MEETINGS ABG Infra Nitin Fire Sunraj Diamond Aditya Ispat Nouveau Multi Mafatlal Inds OIL India Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA UTI DIVIDEND YIELD FUND declares tax-free dividend of 7% (Re 0.70 per unit on face value of Rs 10). Pursuant to the payment of dividend, the NAV of the dividend option of the scheme would fall to the extent of payout and statutory levy if any.

The record date for the dividend is December 21, 2010. All unit holders registered under the dividend option of UTI Dividend Yield Fund as on December 21, 2010 will be eligible for this dividend. Also investors who join the dividend option of the scheme on or before the record date will be eligible for the dividend.

The NAV per unit as on December 15, 2010 was Rs 15.94 under the dividend option.

Sensex hits 5-week high to breach 20k-mark PTI MUMBAI, DEC 21

The BSE benchmark Sensex today recorded a 5-week high and closed above the psychological 20,000-mark, driven by brisk buying in blue chips like ICICI Bank and Reliance Industries, as well as on firm global cues.

The 30-share sensitive index of the Bombay Stock Exchange witnessed a smart trading day and settled with a gain of 0.86 per cent or 171.44 points at 20,060.32. Sensex had last closed above the 20,000-level on November 15. The key index has registered a smart gain of over 412 points in three-straight sessions.

Aban Offshor, 717.1, 729.9, 717, 722.8 Abb Ltd., 766.2, 776, 759, 764.05 Abg Shipyard, 397.35, 400.8, 391.1, 394.4 Acc Limited, 1092, 1098, 1070.25, 1078.45 Adani Enterp, 620.25, 634, 611.55, 624.75 Aditya Birla, 825, 841.7, 818, 838.05 Allahabad Ba, 219, 219.85, 216.25, 217.25 Alstom Proje, 698, 704, 690.65, 697.6 Ambuja Cemen, 139, 140.8, 137.25, 138.1 Andhra Bank, 152.6, 156.95, 152.2, 155.65 Ashok Leylan, 65, 66.25, 64.5, 66 Asian Paints, 2764.8, 2936, 2730.25, 2916.2 Axis Bank Li, 1280.9, 1323.9, 1280, 1318.35 Bajaj Hindus, 110.6, 111.8, 109, 110.2 Bank Of Baro, 889.25, 900, 889.25, 893.3 Bank Of Indi, 439, 454.9, 438.25, 451 Beml Limited, 1004, 1004, 995, 997.75 Bharat Elect, 1720, 1769.85, 1720, 1757.45 Bharat Forge, 380, 385.85, 379.1, 383.15 Bharat Petro, 695, 695, 680.15, 683.4 Bharti Airte, 335, 337.5, 330, 332.85 Bhel, 2314, 2337.8, 2314, 2322.85 Bhushan Stee, 456, 469.95, 454, 466.9 Biocon Limit, 403, 405.35, 400.3, 402.5 Bombay Dyein, 485.6, 494, 469, 488

Bosch Limite, 6210, 6268, 6142, 6167.05 Brigade Ente, 107.55, 110.95, 107.5, 109.35 Cairn India, 330, 336.4, 327.2, 333.75 Canara Bank, 666, 666, 642, 654.9 Central Bank, 178, 181.3, 177.5, 178.65 Century Text, 418.5, 422.9, 417.05, 419.1 Cesc Ltd, 366.5, 373, 366.5, 371.1 Chambal Fert, 83.85, 86, 83.5, 85.55 Chennai Petr, 246.9, 249.8, 245, 246.2 Cipla Ltd, 368.8, 371.75, 363.75, 366.6 Colgate Palm, 875.15, 880.1, 860.1, 865.25 Container Co, 1250, 1282, 1240, 1264.1 Crompton Gre, 331.2, 333.7, 324.6, 325.8 Cummins Indi, 764, 766.85, 755, 756.35 Dabur India, 101.1, 102.7, 99.3, 99.75 Deccan Chron, 107.05, 107.9, 105.6, 106.25 Dish Tv Indi, 66.7, 67.35, 65.9, 66.8 Divi’s Labor, 610, 620.95, 609.15, 615.4 Dlf Limited, 280.8, 286.75, 280.45, 285.5 Dr. reddy’s, 1710, 1736, 1662.75, 1686.7 Edelweiss Ca, 45.75, 46.8, 44.35, 46.5 Educomp Solu, 523, 525.5, 516, 520 Eih Limited, 120.95, 123, 120.5, 120.9 Engineers In, 329, 333.6, 329, 330.15 Essar Oil Lt, 132.4, 134.75, 130.9, 134.2 Essar Shippi, 93.5, 97.8, 93.5, 97.8

Exide Indust, 161.7, 164.7, 160, 163 Federal Bank, 400, 406, 396, 398.8 Financial Te, 885.95, 913, 883.6, 889.05 Gail (india), 508.9, 512.7, 501.95, 508 Gammon India, 169, 173.95, 169, 170.8 Glaxosmithkl, 2180, 2208, 2180, 2200.25 Glenmark Pha, 345, 360.5, 344, 358.95 Gmr Infrastr, 46.4, 46.5, 45.5, 45.75 Godrej Indus, 177.4, 179.75, 176.3, 178.9 Grasim Indus, 2305, 2324.9, 2280, 2318.2 Great Offsho, 353, 369, 353, 365.6 Gtl Infra.Lt, 42.35, 43.2, 42.35, 43.1 Gujarat Mine, 127.1, 130.45, 127.1, 129.2 Gujarat N R, 56.25, 58, 56, 57.85 Gujarat Stat, 117.85, 118.3, 116.2, 117.35 Gvk Pow. & I, 39.6, 41.5, 39.4, 41.05 Hcl Technolo, 451.75, 454.9, 448.55, 452.9 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2173, 2219.05, 2171.9, 2214.1 Hdfc Ltd, 695.1, 704.4, 695.1, 699.1 Hero Honda M, 1988.8, 1988.8, 1908.65, 1972.5 Hindalco in, 224.4, 235.6, 224.05, 233.6 Hindustan Co, 45.65, 46.6, 45.1, 45.75 Hindustan Ma, 66.5, 68.15, 66.4, 66.9 Hindustan Pe, 417.65, 418, 411.05, 413.5 Hindustan Un, 295.15, 296.85, 292.1, 293.75 Hindustan Zi, 1217, 1265.8, 1192.05, 1260.5

Housing Dev, 187.5, 189.9, 186.35, 187 Icici Bank L, 1102.7, 1143, 1102, 1138.35 Idea Cellula, 66.75, 68, 66.35, 67.35 Ifci Ltd, 62.55, 64, 62.5, 63.7 India Cement, 108, 109.85, 105, 105.2 India Infoli, 79, 82.8, 78.3, 81.85 Indiabulls F, 166, 170.85, 165.05, 169.9 Indiabulls R, 131.5, 134.35, 131.5, 132.65 Indian Bank, 258, 258, 249.3, 255.1 Indian Hotel, 95.9, 95.9, 92.5, 93.75 Indian Oil C, 367.65, 370.7, 361.15, 363.95 Indian Overs, 143.55, 145.95, 143.3, 144.05 Indus Dev Ba, 162.5, 167.2, 162.5, 166.15 Indusind Ban, 245, 251.7, 244.5, 248 Infosys Tech, 3350.55, 3369.6, 3311.05, 3329.25 Infra. dev., 175, 180.25, 171.55, 179.1 Ispat Indust, 24, 24, 20.6, 21.2 Itc Ltd, 167, 167.5, 165.8, 167.15 Ivrcl Infras, 126, 127.45, 125.1, 126.8 Jai Corp Lim, 208.55, 223.8, 207.95, 218.05 Jaiprakash A, 103.4, 104.45, 102.85, 103.55 Jet Airways, 732.5, 743.9, 727.4, 736.6 Jindal Saw L, 182.65, 186.85, 179.3, 181.75 Jindal Steel, 677, 689.9, 674.35, 686.7 Jsw Steel Li, 1212, 1239.7, 1190, 1211.8 Kotak Mahind, 453.7, 459.25, 450, 454.75

Lakshmi Mach, 2368, 2434.95, 2368, 2398.75 Lanco Infrat, 62.9, 64, 62.25, 62.5 Larsen & Tou, 1982, 1995, 1963, 1975.3 Lic Housing, 904.5, 924.25, 901, 906.75 Lupin Limite, 452.9, 453, 446.1, 450.65 Mahanagar Te, 53.2, 54, 52.7, 52.95 Mahindra & M, 746.1, 757.8, 746.1, 754.1 Maruti Suzuk, 1416.6, 1454.8, 1402.5, 1423.3 Max India Lt, 137.8, 138.25, 135.85, 136.55 Maytas Infr., 180.9, 183.95, 178, 180.65 Moser-baer (, 57.5, 57.5, 56.35, 56.85 Mrpl, 72, 72.5, 71.3, 72.35 Nagarjuna Co, 139.9, 140.4, 136.3, 136.75 Nagarjuna Fe, 30.05, 30.8, 30.05, 30.5 National Alu, 376, 385.35, 376, 382.65 Neyveli Lign, 126.3, 129.9, 126, 128.65 Ntpc Ltd, 193, 194.2, 189.7, 191.85 Oil And Natu, 1307.9, 1309.9, 1296, 1301 Omaxe Limite, 148.05, 150, 144.1, 147.65 Oriental Ban, 398.25, 406.9, 397.1, 403.45 Pantaloon Re, 370, 370, 345.35, 366.3 Parsvnath De, 51.2, 52.45, 50.8, 51.9 Petronet Lng, 129, 130.9, 128.05, 128.8 Power Fin Co, 330.2, 333.55, 318.25, 319.05 Power Grid C, 96, 98.1, 95.9, 97.15

Praj Industr, 71.45, 73, 71.4, 71.9 Punj Lloyd L, 105.1, 106.65, 105.1, 105.75 Punjab Natio, 1205, 1236.85, 1205, 1215.85 Rajesh Expor, 121.15, 126.05, 121.15, 122.95 Ranbaxy Labs, 550, 564.9, 545.25, 559.1 Rashtriya Ch, 100.4, 103.8, 98.35, 99.1 Reliance Cap, 644.1, 652.8, 640.5, 643.55 Reliance Com, 126.25, 128.1, 125.15, 127.45 Reliance Ene, 1174, 1174, 1115, 1130.89 Reliance Ind, 694, 708, 690.2, 702.5 Reliance Ind, 1059.9, 1074.9, 1058.25, 1073.15 Reliance Pow, 149.9, 150.8, 149.05, 149.6 Rolta India, 153, 154.35, 152.3, 153.3 Satyam Compu, 64.3, 70.8, 63.4, 69 Sesa Goa Ltd, 289.6, 302.5, 289.6, 301.15 Shipping Cor, 132.4, 133.4, 131, 131.9 Siemens Ltd, 785, 789.7, 779, 785.15 Sintex Indus, 185.15, 186.9, 172.6, 176.7 Sobha Develo, 330.2, 332, 325.3, 328.25 State Bank O, 2709.25, 2765, 2709.25, 2743.75 Steel Author, 193.1, 196.7, 192.3, 194.85 Sterlite Ind, 169.2, 177.35, 169.2, 176.75 Sun Pharmace, 440, 443, 423, 428.15 Sun Tv Netwo, 547, 550, 525.05, 529 Suzlon Energ, 51.75, 51.9, 49.5, 50.65

Tata Communi, 249, 251.9, 245.25, 250 Tata Consult, 1169, 1172.25, 1154, 1160.8 Tata Motors, 1351, 1363.9, 1332.8, 1350 Tata Power C, 1282, 1291.85, 1276.15, 1284.7 Tata Steel L, 667.1, 678.75, 666.3, 676.2 Tata Teleser, 18.9, 19, 18.8, 18.95 Tech Mahindr, 665, 709, 658.5, 699.15 The Ge Shpg., 329.7, 337.25, 329.7, 335.35 The Phoenix, 216, 220.95, 212.3, 219.95 Thermax Ltd, 852.65, 852.65, 845, 851.1 Titan Indust, 3400, 3447.75, 3390.1, 3413.15 Torrent Powe, 276.25, 279.8, 276, 277.6 Triveni Engg, 106, 107.75, 105.3, 107.05 Tv18 India L, 69, 70.6, 68.5, 70.15 Uco Bank, 114.5, 116.5, 114, 115.15 Ultratech Ce, 1075, 1080, 1068.55, 1073 Union Bank O, 321.35, 326.5, 321.35, 325 Unitech Ltd, 62.25, 63.8, 62.05, 63.4 United Phosp, 153.6, 159.9, 151.25, 159.2 Videocon Ind, 223, 227.6, 221.2, 223.6 Vijaya Bank, 96, 97.1, 94.05, 96.35 Voltas Ltd, 217, 220.8, 215.3, 219.9 Wipro Ltd, 480, 494.8, 479.25, 485.5 Yes Bank Lim, 288, 300.35, 288, 299.45 Zee Entertai, 142, 144.7, 137.55, 139.3

OHERALDO

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BIZ

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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 22 DECEMBER, 2010

TALK BUSINESS

Ramada opens exclusive steak restuarant PANJIM (HBD) -- Ramada Caravela Beach Resort, Varca has opened its exclusive restaurant ‘The Carnival’ serving a wide variety of steaks and salads.

The fine dining restaurant is open for dinner only, from 7.30 onwards.

The different types of meats are specially imported and are of the highest quality. Some of the popular dishes offered here include the Dutch tenderloin steack ‘Steak au poivre’, 8 oz Australian strip ‘Striploin, lamb chops, pork chops etc.

The Norvegian smoked salmon and grilled lobster with beef steak are also popular here.

The vegetarians too have a variety, including asparagus risotto, grilled vegetable tian etc.

According to Chef Chatterjee the idea of setting up the steak restaurant is to provide steak lovers the authentic flavor of the dish and provide an appetizing variety.

The Carnival also has a variety of desserts.

Shnaia’s Beauty Spot opens at Margao PANJIM (HBD) -- Goa’s exclusive cosmetic and beauty product store Shnaia’s Beauty Spot, situated at Ashirwad Bldg, opposite Meenaxi hotel in Margao, opened on December 16, 2010.

The store for ladies offers all ranges of various national and international brands of beauty and cosmetic items including Revlon, L’Oreal, Nutrogena, Street Wear, Garnier, Wella, Lakme, Ponds, Shannaz Husein, Biotique, Dove, Streaks, Olay, Ayur etc.

The attractively designed air-conditioned store has also initiated various inaugural and Christmas discounts for customers. In fact all customers making purchases till 24th December will get free gifts.

Exciting freebies too have been offered by Revlon, including vanity boxes, vanity case, manicure sets, shopping bags, sippers, deodorants etc, which are being offered at various purchase amounts.

According to the proprietor Sheeba the store was opened keeping in mind the need for a genuine store that houses all major brands for the ever-changing needs of beauty conscious ladies.

“Our endeavour is to provide ladies with all beauty items under one roof, where brands can be compared, instead of running around searching for different items”, the beauty-conscious owner said.

Shnaia’s Beauty Spot is open from 9.30 am to 1 pm and 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm and is closed on Sundays. For details call 2711334.

ICICI Bank opens branch at Cuncolim

Arvind Baghnani, centre head, Wockhardt Hospitals cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the Cuncolim branch of ICICI Bank as Trevor Barreto, regional head and Silpa Raikar, branch manager look on.

PANJIM (HBD) -- ICICI Bank launched its Cuncolim Branch on Goa Liberation Day 19th December 2010.

With this ICICI Bank now have 17 branches in Goa. ICICI Bank now has more than 2500 branches all over India keeping in line with their ongoing service mantra of “Khayaal Aapka”. ICICI Bank aims to provide the best of the services to its customers. Cuncolim Branch will be providing all services to the customers including all types of accounts (savings, business, professional accounts), DEMAT, Loans, Forex and NRI services.

The branch was inaugurated by Arvind Bhagania, centre head of Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd. The ATM was inaugurated by Rev Fr Renlino, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Cuncolim in the presence of Trevor Barreto (Regional Head for Goa and Kolhapur Region) and Richard Rosario (cluster branch manager) along with all the jubilant bank staff of Goa. Fancy Dress and greeting card making competition was oragnised for children as also sweet dish making for the ladies.

The people of Cuncolim also enjoyed a magic show, car test drives and mehendi tattoos. The branch ended the day with a visit to the nearby home for the aged and spend some time with them.

Silpa Raikar is the branch manager and along with her team are looking forward to serve the people in the area with the best of banking products and services.

Designer accessories, clothes exhibition opens

Waiting to ink trade pact: Malaysia PTI KUALA LUMPUR, DEC 21

Malaysia today said it is "waiting for a date" to ink a landmark Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with India, noting that both sides have already fulfilled all the requirements to institutionalise the trade pact and only the formal signing remains.

"Consider it done, we are waiting for a date," Malaysia's Minister for International Trade, Mustafa Mohammad, told PTI here.

Both Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi have been working on the deal through the year, with several rounds of discussions held between the two sides.

During Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Malaysia in late October, he and his counterpart, Malaysian Premier Najib Razak, decided that the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) should be signed by January 31, 2011.

Mustafa said his ministry has been in touch with Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma to finalise a date for signing the CECA. "India wants to sign the CECA in Malaysia," he said, adding that Malaysia was keen to ink the historic trade pact in a "third country" where both he and Sharma would be present - in addition to several other world trade leaders -- for a forthcoming international conference.

Sources in Malaysia's trade ministry, who did not want to be identified, said Razak was referring to the forthcoming trade talks at Davos, Switzerland.

They also stressed that Malaysia did not want to defer the deadline for signing the pact anymore and wanted it signed by January.

PANJIM (HBD) -- Ambika Soni designer clothes and accessories exhibition was inaugurated at the hands of Pratima Dhond, chairperson of Womens Wing, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Ambika Soni and Karishma, two Goa based lady designers presented a designer collection of Indian clothes, Salwar Kameez and formal dresses for Christmas cocktail parties at Hotel Mandovi.

The clothes are also available at Alexandria showroom at Calangute.

BHARATI PAWASKAR

Known for ship repairs with global competence Western India Shipyard Ltd (WISL)’s yard is strategically located in the Arabian Sea in the Mormugao Port on the Indian West Coast and is geographically best positioned to offer a range of comprehensive repair services.

It is one of the world’s few multi-dimensional and multi-purpose yards, offering modern, streamlined, sophisticated ship repair facilities and services.

WISL has the expertise to undertake repairs for general cargo and bulk carriers, liner vessels, jack up rigs, LPG tankers, OSVs, oil/chemical/gas carriers, dredgers, Transhippers, passenger vessels, drill ships, drill rigs apart from tugs, barges, floating cranes and several offshore patrol vessels of Navy and Coast Guard. WISL has flexible and adaptable services for dry dock, alongside, afloat and repairs and maintenance, ship maintenance management, conversion or up-gradation of vessels and on shore applications – both marine and non-marine. WISL has QA certification for ISO 9001 by BVQI. Apart from the engineering facilities, WISL has a full-fledged First Aid Centre, Fire and Safety, Security and Training Departments. WISL has been providing practical training to the students of the Institute of Ship Building Technology as well as various Maritime University students. For the employees, regular medical camps and health programmes are organised. Canteen facilities are also provided at subsidised rates and it is seen that there are jobs that are mainly outsourced and employment is been provided to 1000 direct workers and 1500 indirect workers.

Turning the pages of history we know that ever since its inception in 1994, WISL has successfully completed ship repairs for over 470 vessels with several repeat assignments from clients both in the public as well as private sectors apart from the defence forces.

“After ABG Yard has taken over WISL in 2007, we have come up from a turnover of Rs36 crore in 2007-08 to Rs76 crore in 2009-10 and now it is a great leap this year. We hope to cross Rs100 crore in 2010-11! Our last two quarterly results show net profits. We were into losses prior to that but gradually we have managed to overcome this,” announces a visibly happy Direc-

Cdr Subhash Mutreja, director and CEO of ABG Western India Shipyard Ltd, at his Mormugao Headquarters.

tor and CEO of ABG Western India Shipyard Ltd, Cdr Subhash Mutreja at his Mormugao Harbour headquarters.

Going into details of this change of ownership, Cdr Mutreja explains that the interaction between the ABG and WISL started in 2007.

The previous management has changed and officially this yard has become ABG yard after the High Court approved the Scheme in Jan 2010.

The transfer of shares in the name of ABG has taken place in October 2010. It was a Gagdil group company earlier, but Gadgil was out of scene for a long time and it was managed by the banks. Now ABG has completely taken over Western India Shipyard Ltd, and are holding more than 60 per cent of shares.

As we know, ABG Shipyard is the largest private sector ship building yard.

They have financial capacity, necessary infrastructure and the expertise for the ship repair and the same has been provided to WISL since 2007. By taking over WISL, ABG is now providing complete ship building and repair services.

Cdr Subhash Mutreja has had a long experience in the Indian Navy to his credit. Serving Indian Navy for 20 years in the capacity of a Commander in the Engineering Branch till 1989, Cdr

Mutreja opted for a premature retirement from Navy to join Goa Shipyard.

He worked there for 16 years. He was Chief of Operations in Goa Shipyard, at the time of leaving. He joined ABG Shipyard 5 years ago, in 2005. “When ABG decided to take over this WISL, resigning from ABG, I moved here,” he says.

Elaborating the activities of the company, CEO has indicated that they have the facilities like Floating Dock, repair berth and a full-fledged workshop for Hull Fabrication, Piping, Engineering, Electrical and Electronics and a Machine Shop.

This is the only yard in the country where the main activity undertaken is ship repair which provides composite ship repair under one roof. “Our gamut of ship repair services covers a wide range such as: routine maintenance and damage repair, cargo hold/tank blasting and coating, cargo tank special coating, main engine overhaul, rudder, propeller and tail shaft repair. We have Hatch covers modification, repair of Oil rigs and dredgers. We have also constructed a Jack-up Barge for Adanis and special purpose tanks for PSVs. Presently we are in the run for getting an order for fabrication of Pontoons for Indian Navy.

In addition, we are utilising our Machine Shop to its full capacity and for this purpose, we have got an order against stiff competition for manufacturing of fittings for the Submarine project under construction at MDL. The quality of our fittings has been approved by the French authorities, the designers of the Submarine. We have already supplied 100 fittings and have to supply another 600,” informs CEO. Talking about the future plans Cdr Mutreja points out that in the next couple of years following additional facilities / expertise will be added to cater to a larger clientele. The emphasis will always remain on quality, delivery and price. The feasibility of putting an additional Floating Dock to cater for the medium sized ships is under serious consideration and is likely to be finalised soon.

“We are also looking at undertaking construction of FRP Boats for which the space is available within the yard. The Project report for this is under preparation. The other area which is being looked at is major repairs of Offshore Rigs and the proposal is under consideration for enhancing the facilities and tying up with renowned Rig repairers.

One of the areas where we are working very closely is for the medium repairs of Naval and Coast Guard ships which are falling due for up-gradation and midterm life extension in the near future.

One such project of medium refit – INS Sujata is already in progress in the yard,” he says, adding, “We are also looking at construction of small ships as well as fabrication work which includes fabrication of blocks for rigs and other vessels which will help us to utilise our slipway.”

Believing in 5 Es – Expertise, Excellence, Efficiency, Efficacy and Esteem, ABG-WISL’s mission is to offer world class ship repair services and products by integrating the highest quality of people, processes and products with professional and streamlined operations while ensuring complete customer satisfaction consistently. The future in ship repair is a challenge. Those who want to accept it must withstand fierce international competition and succeed on the basis of flexible, efficient and cost effective ship repairs. ABG-WISL is all set to break the records!

India, Russia target $20 b trade PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 21

Committed to strengthening economic ties at the highest level, India and Russia today agreed to consider a comprehensive agreement in this regard and push bilateral trade to USD 20 billion by 2015.

The two key members of the fast-rising BRIC (Brazil-RussiaIndia-China) economies recognised potential for mutual investment in the private sectors and viewed bilateral energy cooperation as a key component of their strategic partnership.

A joint statement issued after talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev here, said the two sides "agreed to continue their efforts to achieve the strategic target of bilateral trade volume of USD 20 billion by 2015...

"Both sides agreed to consider the possibility of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) taking into account the implementation of the agreements on constituting the customs union between Russia, Kazakhastan and Belarus...," it said.

The bilateral trade in 200910 stood at USD 4.54 billion and the two nations aspire to step it up more than four-fold in the next five years.

India is in the process of dis-

Dhanlaxmi Bank ties up for remittance PTI CHENNAI, DEC 21

Pratima Dhond inaugurating the exhibition along with Ambika Soni, Parvish Andani Kamat with Abir among others.

ABG-WISL turnover to cross 100 cr this year

Dhanlaxmi Bank has entered into an agreement with Qatarbased Doha Bank for providing an online fund remittance facility for its NRI customers.

NRI customers of the bank would be able to transfer money from any of Doha Bank's branches in Qatar or via its internet banking platform to designated beneficiaries accounts in any of Dhanlaxmi Bank's 274 branches in India, Dhanlaxmi Bank said.

They would also be able to remit funds to beneficiaries having accounts with any other bank in India, it said.

"The arrangement will enable us to provide our customers convenient and secure services besides expanding our remittance network across GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries," Dhanlaxmi Bank said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Russia Dmitry Medvedev (left) leave after the agreement signing in New Delhi on Tuesday.

mantling duty barriers through trade pacts with several countries and blocs like Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and European Union.

Such pacts are already under implmentation with ASEAN, Singapore and South Korea.

Russia, as a major energy producing country and India as a big consumer, viewed energy cooperation "as an important pillar of the strategic partnership".

They also reviewed the ongoing efforts to establish joint cooperation ventures between Indian and Russian companies in the oil and gas sector.

It was agreed that the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector signed during the Summit, must serve as a legal mechanism.

This is to expedite governmental clearances on both sides to facilitate the creation

and operation of joint ventures.

They would promote specific projects including upstream and downstream activities in India, Russia and third countries.

The two leaders noted that the conclusion of the agreement on simplification of visa procedures would help enhance contacts between the business communities of the two countries.

Noting that the BRIC plays an important role in promoting a multi-polar world order and global financial stability, India and Russia welcomed the proposed inclusion of South Africa into the BRIC process in 2011.

Singh and Medvedev agreed that while a global economic recovery was discernible, it remained fragile characterised by wide disparities in individual countries.

They welcomed the reform of the World Bank and reiterated their commitment to the successful completion of the reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as agreed at the G-20 Seoul Summit.

Yesterday, as many as eight MoUs were signed by the private companies of the two counties for setting up joint production facilities, technology transfer and sourcing of raw material.

Credai ensures ‘Home for All’

all" touches everyone's heart, and particularly of the multitudes of Indians who are seeking to improve their living environments and the quality of life as the growing prosperity of our economy touches them.

Kamat in his address stated "I will assure that Credai receives representation on various planning committees which will affect major policy decisions".

He also requested that anyChief Minister, Digambar Kamat attends the 10th National Convention of Confederone buying property in Goa ation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India. should follow the new regional plan 2021 and that HERALD BUSINESS DESK he is not in favour of arbitrary conversions.

PANJIM, DEC 21 Chairman of Credai, Kumar Gera of Gera DeThe 10th National Convention of Confederation velopers ensured that Credai will work together of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India with the government to ensure "Home for All".

(CREDAI) was held in Delhi, recently.

The 10th National Convention of ConfederaThe convention was attended by dignitaries tion of Real Estate Developers' Associations of such as Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister, India was attended by members from Goa Credai Govt of India; Digambar Kamat, Chief Minister, association like Nilesh Salkar, president of Gov't of Goa; Kumar Gera, chairman Credai and CREDAI-Goa and of Susheela Homes, Joe Mathias Santosh Rungta president Credai. of Mathias Constructions, Datta Naik of ComMukherjee complemented Credai for bringing monwealth, Sandesh Naik of Sapna Real Estate, together different stakeholders from across the Amara Britto of Acron, Gaurang Suctancar of Prucountry to deliberate on a theme that is very dential Palms, Anil Counto of Alcon Builders, and close to my heart. Indeed, the theme "home for K K Sekhar of Milroc Developers.

Passengers queue to get to the Eurostar train terminal, at St Pancras International station in London, on December 21, 2010. Thousands of angry travelers forced to sleep in airports and train stations across Europe faced more misery Tuesday as fresh snowfalls paralysed transport systems just days before Christmas. London Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, was only operating about a third of its normal schedule during a fourth day of disruption, while Frankfurt halted all flights after a new blanketing of snow.

Pg 12 GOA, Wednesday, 22 December, 2010

St Savio in finals

PANJIM, DEC 21(HSR) -- St. Savio’s SC, Calangute overcame Milagres SC 6-4 via the tie-breaker to enter the finals of 5th Pio Jose Gouveia memorial soccer at Colvale church ground on Tuesday.The teams were locked 1-1 at full time.

Norwin Pontes put Milagres ahead in the 60th minute.

Calangute’s Samir Chodankar levelled eight minutes later.

In the tie-breaker, Calangute scored through Bruno, Rajkumar, Joachim, Sarvanand and Alber while Anup, Joalan and Norwin shot on target for Milagres.

SPORTS

Dempo eye victory against Mumbai HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 21

Dempo Sports Club chief coachcum-secretary, Armando Colaco is determined to record their second win against Mumbai Football Club in a fifth round match of I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Wednesday at 3.45 p.m.

Dempo are on five points from four matches and are keen in improving their position on the league ladder especially since Salgaocar and East Bengal are in top spot. Mumbai FC are

on nine points from four encounters and occupy the third spot.

Dempo are determined to put across the Mumbai team, which has not performed well in the previous game against Churchill Brothers losing 1-5. There is good news for Colaco. Stopper back Cresson Antao and midfielder Joe Rodrigues have recovered from injuries and will figure in the playing 18. However, Colaco will miss the services of striker Joaquim Abranches and defender Valeri-

ano Rebello, both recovering from injuries.

“I have confidence in my boys and also confident that the midfield will once again function as expected and dominate their positions to take control,” said Colaco.

Colaco also feels that if the medios once again do a good job then they will be able to put pressure on the rival defence.

Dempo strikers Ranty Martins and promising youngster Cliffton Gonsalves have been on target in the previous match

with both scoring one goal each.

“We are confident of notching three points. This is our home match and the boys have been playing well. Mumbai cannot be taken lightly. I am sure Mumbai technical director, Khalid Jamil will motivate and ensure they come hard at us,” Colaco concluded.

“I have great respect for Dempo chief coach Armando Colaco. They have quality a balanced side and are in a class of their own. They are playing at home and to be fair they are a

TODAYS FIXTURES East Bengal v. Salgaocar, 1.45 p.m.

Dempo v. Mumbai FC 3.45 p.m.

AIFF XI v. Air India, 3.45 p.m. superior side. But we know we can match them,” maintained Khalid.

Nigerian defender Alex Evans will miss the tie due to a double booking and will have no role to play. We cannot afford to play an open game against Dempo.

We will play according to our plans, but when there is an opening we can catch on the counter. We will rely on Noel Wilson, Nigerian attacking duo Henr y Ezeh and Ebi Theo Surkore to deliver the goods,” concluded Khalid.

It’s time Nana gets into politics: GSA

lTeam’s

I-League: Dempo SC v.

Mumbai SC, Nehru stadium, Fatorda, 3.45 p.m.

GFA 2nd Division: Cortalim SC v. CAC Cansaulim, Tilak Maidan, Vasco, 4 p.m.

GFA U-16: ABC Arambol SC v. Dunes SC, Morjim ground; F C S a n q u e l i m v. A n j u n a Gymkhana, Municipal ground, Sanquelim; Brasil FA v. Santo Estevam SC, Agacaim ground; Guardian Angel SC v. Sirlim SC, Curchorem ground; Guirdolim Club v. Colmorod Ratwaddo SC, Cavorim ground, Chandor.

Kick off 4 p.m.

GFA U-14: Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim v. Jawahar Club, Don Bosco ground, Panjim, 4 p.m.

GFA 3rd Div zonal play-off finals: Sao Jose de Areal v. Chicalaim SC, Nagoa ground, 4.30 p.m.

Loutulim Panchayat Cup: Curtorim Gymkhana v. Ambelim Sports Club, Montir ground, Loutulim, 4.30 p.m.

jersey, flag, website launched at impressive ceremony

Vallabh Prabhu, Ramakant Angle, Xavier Marques, Narayan Bandekar, Nitin Kunkolienkar, Nitin Bandekar, Amit Bandekar, Aditya Angle displaying the Goa Sports Acadenmy (GSA) jersey at the launching ceremony in Panjim on Tuesday.

Photo: Jovito Lopes HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 21

With philantrophist Nana Bandekar from Vasco providing full financial backing, Goa Sports Academy (GSA) launched their flag, jerseys and website for the GPL 2 at a glittering, well attended and professionally organised function at Fidalgo here, Tuesday.

With Xavier Marques as president and promoter and initiator Vallabh V Prabhu as secretary, GSA paid handsome compliments to Nana, who was the chief guest, for his splendid

sporting gesture in backing the team financially for the second year running.

“Nana does not expect anything in return, for his NRB Group’s motto is to promote Goan sports and culture. That’s the selfless spirit of Nana. He has given us strong financial backing,” claimed Vallabh.

“Nana has given proof in ample measure of his genuine love for the two causes that are very dear to his heart and it is right time that he now enters the field of politics given the yeoman service he has been ren-

dering to society,” thundered Vallabh to a big round of applause from the appreciative audience. The statement found prompt echo from Nitin Kunkolienkar, who was among the dignitaries present on the dais.

Nana, who is the Chairman and MD of NRB Group, also came in for lavish praise from Ramakant Angle, former MP,who was the guest of honour. Ramakant, whose son Aditya is the GSA captain, exhorted the players to think that it is possible to emerge champions. “Do not

be afraid of anyone. Don’t be timid. Play in the right spirit and play to win. Display superior team spirit, will power and killer instinct and victory will be GSA’s,” exhorted Ramakant in his inimitable oratory. “ The trend is changing.

Cricket is growing in Goa and it’s time that the State has its own modern, full fledged stadium,” stated Nitin Kunkolienkar.

Nitin Bandekar pointed out that GSA had a strong team as it was possible to get all the players that were needed at the

auction. Sudhin Kamat and Kapil Angley will certainly do a good job, he added.

Xavier Marques welcomed.

Vallabh V Prabhu proposed the vote of thanks.

GSA squad: Aditya Angle (captain), Sagun Kamat, Anup Kolambkar, Regan Pinto, Ryan D’Sousa, Vaibhav Naik, Sherman Vaz, Tushar Narvekar, Vithalraj Sangodkar, Sandesh Pawaskar, Damodar Lotlikar, Gaurav Desai, Sonu Sharma, Amit Bhandari, Sohail Sharma, Rohit Chaudhary, Karan Mayejkar. Coach Prakash Mayekar.

GPL T20 from Friday at Porvorim l

Government sleeping over Sports Policy: Narvekar

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, DEC 21

The Goa Professional League T20 cricket tournament will get underway on December 24 with Dempo Cricket Club locking horns with Mechvac Fabricators at 9.30 a.m. at GCA stadium, Alto Porvorim.

In the second encounter, Salgaocar Sports Club will face AlFatah Cricket Club at 2 p.m. The matches will be inaugurated by the owners of the respective clubs. The semi-finals will be held on January 2 while the finals will take place on January 3 at 2 p.m. There will be no match on New Year’s Day. Addressing the media at Porvorim, the president of Goa Cricket Association, Dayanand Narvekar stated that the entry fee per day for two matches will be Rs 100 and Rs 500 for the pavilion. In the pavilion (south stand), seating arrangements for 150 spectators will be made.

Besides there will be season

passes of Rs 4,000 for teered to sponsor cheer pavilion and Rs 1,000 for girls of foreign origin but general category (north the GCA has not given a stand), the passes being thought to the proposal,” transferable. There will stated Narvekar. be sale of snacks, lunch, “In order to provide soft drinks and beer at better entertainment to the venue. The tender spectators the boundary for the live coverage of line has been reduced matches has been from 70 yards to 68 yards awarded to IN GOA chanso as to able players to nel. hit more sixes. ArrangeNarvekar mentioned ments habve been made that there has been a lot to hire the service of of enthusiasm among the some of the best outstageneral public as well as tion players who have the corporate sector participated in Ranji Troabout GPL matches. The phy such as Manpreet Federal Bank has sponGony, Aditya Dole and sored Rs 3 lakh and Vijay Dayanand Narvekar displaying the ticket for the Bhavin Thakker. This year Bank Rs 3 lakh.

GPL matches.

Photo: Anil Sankwalkar the spectators will get an The GCA is expecting opportunity to watch at an income of Rs 10 lakh through League will be around Rs 25 lakh. least 10 best outstation players The winners will take home Rs as compared to last year. Bollythe sale of tickets. Taking into consideration the amount re- 3 lakh and a trophy while the run- wood star Jackie Shroff has conceived from the six franchises, ners-up will pocket Rs 2 lakh and firmed his presence for the the GCA is expecting a total in- a trophy. The remaining two semi- finals,” Narvekar said. come of Rs 50 lakh. The total finalists will get Rs 1lakh each.

Narvekar disclosed that the “TATA DOCOMO has volun- GC A plans to upgrade the expenditure for the Premier

Cricket Academy at Porvorim.

They want to beautify the surrounding area of the academy and make a parking arrangement for 1000 scooters and 200 cars. As per the suggestion made by trainer, Basu, better gym, training facilities and accommodation for the players will be made available in the academy in the coming years.

Commenting on the Sports Policy of the government, Narvekar commented, “No further steps have been taken by the government regarding the implementation of the provisions of the Sports Policy.”

“The Government is sleeping over the Sports Policy for the last one year. As per the provisions of the Sports Policy the government is supposed to make available a sports ground for each sports association. Unless the associations wake up and react, the government will not act,” Narvekar concluded.

Pg 13

SPORTS Man City blow top spot chance, lose to Everton Man City 1 Everton 2 AGENCIES LONDON, DEC 21

Manchester City's Argentinian forward Carlos Tevez vies with Everton's Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini at Manchester on Tuesday.

Carlos Tevez made his peace with Manchester City but failed to guide them to top spot in the Premier League as they lost 2-1 at home to Everton on Monday.

Argentine striker Tevez, who withdrew the transfer request he made last week shortly before the match, failed to shine and Everton scored through Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines in the opening 19 minutes at Eastlands.

Everton were reduced to 10 men when Victor Anichebe was dismissed after 60 minutes following two quick bookings before City pulled a goal back when Yaya Toure's shot was deflected in off Phil Jagielka.

City also finished with 10 men when defender Kolo Toure was sent off in stoppage time.

City would have moved a point clear of Manchester United at the top with a win to lead the table at Christmas for the first time since 1929. United stayed ahead with 34 points from 16 matches, followed by Arsenal on 32 from 17, City on 32 from 18 and champions Chelsea on 31 from 17.

Joy, Nelly, Tony, Francis in GFA panels HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 21

Joy D’Silva, Nelly Rodrigues, Francis Fernandes, Tony Remedios figure in Goa Football Association (GFA) committees.

GFA president Shrinivas V Dempo will head the Planning and Development Committee.

Francis Fernandes will be the deputy chairman. Raj Gomes, Tulio D’Sousa, Benjamin Silva, Savio Messias, Salim Sayed and Tony Remedios members.

Disciplinary committee: Adv Antonio Peres Cardozo (chairman), Adv Ashwin Naik (deputy chairman), Milton Fernandes, Dr Bharat Deshpande, Ashok Babu Arolkar, Adv Mauro Menezes and Benedito Bishut Themudo.

Official competitions committee: Schubert Furtado (chairman), Welwin Menezes (deputy chairman), Sanjiv Nagvekar, Lawrence Gomes, Anthony Pango, Babli Mandrekar, Gajanan Kerkar and Angelo Albuquerque.

Players status committee: Francisco Lume Pereira (chairman), Henry Britto (deputy chairman), Jose Antonio Botelho, Eustaquio Pereira, Irineu Gonsalves, Nilkant Naik and Joy D’Silva.

Sports medical committee: Dr Ganashayam Mardolkar (chairman), Dr N N Bhatikar (deputy chairman), Dr Nisha Alvares, Dr Shekahar Shirvaikar, Dr Mahendra Kudchadkar and

Dr Pedro Bravo da Costa.

Technical and coaching committee: Brahamanand Shankwalkar (chairman), Armando Colaco (deputy chairman), Bruno Coutinho, Mariano Dias, Baptista Fernandes, Savio Madeira and Peter Valles.

Wo m e n ’ s f o o t b a l l a n d women’s competitions committee: Dr Susana de Sousa (chairperson), Nelly Rodrigues (deputy chairperson), Juliana Gurjao e Colaco, Komal Pereira, Maymol Ro c k y, O s w a l d D ’ C o s t a , Lawrence Gomes, Victor Gonsalves and Hector Trindade.

Youth development committee: Lavino Rebello (chairman), Alberto Colaco (deputy chairman), Sandip Jacques, Alirio Lobo, Uday Ligudkar, Minguel Gonsalves, Camilo Gonsalves, Raymond Carvalho, Oscar D’Costa, Socorro Vaz, Fabiano D’Sousa, Agostinho Antao, Domingos Barretto and Lector Mascarenhas.

Appeals committee: Adv Valmiki Menezes (chairman), Adv Cleofato Alemeida Coutinho (deputy chairman), Fortunato Braganza, Fortunato Franco and Selwyn Botelho.

Media, marketing and television advisory committee: Marcus Mergulhao (chairman), Sudhakar Shanbag (deputy chairman), Nikil Prabhu, Kanzil Rodrigues, Anthony Fernandes, Sharad Naik, Charles D’Sousa

Salgaocar Jrs hammer Dabolim

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 21

Salgaocar Sports Club Juniors flew past Dabolim Youth Sports Club 16-0 in GFA’s U-14 League at Cansaulim ground on Tuesday.

The score was 12-0 at the interval.

Jess Vaz and Delbert Fernandes netted an impressive five goals each. Stanley Colaco and Hayden Fernandes scored a brace each and Aaron Rodrigues and Anil Fernandes were also on target for Salgaocar.

Devash Maulingkar netted a brace as Goa United Sports Academy overcame BAFF 4-1. The score was 1-1 at the lemon break.

Pariston Fernandes and Shiva Kumar Singh continued their goal scoring form by punting in the other two for Goa United.

At Rosary ground, Liston Colaco struck a brace to help Col-

morod Ratwaddo to victory as they defeated Orlim Sports Club 3-2. Colmorod led 1-0 at the breather.

Aldrich Coelho scored Colmorod’s third. Lionel Fernandes and Jason Goes reduced the margin for Orlim.

Rossman win HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 21

Rossman Cruz Nagoa Sports Club overcame Sarzora Sports Club in GFA’s U-14 League on Tuesday. Rossman were 1-0 up at half time.

Clifford Monteiro, Clinton Braganza, Flevino Borges and Cleto Borges scored for Rossman.

In GFA’s Second Division, Vaddem Sports Club and Benfica Youth Club drew goalless at Tilak Maidan, Vasco.

Wedding bells for Nascimento HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 21

Midfielder Nascimento Silveira will wed Franzy Fernandes of Varca at St Lawrence Church, Agasaim on December 22 at 4 p.m.

Nascimento started his career with VLM Cansaulim and then switched over to Velsao Pale, Churchill Brothers Varca before joining Dempo. He went back to Churchill

Brothers but signed for Durand champions Chirag United Calcutta this season.

Nascimento was a member of the squad that won Durand Cup, IFA Shield, Federation cup, ILeague and played in AFC Championship Cup, AFC Cup for Dempo and Churchill Brothers, Varca. He was a member of the Goa winning Santosh Trophy and U-21 State squads.

and Elvis Gomes.

Finance committee: Shivanand Salgaocar, P K Mukherjee, Peter Vaz, Vinod Parkhot and Prakash Naik.

Internal audit committee: Ashish Prabhu Verlekar, Sharmila Pranhu Dempo and Paulo Fernandes.

Referees and assistant referees committee: Gregory Estrocio, Blair Rodrigues, Diago Diniz, Gokuldas Nagvenkar and Mauricio Almeida.

Arbitration tribunal: Adv Albino Vales, Adv Francis D’Sousa, Adv Mahesh Rao, Adv Noronha Ferreira and Adv G D Kamat.

Francis Fernandes, who was backed by Dempo but lost to Lavinio Rebello for the post of vice-president at the October elections, has been finally rewarded, adds our Sports Reporter from Panjim. There are also a few others, who also lost the elections, but have also been accomodated.

Surprisingly, the chairman and deputy chairman of referees committee are yet to be notified with the notable omission being Anthony John D’Costa, who was co-opted by the Executive Committee. There has been strong pressure from certain quarters against the induction of Anthony John and instead there are moves to get in referee Benjamin D’Silva.

It could not be ascertained if executive committee member Benjamin insisted that referee Benjamin ought to have been included in the referees panel since this was an election promise.

GOA, Wednesday, 22 December, 2010

Shetty replaces KPS Gill as IHF chief

Eto’o claims record 4th African award

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, DEC 21

AGENCIES MILAN, DEC 21

KPS Gill's long association with hockey ended with RK Shetty replacing him as president of the Indian Hockey Federation.

In a special general body meeting attended by representatives of 50 state units, the IHF completed its election process and announced the new office bearers of the federation, which was stayed following the orders of Patna High Court in October.

Apart from Shetty, the newlyconstituted body of IHF will have four vice-presidents - two men and two women (PS Gill of Punjab, Dinesh Reddy of Hyderabad, Jatinder Peters of Uttarakhand and Farrel Furtado Gracious of Goa), secretary general, two secretaries, two joint secretaries, treasurer and five executive board members.

Cameroon and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o set a new landmark for individual success in African football on Monday after being named the continent's Footballer of the Year for a record fourth time.

The 2010 award came five years after his last triumph and capped a year of unprecedented club success in which he also extended his scoring record at the African Nations Cup finals.

The Cameroon captain finished ahead of Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba and Asamoah Gyan of Ghana in the polling for Africa's top individual prize, awarded at the Confederation of African Football's awards gala in Cairo.

"It is a pleasure to be a winner again, to take it for the fourth

PTI PANJIM, DEC 21

Darshan Misal, Vikas Shetty and Keenan Vaz failed to open their account. Only Reagan Pinto, Ganeshraj Narvekar and Prathmesh Gauns showed some resistance to the HP spin duo.

Brief score: Himachal Pradesh (1st inning) 277. Goa (1st innings) 321. Himachal Pradesh (2nd innings) 154. Goa (2nd innings) (overnight 3 without loss) 79 all out in 41 overs. (Amogh Desai 2, Nandesh Falari 13, Prathmesh Gauns 13, Reagan P i n t o 3 8 , K e e n a n Va z 0 , Ganeshraj Narvekar 12, Darshan Misal 0, Vikas Shetty 0, Vitthal Gauns 1, Sayed Baddiuzzama not out 0, Yogesh Barde 0. Akhil Vashisth 5-38, Rahul Singh 4-19, Sahib Malhotra (1-0).

HP outplay Goa

Himachal Pradesh spinners Aakash Vashisth (5-38) and Rahul Singh (4-19) mesmerized Goan batsmen on a turning track at Porvorim Cricket Academy to guide Himachal Pradesh to a hard fought 32-run victory and collect full points in U-19 Cooch Behar four-day league cricket match.

Requiring just 111 runs for outright win, Goa's second innings collapsed like a pack of cards as they were all out for 79 runs in 41 overs. The Himachal spin duo bowled well and the Goan batsmen failed to apply their mind and fell meekly on a turning track.

time against such top opposition," Eto'o told a news conference after the ceremony.

"It is true now that Africa has so many good players and there is lots of talent coming up, so this might be a last chance for me."

Eto'o was African Footballer of the Year from 2003-05 and his fourth award surpasses the three titles won by Abedi Pele in the early 1990s.

Eto'o's goal-scoring form helped Inter Milan to a triple of titles last season, including the UEFA Champions League in which the 29year-old took a winner's medal for a second successive year.

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It’s time Nana gets into politics: GSA Pg 12

GOA,WEDNESDAY, 22 DECEMBER, 2010

Man City blow top spot chance, lose to Everton Pg 13

www.oheraldo.in

Chawla a surprise, Parthiv ignored PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 21

Piyush Chawla

Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was a surprise inclusion in the Indian squad that will take on South Africa in the one-off Twenty20 and five match ODI series that starts on January 9.

Apart from Chawla, regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, senior-most player Sachin Tendulkar, dashing opener Virender Sehwag and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh --- all of whom opted for rest during the New Zealand ODI series made a comeback.

Incidentally, the South Africa ODI series will be India's last assignment before the World Cup in sub-continent next year.

With a last chance to settle the core team before the World Cup, one can be rest assured that most of the players who will be playing against South Africa will be in the World Cup squad also.

Chawla’s inclusion means that selectors want to check out what’s in store in the slow bowling department after their experiments with Ravindra Jadeja hasn’t exactly paid rich dividends.

Also surprising was Parthiv Patel’s non-inclusion in the ODI squad after the player scored back-to-back half centuries against New Zealand being given chance in shorter form after six

and half years. There is no second wicket-keeper in the team.

Among the ones who are with the Test squad currently, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Wriddhiman Saha, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Jadhav and Jaydev Unadkat will be boarding a flight back home.

In-form Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh and Yusuf Pathan also returned to the side to bolster India's batting department after sitting out of the Test matches.

The Indian pace department will be spearheaded by Zaheer Khan, who missed the first Test against South Africa due to an injury.

S Sreesanth also managed to retain his place in the fast bowling department which will have Ashish Nehra, Praveen Kumar and Munaf Patel.

In the spin department, Harbhajan will share the honour with Ravichandran Ashwin.

All-rounder Jadeja has been left out of the team, while Yusuf, who impressed during the home series against New Zealand, has been retained.

Squad for T20 & ODIs M S Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, R Ashwin, Yusuf Pathan, Piyush Chawla, S Sreesanth.

Middle-order batsman Rohit Sharma and Saurabh Tiwary, both of whom played in the ODI series against New Zealand, also failed to make the cut.

The squad comprises six batsmen, one wicketkeeper in Dhoni, one all-rounder in Yusuf and eight bowlers – five quicks and three spinners.

Shillingford tests for suspect action AGENCIES DUBAI, DEC 21

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday confirmed that an independent test had found the bowling action of the West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford to be illegal.

The player was earlier suspended from bowling in international cricket.

According to an ICC media release, a comprehensive analysis revealed that his mean elbow extension was 17 degrees which is above the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the relevant regulations.

Shillingford can now apply for re-assessment of his action after he has modified is bowling action in accordance with clause 2.4 of the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.

The independent analysis was performed by Prof Bruce Elliott,

Sachin closes gap with Sangakkara in ICC rankings AGENCIES DUBAI, DEC 21

Sachin Tendulkar has closed the gap on Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara to just two ratings points at the top of the ICC Test rankings following his 50th Test century in the Centurion Test, which finished on Monday.

According to an ICC release, Tendulkar is on 880 points to Sangakkara's 882 points while Jacques Kallis has moved up to third spot courtesy his double hundred against India at the Centurion.

Dashing Indian opener Virender Sehwag dropped a place down to fourth. However apart from VVS Laxman who is 15th in the list, no other Indian player features in the list of top-20 batsmen.

Mike Hussey has made the most significant strides with his match-winning effort at Perth as he gained eight places to be at sixth position.

Bopanna, Bhambri get wild card PTI CHENNAI, DEC 21

On the basis of their talent and impressive results over the course of the year, Indian tennis players Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhambri have been awarded wild cards entries for the singles main draw of Aircel Chennai Open 2011 to be played here from Jan 3 to 9.

Apart from these two, Somdev Devvarman has also got a direct entry into the tournament on the merit of his ranking.

"The tournament organisers have rewarded these two players due to their potential and impressive results over the course of the year. Along with Somdev Devvarman, who received a direct entry into the singles main draw on the merit of his ranking, and the "reunion" of Leander (Paes) and Mahesh (Bhupathi), the fans will have an opportunity to cheer for a strong Indian contingent," a release said today.

member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists, at the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, University of Western Australia (UWA), Perth December 9.

Shillingford was reported after the end of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka last month by onfield umpires Steve Davis and Richard Ke t t l e b o ro u g h , along with TV umpire Asad Rauf, and fourth umpire Ty ro n W i j e w a r dena.

The 27-year-old from Dominica has the right to appeal against UWA's conclusions to the Bowling Review Group, in accordance with clause 2.3 of the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.

Shillingford has taken 14 wickets in five Test matches so far along with 230 wickets in 63 first-class games.

SPORTS Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

Pak stars snubbed for IPL 4 AGENCIES NEW DELHI, DEC 21

Pakistan's cricketers will continue to miss out on the Indian Premier League bonanza after none of them were included in the auction for next year's money-spinning event, organisers said on Tuesday.

No Pakistani featured in a list of 416 players whose services will be auctioned in Bangalore on January 8-9 for the fourth edition of the Twenty20 tournament, which is to be held in April and May. Pakistani cricketers took part in the inaugural IPL in 2008 but were forced out of the 2009 edition due to security concerns in the wake of the Mumbai attacks and were then ignored for the 2010 tournament. An IPL official said the Pakistan Cricket Board had not forwarded any names for the January auction.

"The rules stipulate that a player must apply through his home Board if he wanted to be put up for the auction. No names were received from Pakistan," the official told AFP. Some top stars from other countries opted out. The Australian trio of captain Ricky Ponting, his deputy Michael Clarke

and fast bowler Mitchell Johnson chose to give the event a miss.

Other notable absentees include former Australian stars Matthew Hayden and Glenn McGrath. The former England allrounder Andrew Flintoff, who signed for 1.55 million dollars with the Chennai Super Kings in 2009, has retired.

But ex-West Indian captain Brian Lara, 41, who was not part

Franchises cautioned PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 21

The BCCI has categorically instructed the 10 IPL franchises to stay away from getting into any kind of contractual obligations with the uncapped domestic players for the upcoming season of IPL till further notice.

It has been learnt that the BCCI is upset that most of the franchisee owners are in talks with uncapped domestic players who won't be up for auctions.

"Yes, we have received a communication from BCCI that we shouldn't get in talks with the uncapped players till BCCI announces the dates," a Delhi Daredevils official told PTI today.

of the first three editions, has thrown his hat in the ring despite bowing out of international cricket in April 2007.

Other first-timers include England's Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Graeme Swann, Michael Yardy and Luke Wright. The eight founder franchises will be joined by two new teams from Kochi and Pune for the auction.

Twelve players who were retained by their franchises will not feature in the auction.

Star batsman Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, West Indian Kieron Pollard and Lasith Malinga of Sri Lanka were retained by the Mumbai Indians.

Reigning champions Chennai Super Kings kept Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay and South African all-rounder Albie Morkel.

The Aussie duo of Shane Warne and Shane Watson were retained by Rajasthan Royals, while Delhi Daredevils kept Virender Sehwag and Bangalore Royal Challengers retained Virat Kohli.

The tournament, due to run from April 8 to May 22, will be the first without the IPL's chief architect Lalit Modi, who was thrown out by the Indian Board over accusations about his conduct.